The Mysteries and Marvel at Midnight

Great Foliage in Full Sun

The dark evening sky, the mysterious happenings in the night, all of these things set you up for a touch of fear. Right? Well maybe not but it got your attention anyway. Today’s featured plant is ‘Midnight Marvel‘ Hibiscus. ‘Midnight Marvel’ is a new plant introduction for 2013. It is a cross between to other great Hardy hibiscus plants, those plants are ‘Summer Storm‘, known for its dark foliage and also ‘Cranberry Crush‘ known for its deep, rich, red flowers.
So if someone was to ask me, “what is the best thing about this plant?” This is what I would have to say. “There are several ‘best’ things!” What really stands out as the most intriguing feature of ‘Midnight Marvel‘ is the deep dark purple, almost black, foliage. Then when you pair the huge cranberry blooms with that dark foliage the contrast is striking! Not only are you getting beautiful blooms color in your garden, you can also enjoy the dark foliage color. Planted in full, the foliage will be the darkest in color. Another thing to point out is, that this Hardy Hibiscus is what is known as “indeterminate”. Indeterminate is a feature you should look for when deciding on what hibiscus variety you are going to choose. Indeterminate means that this plant is going to send blooms all the way up the stem. Which means for you, MORE blooms to enjoy!

If small space is an issue in your garden, but you want BIG blooms, ‘Midnight Marvel’ might be a good fit. Standing only 4 foot tall, this Hibiscus is not going to be a space hog. My garden is getting tight I must admit, but I was given this plant to trial so I had to find a spot! By the end of the summer I do not regret giving this beauty a home. I mixed it in with ‘Little Goldstar’ Rudbeckia, Clematis ‘Roguchi’, White Chiffon™ Rose of Sharon, and Sedum Autumn Charm™. I can promise you one thing, this is a must have Plant for 2013 and is already on the Top Sellers List.