MoonShadow™ Morello Hardy Hibiscus

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

4 Feet

Mature Spread

3 Feet

Growing Zones

4 to 9

MoonShadow™ Morello Hardy Hibiscus brings bold, cherry-red flowers to the garden, each bloom set off by dramatic dark foliage that leans mocha to purple-black. The flowers open wide from summer into fall and reach an impressive size, creating a true focal point from a distance. At maturity, MoonShadow™ Morello develops into a broad, well-branched clump roughly 4 feet tall and 3 feet across, with foliage that carries visual weight from spring through frost. Its structure reads clean and deliberate, even before the first buds open. Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Morello’ USPPAF has been especially memorable in our own plantings for how quickly it fills in and starts putting on buds when other hibiscus are still catching up.

This herbaceous perennial dies back completely in winter and returns each spring with fresh, vigorous growth. The oversized blooms are supported by strong stems that don't require staking, and the foliage contributes color and mass well before peak flowering. The flowers attract hummingbirds and pollinators, and this cultivar has shown improved tolerance to common hibiscus pests such as Japanese beetles. Use this variety as a bold anchor in perennial beds, where its deep tones sharpen lighter colors nearby. It also performs beautifully as a standalone accent in large planters or along pond edges, where its reflection and scale add extra impact.

MoonShadow™ Morello Hardy Hibiscus Care

MoonShadow™ Morello Hardy Hibiscus performs best in open, sunny sites where light reaches the plant most of the day. It prefers soils that stay evenly moist, especially those enriched with organic matter and falling in a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of about 6.0 to 7.0. Provide consistent moisture to encourage large leaves and heavy flowering during warm weather. Feeding with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again during peak growth strengthens flowering stems and supports bud production. A layer of mulch around the base helps moderate soil temperature and reduce moisture loss.

As individual blooms fade, they drop naturally, but removing spent stems keeps the plant looking tidy and channels energy into new growth. Pinch young shoots early in the season to create a fuller, more branched plant. Once frost has finished the season, cut stems back close to the ground. Expect late spring emergence, as hardy hibiscus often takes its time returning above ground.

MoonShadow™ Morello Hardy Hibiscus Spacing

Space MoonShadow™ Morello Hardy Hibiscus about 3 feet apart so each plant can reach its full width and maintain good air movement. In borders and large plantings, the plants will read as individual accents with this spacing. For containers, select a pot at least 20 to 24 inches wide and deep to accommodate the root system and extensive top growth. Providing ample room from the start allows the plant to mature into a long-lasting focal point.

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