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Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® 'Cookies & Cream'
Cookies & Cream Rose Mallow: Patent PPAF
- » Attracts pollinators
- » Late to emerge, but fast growing
- » Matte black foliage
- » Bright white 6-7" flowers
- » Small, but no lack of flowers
- Category:Perennial
- Breeder:Proven Winners
- Hardiness Zone:4-9
- Height:2-3 ft
- Spread:3-4 ft
- Bloom Color: White Shades
- Foliage Color: Black
A night and day combination of matte black foliage and pure white flowers. 'Cookies and Cream' emerges in late spring already showing its dark foliage; the perfect backdrop to early season perennials. Like other dark-leaved Hardy Hibiscus, full sun is necessary to bring out the deepest foliage color. Beginning in midsummer slightly cupped 6-7" bright white flowers will appear. The back of each petal has a slight pink blush near the tip. Green calyxes follow bloom and contrast nicely with the dark foliage.
Compared with older varieties of herbaceous Hibiscus, 'Cookies and Cream' is exceptionally compact and sturdy. Despite the smaller habit size, this selection does not lack for flowers. Blooms will appear the length of the stem, for top to bottom flower coverage, causing 'Cookies and Cream' to bloom both earlier and longer than traditional varieties. Although later to emerge than most perennials in spring, these are fast growing plants capable of adding an inch of new growth a day.
Foliage Color
| • | Almost Black |
Maintenance and Care
| • | Fast Growing |
Critter Resistance
| • | Deer Resistant |
Flower Color
| • | White |
Programs
| • | Proven Winners |
Habit
| • | Compact |
Soil Moisture
| • | Average Water |
Growing & Maintenance Tips for Hibiscus SUMMERIFIC® 'Cookies & Cream'
Hibiscus love the sun and need moist, well-drained soil. Keeping these plants watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage. Deadheading will improve the appearance of the plant. It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives, and should be heavily mulched the first winter. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. A strong pair of loppers or a saw will be necessary to cut this plant back. Be advised that Hibiscus is always one of the last perennials to emerge in spring. Its vigorous growth rate more than makes up for this late start, however. Japanese beetles find these plants especially delicious.
