Hibiscus ‘Summer Carnival’ is looking rather exceptional and unfazed in the garden, as we approach a week of temperatures in the 100s F. This amazing introduction from plant breeder Hans Hansen at Walters Gardens is the first stable variegated hardy hibiscus. This can be grown as a marginal aquatic, or as we have it planted here, in regular garden soil with average moisture. Hardiness is Zone 4a-9b.
I find that the japanese beetles really love the variegated foliage on mine. (What do you do to for controlling japanese beetles?)
Japanese beetle damage is related to plant stress. Proper moisture, light levels, and nutrional levels usually solve such problems.
This is a fabulous plant! Love the flower color against the variegated foliage. However, the variegation in mine is unstable. I had 3 variegated stems this year, about 10 “white” stems, and 1 solid green stem.
That’s the first we’ve heard of reversions, which are technically possible with all plants. There is no need to remove the white shoots, but it’s possible the green one wont regrow if removed at the basal crown.
I removed the green one when it was about 30″ tall. Hoping that the 3 variegated stems will adequately feed the plant!