Hibiscus 'Dark Mystery' is a bold tropical looking perennial featuring enormous 8 - 10 in wide white flowers with a vivid red eye dramatically set against near black foliage. The heavily textured maple like leaves remain striking throughout the growing season providing contrast even when the plant is not in bloom.
Height & Spread: 48 - 54 in x 36 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Moist, rich, well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; water consistently during dry spells
Deer Resistance: Deer tend to avoid mature hibiscus due to coarse foliage
Native Status
This cultivar is derived from North American native species including Hibiscus moscheutos and Hibiscus coccineus, making it well suited for native and pollinator friendly plantings.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Large blooms attract butterflies such as Monarchs and Eastern Tiger Swallowtails for nectar feeding in midsummer.
Bees
- Frequented by bumblebees and specialist pollinators like Ptilothrix bombiformis a native hibiscus bee.
Birds
- Seed capsules in fall attract finches and provide late season foraging opportunities for small songbirds.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 36 - 48 in apart to accommodate mature spread and support airflow around dense foliage.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal as a specimen plant or backdrop in sunny borders, rain gardens, or near ponds where moisture and space are abundant.
Companion Plants
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - Upright red tinged foliage complements the dark leaves and bold flower display of 'Dark Mystery'.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Golden daisy blooms provide contrast to hibiscus flowers and extend the bloom season into fall.
- Eupatorium dubium 'Baby Joe' - Compact Joe Pye Weed offers purple flower clusters that mirror the hibiscus's deep foliage tones.
- Liatris spicata 'Kobold' - Vertical spires of lavender purple contrast strongly with broad hibiscus flowers and attract pollinators.
- Coreopsis verticillata 'Moonbeam' - Fine textured yellow flowers soften the bold impact of 'Dark Mystery' while sharing sun loving habits.