Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Old Yella’, white and red flowers, height 40 cm, 2-litre pot

Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Old Yella’ is a remarkable perennial with very large, pale flowers and a striking deep-red centre. It is the flower buds in particular that make this cultivar easily recognisable: before the flowers open, they are cream-white to pale yellow in colour.

Once fully open, the flower appears mainly white to creamy white, with a distinct red centre. The subtle creamy-yellow hue is particularly striking when ‘Old Yella’ is placed next to a truly bright white Hibiscus moscheutos, such as ‘Carousel Ghost’. Without that direct comparison, the difference between white and creamy white can be subtle.

Why choose Hibiscus ‘Old Yella’?

• Very large cream-white to white flowers
• Strikingly deep red flower centre
• Creamy white-yellow flower buds before they open
• A subtle, warm floral colour
• Blooms in summer and late summer
• Hardy perennial
• Suitable for borders and large pots

Contents of this product

• 1 x Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Old Yella’
- Pot size: 2 litres
• Height on delivery: up to approx. 40 cm, depending very much on the season

Please note: the delivery height varies significantly depending on the season

The height of approximately 40 cm mentioned applies only when the plant is actively growing above ground. Hibiscus moscheutos is a perennial and therefore looks very different throughout the year.

In spring, ‘Old Yella’ begins to sprout again from the root ball. The first shoots are small, after which the plant can grow rapidly in warm weather.

From autumn onwards, the leaves and stems above ground die off completely. As a result, during the winter there may be nothing at all is visible above the potting compost.

This is perfectly normal and does not mean that the plant is dead. The living part of the plant overwinters in the root ball. Furthermore, Hibiscus moscheutos comes into leaf relatively late. Only when the soil and outside temperatures have warmed up sufficiently in late spring do the new shoots appear.

Flowers with a subtle cream colour

‘Old Yella’ owes its distinctive appearance to the warm colour of its buds and flowers. The closed buds range from cream-white to pale yellow. As the flower opens, it becomes progressively lighter in colour, eventually forming a large, pale flower with a strikingly contrasting red centre.

The cream tint is subtle. The difference is more clearly visible when compared to a pure white cultivar such as ‘Carousel Ghost’. When ‘Old Yella’ is on its own, the fully open flowers may appear almost white at first glance.

During the summer and late summer, several flower buds may open in succession. The enormous saucer-shaped flowers give the plant an almost tropical appearance.

Location and care

Plant ‘Old Yella’ in full sun. Plenty of warmth and sunlight are essential for vigorous growth and abundant flowering.

The plant thrives in nutrient-rich, humus-rich and moisture-retentive soil. On hot summer days, a swamp hibiscus requires a relatively large amount of water. You should therefore ensure that the soil does not dry out for long periods during the active growing season.

When growing plants in pots, regular watering is particularly important. During the growing season, you can also apply organic fertiliser or a fertiliser designed for flowering plants.

Prune

Hardly any pruning is required during the growing season. Once the plant has died back above ground in the autumn, the old stems can be cut back. This can also be done in early spring before new growth begins.

Winter care

The root ball of Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Old Yella’ is highly hardy. The above-ground parts die back each year and grow back completely the following season.

Plants growing in the ground generally require little protection. If the plant is in a pot, protect the root ball during prolonged periods of severe frost.

A distinctive colour amongst the marsh hibiscus

‘Old Yella’ is particularly interesting for enthusiasts who like to combine different Hibiscus moscheutos cultivars. Set against a bright white ‘Carousel Ghost’, its warmer cream-white colour stands out beautifully, whilst the deep red centre provides a striking contrast.