- **Type**: Tropical evergreen shrub (grown as an annual in cooler climates)

- **Height**: 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters)

- **Width**: 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters)

- **Growth Habit**: Compact, densely branched, upright

- **Foliage**:

- Glossy, dark green, oval leaves, 2 to 4 inches long (5 to 10 cm)

- Evergreen in frost-free zones; may drop leaves in cold conditions

- **Flowers**:

- Large, single, bright red blooms with a darker red eye

- 5 to 6 inches across (12.5 to 15 cm)

- Bloom season: Spring through fall (March to November in mild climates), potentially year-round in tropical conditions

- Lightly fragrant, attracts butterflies and hummingbirds

- **Light**: Full sun (6+ hours daily) for best flowering; tolerates partial shade

- **Soil**:

- Well-drained, fertile; prefers rich, loamy soil with organic matter

- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0)

- **Watering**: Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged

- **Hardiness**: USDA Zones 9 to 11 (20°F or -6°C; grown as an annual or overwintered indoors elsewhere)

- **Wildlife**: Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds; not particularly attractive to deer

- **Care**:

- Fertilize monthly with a balanced mix (e.g., 10-10-10) during growing season

- Prune lightly in early spring to maintain shape or remove dead wood

- In cold climates, bring indoors in winter (bright, warm spot) or treat as an annual

- **Pests/Diseases**:

- May attract aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites

- Susceptible to root rot in soggy conditions

- **Uses**: Containers, patios, garden beds, or as a colorful specimen plant

- **Growth Rate**: Moderate to fast; reaches mature size in one season with good care

- **Special Features**:

- Vigorous grower with a profusion of blooms in heat and sun

- Striking contrast between bright red petals and darker red center

- Excellent heat tolerance, ideal for warm climates

The Dark Heart Hibiscus offers a bold splash of red with its vivid blooms and lush foliage, making it a standout choice for tropical gardens or sunny containers. Let me know if you’d like care tips or companion planting ideas!