Hibiscus 'Mars Madness' is a dramatic perennial hibiscus known for its massive 8 - 10 in ruby red flowers with a dark central eye and overlapping petals that resemble a pinwheel. The deeply dissected maple like foliage emerges in burgundy tones and turns deep green with purple accents by midsummer. This late blooming standout adds bold structure and vibrant color to sunny borders from mid to late summer, attracting pollinators while withstanding heat and humidity.
Height & Spread: 48 - 60 in x 36 - 48 in
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Moist, organically rich, well drained soil
Watering Needs: High; thrives with consistent moisture during growing season
Deer Resistance: Occasionally browsed, but typically not favored by deer
Native Status
'Mars Madness' is a hybrid cultivar developed from native North American species such as Hibiscus moscheutos and Hibiscus coccineus, both of which are found in wetland habitats across the eastern United States.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- The large open blooms are highly attractive to butterflies like Monarchs, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, and Painted Ladies seeking nectar in late summer.
Bees
- Visited frequently by bumblebees and carpenter bees especially early in the morning when blooms are freshly opened.
Birds
- Seed capsules left standing into fall attract finches and other small seed eating birds.
Beneficial Insects
- Dense foliage and late blooms provide cover and foraging for hoverflies and predatory wasps late in the season.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Space 36 - 48 in apart to allow room for its broad upright form and impressive bloom display.
Landscape Placement:
- Ideal for rain gardens, sunny borders, or as a centerpiece in pollinator focused plantings. Its tropical appearance and vibrant flowers make it a standout in any summer garden.
Companion Plants
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - Red tinted foliage echoes the flower hues and provides a graceful vertical contrast.
- Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline' - Vivid scarlet blooms attract similar pollinators while flowering in tandem with hibiscus.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' - Bright yellow daisy like flowers offer bold contrast in both color and form.
- Liatris spicata (Blazing Star) - Tall spires of purple flowers complement the hibiscus while attracting bees and butterflies.
- Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) - Thrives in moist soil and blooms earlier, extending seasonal interest in wet areas.