Dinner plate hibiscus provide a bold splash of color with their large, vibrant flowers during the summer and early fall, brightening up any garden space.
Dinner plate hibiscus is a term often used to describe certain varieties of Hibiscus noted for their massive, showy flowers that can reach up to 12 inches (30 cm) in diameter, resembling the size of a dinner plate.
Dinner plate hibiscus is a group of herbaceous perennials, mostly within the Hibiscus moscheutos (Hardy Hibiscus or Rose Mallow), celebrated for their dramatic, tropical-looking flowers. Despite their exotic appearance, these plants are hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making them suitable for a wide range of climates. The flowers come in an array of vibrant colors, including white, pink, red, and bicolor, often with a contrasting eye at the center. The blooms have a velvety texture, and their size is their most distinguishing feature, with some varieties boasting flowers as large as 12 inches (30 cm) across.
In addition to their striking flowers, these showstoppers are characterized by their robust, bushy growth. They typically form dense mounds of foliage, which serves as an excellent backdrop for the large blooms. The leaves are usually dark green, but some cultivars may have bronze or purple-tinged foliage, adding another layer of interest to the plant.
| Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) Fall |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Bog Gardens, Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Planting: Plant in spring. Ensure the root ball is level with the soil surface. Site in locations protected from wind to minimize the risk of wind burn.
Light: It can be grown in full sun to partial shade. For optimal blooming, it prefers full sun with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil: Thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0); enrich with compost before planting.
Watering: Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer for vigorous growth.
Pruning and Maintenance: Deadheading will improve the plant’s appearance. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears to remove dead stems and encourage bushier growth.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch (5-7 cm) layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture, control weeds, and protect roots in winter.
Propagation: Propagate through stem cuttings or division; best done in spring or early summer.
Pests and Diseases: Watch for aphids, Japanese beetles, caterpillars, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Monitor for fungal diseases like leaf spot and rust. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
Dinner plate hibiscus typically bloom from midsummer through early fall, with each flower lasting about one to two days. However, the plant produces numerous buds, ensuring a continuous display of vibrant blooms for several weeks.
Pair dinner plate hibiscus with other sun-loving perennials like daylilies, coneflowers, or black-eyed Susans for a vibrant, colorful garden bed. Ornamental grasses, such as fountain grass or switchgrass, also complement hibiscus by adding texture and contrast to the garden.
Yes, dinner plate hibiscus are hardy perennials that die back to the ground in winter but return each spring. They are reliable performers in USDA hardiness zones 4-9, where they can withstand cold winters.
| Hardiness |
4 - 9 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Summer (Mid, Late) Fall |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Tolerance | Deer, Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Bog Gardens, Beds And Borders, Ponds And Streams, Rain Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
Join now and start creating your dream garden!
