If you’re dreaming of a bold, low-maintenance showstopper in your summer garden, hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus x moscheutos) delivers on every front. From mid-summer through the first frost, these statuesque perennials unfurl giant, saucer-sized blooms in hues ranging from creamy white and soft pink to vibrant red, instantly transforming borders and beds into a tropical masterpiece. Tough enough to shrug off winter’s chill yet heat-tolerant through steamy summers, hardy hibiscus return year after year with dramatic foliage and blossoms that steal the spotlight when many other plants are winding down.
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 tropical hibiscus won’t survive our winters.
Tropical hibiscus such as Tradewinds™ Sunny Wind are colorful additions to the patio and deck during the summer, and they must be moved indoors when the weather turns cold.
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.
"Berry Awesome"
"Blackberry Merlot"
"Holy Grail"
Planting hardy hibiscus will add unique color to your garden landscape for many seasons to come.
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