Now is the Time to Plant Hardy Hibiscus

This is the time in the growing season that one of the most spectacular flowering perennials begins to bloom. Hibiscus x moscheutos or hardy Hibiscus are tough, resilient perennials that can take our winters and come back strong. Sometimes called rose mallow, these cold-hardy woody-based perennials were developed from native plants and are now hardy down to Zone 4. 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. 

Once established, hardy hibiscus can easy grow 6' high and 6' across so keep this in mind when you're choosing a planting spot. If you don't have room for a full-sized plant, there are dwarf varieties of hardy hibiscus that only get about 3' tall and 3' wide. Hardy hibiscus like well drained soils, so prepare the planting site by mixing compost and peat moss with 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 yet this season. Hardy hibiscus flowers only last a day, but the flower production will go on all season, right up to first frost. In our area, the canes will die back after the first hard frost. When they do die back, cut the canes to the ground. 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 emerge. Some of the spectacular varieties of hardy hibiscus include: 

‘Dark Mystery’ 

‘Candy Crush’ 

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