As I make our morning coffee, even before dawn, I cannot help notice the hardy hibiscus in full bloom. The dark red blooms are now 8 to 10 inches wide – plant descriptions talking about dinner-plate sized blooms are right on target. Though each bloom lasts only a day, the plant is covered in dozens of flowers at a time. Standing five feet tall and almost as wide, you just cannot miss it! It will bloom all summer, all the way until frost and is in full sun all day long. It does not skip a beat. After frost, just cut it back to the ground. As soon as it warms up next season, it will return to its rightful place towering over other perennials in the garden.

I have it planted amongst some Lindheimer’s muhly – I love the combination, especially on breezy days.