Hibiscus, Hardy (Hibiscus)

Hibiscus, Hardy Plant Features

You don't need to move to Hawaii to enjoy the big, bold flowers of hibiscus in your garden. That's because hardy hibiscus is so tough the plant will come back year after year as far north as zone 5. And, like its showy tropical cousin, hardy hibiscus produces dinner-plate sized blooms all summer long. Hardy hibiscus is easy to grow in any sunny spot where it has space to spread out. This plant grow 3 to 6 feet tall and wide so give it plenty of room. Hardy hibiscus colors include white, red, pink, and bi-color. It's a popular plant with hummingbirds and butterflies. Hardy from zones 5-9.

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Hibiscus, Hardy Growing Instructions

Plant hardy hibiscus in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day. It likes slightly moist, well-drained soil, so keep the plants mulched to maintain consistent soil moisture. Once established, hardy hibiscus is relatively drought resistant, but the plants bloom more profusely when it's hot and wet. In the northern parts of its range, hardy hibiscus can be slow to break dormancy in the spring so be patient. Some plants may not put out new growth until June, but because it is a super fast grower, hardy hibiscus will be in full bloom by August.

Hardy hibiscus is not intended for animal or human consumption.

Water

Moist
Light

Outside: Sun
Colors

Pink

Red

Variegated

White
Special Features

Attracts butterflies

Attracts hummingbirds

Complement your Hibiscus, Hardy

Canna
If you live in a hot, humid climate, try planting Canna Lily and Hardy Hibiscus together for a stunning tropical display.

Phlox, Garden
The tall flower spikes of Garden Phlox look terrific planted near Hardy Hibiscus.

Bee Balm
Bee Balm and Hardy Hibiscus both have American roots and share the same cultural needs.

Our favorite varieties

Brandy Punch

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Brandy Punch'

If you want loads of color in your yard, you can’t go wrong with ‘Brandy Punch’ hardy hibiscus. This profuse bloomer produces masses of huge, bright pink flowers with red throats and dark pink veins. Plus, the plants have bronze leaves with green and purple highlights. ‘Brandy Punch’ grows 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-9

Cherry Brandy

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Cherry Brandy'

Throughout the summer, ‘Cherry Brandy’ hardy hibiscus produces an endless supply of red flowers that measure 8 to 10 inches wide. Like its cousin ‘Brandy Punch’, this stunning variety also sports bronze foliage with green and purple markings. It’s relatively compact for a hardy hibiscus, growing 3 to 4 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-9

Midnight Marvel

Hibiscus 'Midnight Marvel'

Deep scarlet flowers blooming atop red-purple foliage makes ‘Midnight Marvel’ hardy hibiscus a must-have addition to your landscape. This gorgeous variety has an extended bloom season and flowers through early fall. Flowers measure 8 to 9 inches across and the plants grow 4 feet tall and wide. Zones 4-9

Peppermint Schnapps

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Peppermint Schnapps'

For big impact, you can’t go wrong with ‘Peppermint Schnapps’ hardy hibiscus. This big perennial flower grows 6 feet tall and wide will produce bumper crops of 8- to 10-inch-wide flowers throughout the summer. The pretty pink blooms have red centers that are delicately etched with darker pink. ‘Peppermint Schnapps’ has bright green leaves. Zones 5-9

Luna Pink Swirl

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Pink Swirl'

Luna Pink Swirl is a dwarf hardy hibiscus that shows off 8-inch-wide pink-and-white flowers from midsummer to early autumn. It grows 3 feet tall and wide. Zones 5-10

Luna Red

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Red'

Luna Red is fantastically easy to grow. This dwarf variety is perfect for gardens, landscapes, and containers. It produces deep red flowers to 8 inches across from midsummer to early autumn. It grows 3 feet tall and only 2 feet wide. Zones 5-9

Luna Blush

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Blush'

Luna Blush offers 8-inch-wide white or pale pink flowers from midsummer to early fall on a dwarf plant that grows only 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Zones 5-9

Luna Rose

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Rose'

Like the other varieties in the Luna series, Luna Rose is compact, growing only 36 inches tall and wide. Despite its small size, this wildflower shows off 8-inch-wide rose-pink flowers. Zones 5-9

Disco Belle Pink

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Disco Belle Pink'

Disco Belle Pink is a dwarf variety of hardy hibiscus. It shows off large, 8-inch-wide flowers on tidy 30-inch tall plants that grow 24 inches wide. Zones 4-9

Mocha Moon

Hibiscus 'Mocha Moon'

A member of the new generation of perennial hibiscus, 'Mocha Moon' shows off 8-inch-wide creamy pink flowers that have a dark red-pink center. It has dark green foliage flushed with purple and grows 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Zones 4-9

Mars Madness

Hibiscus 'Mars Madness'

A newer variety of hardy perennial hibiscus, Mars Madness shows off rich red-pink flowers from midsummer through the fall. Those beautiful blooms are accented by attractive coppery-green new leaves. It grows about 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide. Zones 4-9