HIBISCUS

Hibiscus flowers might be the most dramatic in the garden and can bloom as large as a child's head in gorgeous colors. The hibiscus plant itself is large and dramatic, and it needs plenty of space to show off. Although the huge funnel-shape flowers of the hibiscus plant seldom last more than a day, they are abundant and the hibiscus plant blooms over several weeks. The large leaves of hibiscus tend to draw Japanese beetles. A hibiscus plant needs plenty of water, so grow it in rich, loose, well-drained soil where you can water it easily and regularly during dry spells.

Light:

Sun

Type:

Perennial

Height:

From 3 to 20 feet

Width:

3-5 feet wide

Flower Color:

Pink, Red, White

Seasonal Features:

Fall Bloom, Summer Bloom

Special Features:

Attracts Birds, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance

Zones:

6-11

how to grow Hibiscus

by Propagation

Seed Division

Stem Cuttings

more varieties for Hibiscus



Hibiscus moscheutos
'Blue River II' shows off 10-inch-wide, pure-white hibiscus blooms on 6-foot stems in midsummer to fall. Zones 5-10


'Fireball' hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Fireball' is one of the most stunning perennial hibiscus plants. It bears bold red flowers to 12 inches across on 5-foot-tall stems. It grows 3 feet wide. Zones 5-9


Hibiscus makinoi
Hibiscus makinoi) shows off large pink flowers to 5 inches wide. This hibiscus plant bears fuzzy green foliage and can grow 7 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Zones 7-10


'Lord Baltimore' hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Lord Baltimore' bears 10-inch-wide, bright cherry-red flowers on 4-foot stems in midsummer to fall. Zones 5-10


'Luna Pink Swirl' hibiscus
Hibiscus 'Luna Pink Swirl' is a compact selection bearing 8-inch-wide flowers in pink and white. This hibiscus plant grows 3 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-10


'Luna Red' hibiscus
Hibiscus 'Luna Red' is a compact selection at 2-3 feet tall. Its 8-inch, deep burgundy flowers bloom from midsummer to fall. Zones 5-10

White rose mallow

Hibiscus coccineus albus is a Texas native that offers pure white flowers from summer to fall. This hibiscus plant loves moist soil and grows 10 feet tall and 4 feet wide. Zones 6-11

'Strawberry Swirl' hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Strawberry Swirl' offers creamy-pink and white flowers with red centers and maple-shape foliage. This hibiscus plant grows 4 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-10

Scarlet rose mallow

Hibiscus coccineus is a dramatic plant that grows to 7 feet tall and bears 5-inch, brilliant red flowers in summer. Zones 7-9

Plant Hibiscus with :

Joe Pye weed

Eupatorium ~ Joe Pye weed is a showstopper of a prairie native, producing huge, puffy flower heads in late summer. It prefers moist soils, but with its extensive root system, it also tolerates drought well. It is a large plant, growing 4 to 6 feet tall.

Closely related, hardy ageratum is a spreading plant that grows to only 2 feet tall. Another relative, white snakeroot, reaches 4 to 5 feet tall. All are great for naturalistic or cottage plantings and for attracting butterflies.