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James H. Schutte
Malvaceae
HIBISCUS 'Fireball' PP13631
Fireball Hibiscus, Hybrid Hardy Hibiscus
Hardy and bushy, 'Fireball' is an excellent hibiscus that is the result of extensive hybridization. This upright, semi-woody perennial has deeply lobed green leaves, similar in shape to maple leaves, with purple overtones. This is a long-blooming plant that flowers from midsummer to frost. The exceptional flowers are rich red and plate-sized. Individual flowers last only one day, though several dozen can be on one plant at a time.
This hardy hibiscus needs full to partial sun and rich to average soil for best growth and flowering. It is exceptionally cold hardy, tolerant of heat, moist soil and resistant to most insect pests, except Japanese beetles, which feast on its leaves. Like many herbaceous Hibiscus it is a warm season plant that is slow to emerge in spring, so it is important to warm the soil around it by pulling back any mulch at its crown. Cut the dead and dry branches after frost or by mid-spring so that newly emerging stems are not impeded.
Hibiscus 'Fireball' is ideal for large, sunny borders, the back of beds and accent plantings. It is compared to 'Lord Baltimore' but is far more refined.
12 - 1
4 - 15
A2, A3, H1, H2, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Shrub
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall
Hybrid Origin
Acidic, Neutral
Average
Clay, Loam, Sand
Wet Site
Medium
Average Water
Upright/Erect
Summer, Fall
Showy
Red
Green, Brown
Green, Purple
Sandy Brown, Gray
No
Single
Yes
Coarse
Glossy
Smooth
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Mixed Border
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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