How to Plant and Care for Hardy Hibiscus

 

Now’s the time for hardy hibiscus. Blooming from mid-summer to first frost, this hardy perennial is a member of the mallow family Malvaceae and valued for the tropical look their large colorful flowers bring to the garden. Hibiscus moscheutos or rose mallow are tough, resilient perennials that are hardy to zone 5.  

It’s important to note that hardy hibiscus differs from tropical hibiscus (rosa-sinensis) which is not hardy in our zone. Flowers and foliage are similar, but they won’t survive our winters. Tropical hibiscus such as Tradewinds (insert trademark) Sunny Wind are colorful additions to the patio and deck during the summer, and they must be moved indoors when the weather turns cold.  

Tropical hibiscus such as Tradewinds (trademark) Sunny Wind are colorful additions to the patio or deck during the summer months then move them indoors for the fall and winter for a tropical look during the winter.  

Once established, standard hardy hibiscus can easily grow to 6’ high and 6’ across so keep this in mind when you’re choosing a planting site. If you don’t have room for a full-sized plant, there are dwarf varieties that only get about 3’ tall and 3’ wide. 

 

Hardy hibiscus like their place in the sun, so select a site in the garden where they’ll get as much sun as possible. They can be grown in partial shade, such as an East-facing location, but the flower production may not be as great.  

Hardy hibiscus like well drained soils, so prepare the planting site by adding locally produced soil amendments, such as Earth Essentials Sheep, Peat and Compost to your existing soil at the rate of about 50:50. Add some Root Stimulator to the planting hole to ensure good root production. Planted now, you should get flowers this season.  

Hardy hibiscus flowers only last a day, but the flower production will go on all season, right up to the first frost. In our area, the canes will die back after the first hard frost. Once this happens, cut the canes to the ground.  

Around Thanksgiving, apply a two-to-three-inch layer of mulch. This will help keep the ground stable and retain moisture. Water the root ball occasionally during the winter.  

 

Hardy hibiscus plants are among the last to emerge in the spring, so give them plenty of time. Too often, people think the plant has died over the winter when in fact it's still alive, just dormant and slow to make an appearance. 

‘Dark Mystery’ 

‘Candy Crush’ 

‘Holy Grail’ 

Planting hardy hibiscus will add unique color to your garden landscape for many seasons to come.