Hibiscus Dark Pink

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 4-8 feet
Spread: 3-6 feet
Flower Color: deep pink
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Hibiscus 'Dark Pink': A Tropical Beauty with Bold Blooms and Rich Foliage

Hibiscus 'Dark Pink,' a stunning variety of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, is celebrated for its eye-catching, deep pink blooms that add a lush tropical flair to any garden or landscape. This versatile, low-maintenance shrub is known for its vibrant flower color, which stands out beautifully against its glossy green leaves, making it a favorite choice among gardeners looking to introduce bold color and an exotic feel to their outdoor spaces.

Key Features of Hibiscus 'Dark Pink'

• Striking Flowers: The large, rich dark pink flowers are truly the showstopper of this hibiscus variety. Each bloom, several inches in diameter, offers a vibrant splash of color and typically lasts for a day or two. However, new flowers open successively from late spring through fall, creating a long-lasting display of beauty and color in the garden.

• Dense, Bushy Growth: Growing to about 4 to 8 feet tall and 3 to 6 feet wide, 'Dark Pink' Hibiscus forms a dense, rounded shape, making it ideal as a striking specimen plant, an accent in mixed borders, or a hedge. The dense foliage also provides year-round structure and adds depth to garden designs.

Ideal Growing Conditions

For best results, Hibiscus 'Dark Pink' should be planted in:

• Light: Full sun to partial shade is ideal for maximizing blooms. Full sun encourages more prolific flowering, while partial shade can help maintain lush foliage in hotter climates.

• Soil: This hibiscus prefers well-draining, fertile soil. Adding compost or organic matter can enhance soil quality and provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.

• Watering: Consistent watering is important to maintain vibrant blooms and lush foliage. While it’s relatively drought-tolerant once established, regular watering during dry periods will promote the best growth and flowering.

• Fertilization: A balanced fertilizer applied regularly throughout the growing season supports vigorous flowering and healthy foliage.

Landscaping Uses

Hibiscus 'Dark Pink' is versatile and works well in various landscaping roles:

• Specimen Plant: Its bold flowers and bushy form make it ideal for showcasing in prominent spots as a specimen plant.

• Hedges and Screens: The dense foliage provides privacy and visual interest, making it perfect for use as a hedge or screen along property lines or to enclose outdoor living areas.

• Container Planting: This variety can be grown in large containers, which can be moved indoors during colder months in regions where hibiscus isn’t winter-hardy.

Care and Maintenance

Hibiscus 'Dark Pink' is relatively easy to care for with minimal maintenance:

• Pruning: Light pruning in early spring can help maintain a desired shape and encourage fuller growth. Deadheading spent blooms can also enhance the plant’s appearance.

• Pest Management: While generally hardy, it’s wise to check occasionally for aphids or spider mites to ensure the plant stays healthy.

• Cold Protection: In colder climates, consider growing it in a container that can be brought indoors during winter, or cover it during frosty conditions.

Summary

Hibiscus 'Dark Pink' brings tropical elegance to any garden with its dramatic deep pink blooms and lush green foliage. Its long blooming season, easy-care nature, and versatility in landscaping make it a perfect choice for anyone looking to add a splash of vibrant color to their garden or patio. With its ability to thrive in full sun, adapt to containers, and offer a dynamic focal point in landscapes, Hibiscus 'Dark Pink' is an excellent addition to both tropical and traditional garden designs.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Hibiscus Dark Pink

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth and flowering)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart for optimal growth and to allow good air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Hibiscus Dark Pink requires no staking and grows into a bushy shrub with vibrant pink flowers

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 3-4 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Hibiscus Dark Pink is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant to ensure deep watering of the root zone
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering to every 5-7 days in summer. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks