'Lord and Lady Baltimore' are a perennial type of Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) and are tried and true favorites among gardeners across a wide range of climates. They took the garden world by storm in the 60s have remained popular and prized for their super sized, dinner plate sized flowers, quick growth habit, and resilience. Both are hybrids developed in1955 by Robert Darby of Maryland through a series of complex crosses with several other North American native species of hibiscus. Mr. Darby's work in hybridizing these native species was aimed at creating plants with that produced impressive floral display on par with tropical hibiscus but with the ability to survive cold winters. 'Lord Baltimore' was a groundbreaking achievement in this effort, was soon followed by 'Lady Baltimore'. His success paved the way for many other hardy hibiscus hybrids with a wide range of flower colors and forms.
Both plants grow as upright, well-branched, bushy herbaceous perennials. This means well established plants grow quickly during the warm season, reaching an average 3 to 5 feet in height. They produce flowers in mid to late summer to early fall and then go fully dormant following the first frost. Unlike tropical hibiscus, Perennial Hibiscus die back to the ground each winter and regrow from the roots in the Spring.
Both are very fast growers and require only the most basic maintenance and support, but their most notable feature is the giant sized blooms, which can reach up to a foot in diameter. The flowers Lord Baltimore are a rich, intense crimson solid red including the long, showy stamen, with slightly ruffled overlapping petals and a satin texture. The flowers of Lady Baltimore are refined and classy companions with petals of soft pastel pink tones and dark red highly contrasted center. Individual flowers last only for a day, but the plant produces a succession of blooms over a long period.
The size of the flowers, quick growth and easy care provide dramatic tropical looking pop to any landscape. Plant them in full sun in mixed perennial beds as backgrounds, anchors, or transitions border or as specimen , focal points or grow as potted plant. Its size and showy flowers make it a dramatic addition to landscapes. It can also be used in large containers, near water gardens or ponds, or as a temporary hedge.
Image Credits
ID 192802004 192801622 © Nikolai Kurzenko' Dreamstime
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Condition: Two (2) well rooted, starter size plants w/ 4 inch diameter root zone. Plant will be a minimum of about 6 to 8 inches tall and unlikely to have bloom or bud at the time of shipping. May be shipped bare, wrapped root balls w/o pot if appropriate.
*Limited Conditional Warranty: Warranty is limited to guaranteeing plants will arrive safely and in good and healthy condition, and is conditioned on Seller receiving prompt notice (within 24 hours of delivery) of any problem with the condition accompanied by photo validation. No other additional, extended or long term Warranty is expressed or implied.
- Brand: Emerald Goddess Gardens
- Common Name: Dinner Plate Hibiscus
- Bloom Form: Extra Large Single
- Mature Size: 3 to 5 feet
- Fragrance: None
- Suggested Uses: Mixed Perennial Beds, Accent, Specimen, Potted
- House Plant Adapative: Not recommended
- Country of Origin: USA
- Limited Conditional Warranty: Healthy Arrival
- Extended Long Term Warranty: None
- Manufacturer:Emerald Goddess Gardens
- Climate: Temperate
- Color: Red
- Special Features: Fast growing, easy care, showy bloom
- Species: Hibiscus moscheutos x Lord & Lady Baltimore
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- USDA Hardiness Zone: 5-9
- Watering: Moderate
