The August Perennial and Houseplant of the Month
Hibiscus and Pilea Peperomioides
We’re paying a little more well-deserved attention to a select perennial and houseplant each month. And when you download the free Bedner’s app, you’ll save $10ea on this month’s perennial and $5ea on this month’s houseplant during the month of August.
Hardy Hibiscus
The Hardy Hibiscus or Perennial Hibiscus seems to defy horticultural wisdom. Up until recently, we’ve always considered the hibiscus another pretty Tropical face that shines in summer then bids a fond farewell. Only this hybrid is hardy in our planting zone and returns year after year.
Some things you’ll love about this perennial:
- Its blooms can measure up to 10 inches across (aka ‘Dinner Plate Hibiscus’).
- It’s true, the blooms only last a day or two, but they’re gorgeous while they last. And each expiring bloom is replaced by a new bud, for a stunning circle of life that lasts mid-summer through September.
- The foliage varies across varieties, with interesting, serrated edges, rounded or maple-shaped leaves in shades of green and burgundy.
- They are hardy and low maintenance, dying back to the ground each winter, only to spring back larger, with more blooms in late spring.
- Butterflies, bees and hummingbirds love them as much as we do.
Yours will look their best in more than six (6) hours of sun per day, and the extra light will help them from becoming leggy and/or drooping. You can also rely on staking, a mini trellis or growing support like a peony ring to keep yours upright.
Pilea Peperomioides
You might know Pileas by Chinese money plant, silver dollar, friendship or even UFO plant. We’ve always thought they looked Seussical, with large bobble-heads on long, springy limbs. This plant makes us smile! And everyone notices and asks about it.
Their stature might lead you to believe they’re delicate, but pilea are surprisingly easy to grow. Yours will thrive in bright, indirect light (direct sun can scorch the leaves) and need watering when the soil is nearly dry to the touch. Give it a thorough soak and ensure enough drainage that the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.
Pilea is fast-growing and will fill its pot with roots and shoots about once a year. Active growing season is spring and summer, also the best time to repot and/or split offshoots and share with friends.
Remember, when you download the free Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse app, you’ll save on a new Perennial and Houseplant every month.
The people of Bedner’s Farm & Greenhouse are here to inspire future plant people. We care about the vast benefits to our environment, health and quality of life, and would love to share it all with you. Ask if you have any questions on how to plant and care for your perennials and houseplants. We’d be thrilled to help.
