OUT OF STOCK

Robert Fleming Hibiscus

Hibiscus Robert Fleming PP#14776

$21.98
$21.98
per Plant - 3" Pot
Sale |
ZONES  4-10 | Good to grow! Zone

'Robert Fleming' Hardy Hibiscus is one of the most-popular varieties avaliable, producing enormous, velvety-red ruffled flowers on extremely cold hardy plants. Topping out at 3 feet in height, 'Robert Fleming' is also known for its exceptional performance in containers and is resistant to deer. PP#14776 (Hibiscus)

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Robert Fleming Hibiscus

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Description

The deep velvety red flowers of this hybrid are now world famous, and the name reflects the man from Nebraska (along with his brothers) who created this beautiful plant. (See Fleming story below.) This one must have constant moisture, and is more cold hardy than the native plants that are its parents. Grows to only about three feet with flowers up to 10 inches across. Your neighbors will be amazed!

The Hardy Hibiscus is the result of hybridizing our own little-known North American native wildflower shrubs, the tall wild hibiscus species, mostly one called Hibiscus moscheutos.

Do not confuse these hardy ones with the beautiful tropical ones used as houseplants. That's H. rosa-sinensis, the Chinese Hibiscus, and the national flower of Malaysia. Its also the one everyone enjoys in landscaping in Miami and in Hawaii. If you don't live in those frost-free places, you'll love the hardy types.

The fantastic Hardy Hibiscus hybrids are one of gardenings best-kept secrets, unless one of your neighbors happens to have one. They make glossy green shrubs about 4 or 5 feet tall, and in mid and late summer cover themselves with dinnerplate-sized flowers in a selection of colors.

How the Hardy Hibiscus hybrids happened: One of the earliest sensations in this group was the famous hybrid, Lord Baltimore, followed by Lady Baltimore which was developed during the 1970s.

But those two were only the beginning. Like most sensational groups of hybridized plants, there is usually a passionate person behind it all. In this case, its three people--the famous Fleming Brothers of Lincoln, Nebraska. Years ago, Jim, Bob, and Dave Fleming became interested in the sort of rangy native hibiscus species they knew from the wild. Their mother was the Nebraska State Naturalist, so all three of them grew up as native plant experts. To make a long story short, they spent their entire lives hybridizing and are the creators of many very famous perennials in the market today, but the most famous are the Fleming Hibiscus Hybrids. These patented plants include the world-famous Robert Fleming, Kopper King and many others. The last Fleming brother passed away just a few years ago, but their own wholesale nursery is still in business, and you can visit their website. You'll see fascinating photos and read all about the brothers and their fantastic legacy of fine flowers. Its an incredible story of three men who loved plants. Here's their site: Fleming Flower Fields.

Planting & Care

When you receive your Hardy Hibiscus plant from American Meadows, it could look like a pot of soil with sticks. Seems disappointing, but looks are deceiving because actually there is a thriving strong root system below the soil. The hibiscus is dormant and hasn’t emerged yet. We want you to successfully grow and care for your Hardy Hibiscus. To start planting, there are a few growing conditions to consider before planting.

Planting Needs

Hardy Hibiscus thrives best in well drained soil, amended with organic matter. Hibiscus prefers acidic soil. To add acidity to your soil, add Peat moss or potting soil to your garden. If your soil is mostly clay, consider planting Hibiscus in a raised bed, this helps to eliminate water buildup.

To plant, dig a hole double the size of the pot and set the plant in, the crown of the plant should rest just at or above the soil surface. Press the new loose dirt around the plant and water. If you water and the base of the plant shows, add more soil. If you are planting multiple="multiple" Hibiscus, space plants 2 to 3 ft apart in the garden. Although the plant maybe small, these beauties reach 48” – 72” Tall.

Location and Light

Hardy Hibiscus is slow to emerge in cold springs or early summers, so be patient. Hardy Hibiscus does best in full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but growth and flowering will suffer. If you live in areas with very hot summers, during the hottest part of the day, Hibiscus may need shade. Hibiscus should be planted along, or in the back of perennial flower beds.

After Planting Care for Years of Growth

Fertilizer

Hibiscus needs lots of nutrients. There are a few ways to fertilize Hibiscus. One option is in the spring; apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant. Or apply fertilizer with 10-4-12, 9-3-13 or 10-10-10 around the base of the hibiscus. Be careful not to add too much fertilizer, too much phosphorous will kill hibiscus.

Temperature

Hibiscus is hardy to zone 5. Hardy hibiscus benefits from warm temperatures for bud growth, so if it’s a cold spring or summer, growth will be slower. To keep Hibiscus warm apply a layer of mulch to protect Hibiscus in the winter and early spring.

Watering

Hibiscus needs both moist and well drained soil. If Hibiscus dries out to much it will drop all its foliage and will look like a bunch of dead sticks. When this happens don’t stress, it will re-bud, it’s the Hibiscus protecting its roots system. It’s important to not over water or underwater. If you are growing hibiscus in a container, plant your hibiscus in a pot with adequate drainage holes. Otherwise if Hibiscus is in water to long, its root will begin to rot.

Pruning

Hibiscus don’t need to be pruned. But if you choose to shape Hibiscus the best time to do so, is in late fall or winter depending on your location. Otherwise Hibiscus produces new growth every year from the ground up. To encourage branching and more flowers stalk, prune is in early summer when Hibiscus has starts to grow.

Further Reading:

Shipping

As soon as your order is placed you will receive a confirmation email. You will receive a second email the day your order ships telling you how it has been sent. Some perennials are shipped as potted plants, some as perennial roots packed in peat.  The ‘Plant Information’ section describes how that item will ship. All perennials and fall-planted bulbs are packaged to withstand shipping and are fully-guaranteed. Please open upon receipt and follow the instructions included.

Perennials and fall-planted bulbs are shipped at the proper planting time for your Growing Zone. Perennial and fall-planted bulb orders will arrive separately from seeds. If your order requires more than one shipment and all items are shipping to the same address, there is no additional shipping charge. See our shipping information page for approximate ship dates and more detailed information. If you have any questions, please call Customer Service at (802) 227-7200 or contact us by email or chat.

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key features

Advantages
  • Attracts Butterflies
  • Attracts Hummingbirds
  • Deer Resistant
  • Easy To Grow
  • Low Maintenance
  • Long Bloom Time
Light Requirements
  • Full Sun
Bloom Time
Mid to late summer

Additional information

Planting Time
  • Spring / Summer
  • Fall
Soil Moisture
  • Average
  • Moist / Wet
Soil Type
  • Loamy Soil
  • Well-Drained Soil
Flower Size
7" flowers
Mature Height
30-36" tall
Mature Spread
Up to 36" wide
Planting Depth
The base of the stem(s) should be just at the soil surface after watering in
Growing Zones
  • Zone 4
  • Zone 5
  • Zone 6
  • Zone 7
  • Zone 8
  • Zone 9
  • Zone 10
Ideal Region
  • Northeast
  • Southeast
  • Midwest
  • West
  • Southwest
  • Pacific Northwest
Neonicotinoid Free
Yes
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