If you happen to’re wanting so as to add deep shade and texture to your backyard or reduce flower preparations, Mahogany Splendor hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella) is likely to be the standout plant you didn’t know you wanted. With deeply lobed, maple-like leaves in wealthy burgundy tones, this heat-loving tropical hibiscus provides dramatic aptitude to beds, containers, and floral shows—particularly in late summer time and fall.
Why I Love Rising Mahogany Splendor
I’ve grown Mahogany Splendor for a number of years, and it continues to impress me. This 12 months, when my roselle hibiscus didn’t survive the frost, Mahogany Splendor did—and got here again robust and delightful within the spring. It thrives within the intense solar and warmth of my low-desert Arizona backyard, by no means lacking a beat even through the hottest months. The flowers are a beautiful bonus, however the actual star is the deep burgundy foliage that holds up fantastically all summer time lengthy.
Whether or not you’re utilizing it in preparations or having fun with it within the panorama, this hibiscus is gorgeous.
When to Plant Mahogany Splendor
Mahogany Splendor is a young perennial, grown as an annual in most areas. It thrives in full solar and heat soil.
Within the low desert of Arizona:Begin seeds indoors from January by March, and transplant open air from March by Might, as soon as the soil has warmed and all hazard of frost has handed.
In different zones:Sow indoors 6–8 weeks earlier than your final frost date. Transplant after frost hazard has handed. This plant wants warmth to thrive, so wait till nighttime temperatures are persistently above 50°F (10°C).
Rising Situations and Care
Top: 3 to six toes (90 to 180 cm)
Spacing: 24 to 36 inches (60 to 90 cm). I plant 1 per 3 squares in my sq. foot backyard.
Daylight: Full solar for richest shade (partial solar ends in inexperienced to rust-colored foliage).
Days to maturity: 115 to 130 days
Soil: Moist, well-draining soil with excessive natural matter; pH 5.8 to six.5.
Water: Hold soil evenly moist however not soggy. Permit the highest 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil to dry barely between waterings.
Can it develop close to ponds if it doesn’t tolerate moist soil?Sure, however with warning. Mahogany Splendor does effectively close to pond edges or in areas with transient, shallow moisture so long as the soil drains effectively. It doesn’t tolerate standing water or persistently saturated circumstances, which might result in root rot.
Harvesting Suggestions for Minimize Foliage & Companion Crops
This plant shines as a reduce flower filler, particularly in late summer time and fall bouquets.
Harvest when stems are mature, straight, and barely woody.
Minimize on the base of the stem to encourage regrowth.
Combines fantastically with zinnias and gomphrena for heat-tolerant, long-lasting preparations.
Learn extra right here: Methods to Develop ZinniasRead extra right here: Methods to Develop Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth)Learn extra right here: Fast and Straightforward Minimize Flower Preparations
Need extra flower concepts that don’t thoughts the warmth? Learn extra right here: Prime Warmth-Loving Flowers for Your Summer season Backyard
Further Suggestions for Success
Pinching: Non-compulsory, however encourages bushier development and longer stems.
Staking: Could also be wanted in windy areas or as vegetation mature.
Pests and ailments: Usually pest-free. Keep away from soggy soil to stop root rot.
Related Crops and Rising Situations
Mahogany Splendor is in the identical plant household as okra and roselle hibiscus and shares comparable rising preferences. If you happen to’ve grown both of these, this hibiscus will really feel acquainted.
Learn extra right here: Methods to Develop Okra in ArizonaRead extra right here: Methods to Develop Roselle Hibiscus
Want Assist Planning Your Flower Backyard?
This plant is included in my complete flower planting information. If you happen to’re gardening in a sizzling local weather and wish to develop flowers that thrive, this information is for you.
Learn extra right here: Arizona Flower Planting Information
Let me know should you add Mahogany Splendor to your backyard—I’d love to listen to the way it does for you.
