Hardy hibiscus ‘Midnight Marvel’

* Common name: Hardy hibiscus ‘Midnight Marvel’

* Botanical name: Hibiscus ‘Midnight Marvel’

* What it is: Hibiscus plants look tropical with their huge, trumpet-shaped flowers and big leaves. But this type is a hardy perennial that comes back year after year. ‘Midnight Marvel’ is one of the showiest of all with leaves that are purple-burgundy and flowers that are rich red. Blooms for about two months starting in mid-July.

* Size: Grows 4 feet tall and wide.

* Where to use: First-year plants can be grown in a big pot, then planted in the ground in early fall. Or plant as you would any perennial, ideally in a full-sun location. Hibiscus tolerates wet soil, so open, damp spots or rain gardens are good options. ‘Midnight Marvel’ is striking enough for high-profile treatment in the front yard or around a deck.

* Care: Water when the soil goes dry. Hardy hibiscus survives drought but doesn’t perform well in one. Scatter a balanced organic or slow-acting fertilizer around the base of plants each spring and early summer. Cut off flower stalks when flowers fade. Cut all foliage to ground either in fall when plants die back or at end of winter.

Don’t worry if new shoots don’t appear until May; they’re slow to get started. Japanese beetles may eat leaves in July but won’t kill plants. Spray if beetles are doing unacceptable cosmetic damage.

* Great partner: Black-eyed susans bloom about the same time, and their golden blooms coordinate well with ‘Midnight Marvel’s’ dark leaves and red flowers. Most any ornamental grass makes a good textural contrast.