Hardy US Native Hibiscus to Grow

There are about 31 species and sub-species of native hibiscus in the United States. Prized for their huge, flamboyant flowers, they add exotic, tropical punch in the garden, patio or containers. Though they conjure up images of the tropics, some native hibiscus species can withstand cold winter temperatures.

All you need to know about Hardy Native Hibiscus

• Hibiscus is a member of the mallow family of flowering plants, Malvaceae. It includes several hundred species that are native to warm, temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.
   
• Hardy native Hibiscus include Hibiscus moscheutos (Hardy Hibiscus or Rose Mallow), Hibiscus laevis (Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow), Hibiscus lasiocarpos (Woolly Rose Mallow), (Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet Rose Mallow or Swamp Hibiscus), Hibiscus aculeatus (Comfortroot), and Hibiscus grandiflorus (Swamp Rose Mallow).
   
  • Native to southern and eastern North America, Hibiscus moscheutos reliably tolerates temperatures as far north as zone 5, and many of its hybrids can even be grown in hardiness zone 4.
     
  • Hailing from southeastern Canada, central and eastern U.S.A., Hibiscus laevis is also very cold-hardy and can be grown in zone 4.
     
  • Native to the southern and eastern United States, Hibiscus lasiocarpos is full cold-hardy and can be grown in zone 5.
     
  • Indigenous to the warm southeastern states of the U.S.A, Hibiscus coccineus can be grown in zone 6.
     
  • Found growing in the southeastern United States from Texas to South Carolina, Hibiscus aculeatus can be grown in zone 7.
     
  • Endemic to the southeast U.S., Hibiscus grandiflorus can be grown in zone 8 and withstand cold temperatures as low as -10°F (-12°C). 
     
• In areas subjected to harsh winters and snow, they will die back to the ground in winter, coming back in the spring.
   
• Their trumpet-shaped flowers, in shades of pink, red or white, can be as small as 3-5 in. across (7-12 cm) and as huge as 8 in. across (20 cm) – these Hibiscus flowers are amazing conversation pieces!
   
• Depending on geographic area, some Hibiscus species will start blooming in spring (Hibiscus grandiflorus, Hibiscus laevis, Hibiscus aculeatus) while others will exhibit their spectacular flowers in mid-late summer to fall. Flowers last just one day, but so many buds form that the plant appears perpetually in flower.
   
• Hardy native Hibiscus are perennials that can grow from 3 ft. (90 cm) to 15 ft. tall (450 cm), depending on the species.
   
• Hardy native Hibiscus perform best in full sun to light shade and in moist soil that never completely dries out. They are wetland species that can grow in marshy conditions. They tolerate sites with poor drainage that are too wet for other plants.
   
• Hardy Hibiscus add an exotic touch to perennial borders, cottage gardens, bog gardens, rain gardens, and near ponds and streams.
   
• The large, bright, trumpet-shaped blooms attract butterflies and hummingbirds to the garden. Hibiscus is not generally a plant deer, or other animals seek out to eat, but if other food sources are scarce, a deer may feast on your Hibiscus.
   
• Hibiscus are not bothered by many pests or diseases. Aphids or Japanese beetles may feed on the foliage. Various fungal diseases such as leaf spot, blight, and rust, may develop when the plant is subject to excessively moist conditions.