Hibiscus 'Moonshadow Morello'
Hibiscus 'Moonshadow Morello' is a striking hardy hibiscus featuring oversized creamy white flowers with a deep cherry red eye that radiates outward across each petal. Blooming in midsummer through early fall, it brings bold tropical style color to the landscape while maintaining a strong upright habit and cold hardy performance.
Height & Spread: 4 - 5 ft x 3 - 4 ft
Bloom Time: Midsummer to early fall
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Moist rich well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistently moist soil
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This hardy hibiscus is a cultivated selection derived from North American Hibiscus moscheutos and related species. While this specific cultivar is not native, it retains the ecological value and adaptability of its native lineage.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Hummingbirds
- Highly attractive to hummingbirds which feed from the large nectar rich blooms throughout the flowering season.
Butterflies
- Draws in Swallowtails and Painted Ladies which visit the open flowers for nectar.
Bees
- Supports native bees and bumblebees which gather pollen from the prominent central stamens.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 36 - 48 in apart to allow room for its full upright growth and large floral display.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal as a bold focal point in sunny borders, along fences, or in larger garden beds where its oversized blooms can be fully appreciated.
Companion Plants
- Panicum virgatum 'Northwind' (Switchgrass) - Provides strong upright structure and a clean vertical backdrop for the large blooms.
- Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Adds height and architectural contrast with narrow upright plumes.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Brings bright midsummer color that complements the bold red eye of the flowers.
- Echinacea purpurea (Purple Coneflower) - Extends pollinator activity and seasonal interest with upright blooms.
- Monarda didyma 'Jacob Cline' (Bee Balm) - Introduces vivid red flowers that echo the central eye and attract additional pollinators.