Transform your garden with the eye-catching colors of the hibiscus tree or hibiscus plant, creating a vibrant and inviting outdoor environment.
Hibiscus plants are renowned for their striking beauty and vibrant colors, making them a stunning addition to any garden. The diverse range of hues found in hibiscus flowers can transform a garden space into a radiant oasis.
Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the Malvaceae family, which includes popular plants such as Alcea (hollyhock), Malva (mallow), Tilia (linden tree), and Abelmoschus esculentus (okra).
Hibiscus are native to various regions around the world, including tropical areas of Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and the Indian subcontinent, and North America.
When selecting a hibiscus for your garden, it’s important to consider the different types and their suitability to your local climate and gardening goals.
Known for their large, showy flowers in a variety of colors, tropical hibiscus (e.g., Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) require warm temperatures and thrive in full sun. These hibiscus have a long blooming season, blooming from spring through late fall and into winter in locations without any frost. They are excellent for adding a bold touch to tropical and subtropical gardens. USDA Hardiness zones: 10-12.
The most popular and widely recognized hardy hibiscus species include Hibiscus moscheutos (Hardy Hibiscus or Rose Mallow), Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet Rose Mallow or Texas Star Hibiscus), and Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon), along with their hybrids.
Hardy hibiscus are celebrated for their impressive, hollyhock-like blooms that can reach dinner plate sizes, with striking colors ranging from pink, blue, purple, and red to white. These dramatic flowers are eye-catching and make excellent conversation starters in any garden.
Typically, hardy hibiscus start blooming from mid-summer and continue their vibrant display through fall, adding a burst of color to the garden when many other plants are winding down. Their large, showy blossoms and robust growth make them a standout choice for creating a bold and lasting impact in your landscape. USDA Hardiness zones: 4-9.
Purple hibiscus flowers are regal and exotic, with shades ranging from lavender to deep violet. Their rich, vibrant color adds depth and sophistication to any garden. The purple petals often have a striking contrast with darker centers, creating a visually captivating effect.
Nicknamed the “dinner plate hibiscus,” Hibiscus ‘Berry Awesome’ (Rose Mallow) is a striking, compact perennial celebrated for its enormous, lavender-pink flowers that reach up to 8 inches (20 cm) in diameter, each featuring a vivid red eye. Blooming continuously from mid-summer to fall, the flowers contrast beautifully with the deep, midnight-green, maple-like foliage. Ideal as a backdrop and a centerpiece, this variety is perfect for sunny borders and works exceptionally well in containers.
Hibiscus ‘Lilac Crush’ (Rose Mallow) is a stunning, upright perennial renowned for its huge lilac flowers, reaching up to 7-8 inches (17-20 cm) across with overlapping petals. This variety stands out due to its abundant blooms. Flowering continuously from mid-summer to late fall, the flowers create a striking contrast against the rich green, maple-shaped foliage. Ideal for brightening late-season gardens.
The award-winning Hibiscus syriacus ‘Lavender Chiffon®‘ (Rose of Sharon) is a bushy, deciduous shrub celebrated for its large, lilac-pink, double flowers, measuring up to 4 inches (10 cm) across, with darker veins at their centers. This variety blooms profusely from late summer through fall. Its robust, structured form makes it an excellent choice for the back of borders, adding beauty and architectural interest to your garden.
| Hardiness |
4 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Clay, Sand, Chalk |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Yellow hibiscus flowers are cheerful and sunny, brightening any space with their warm hues. Ranging from pale butter to vibrant gold, their sunny color creates a lively and welcoming atmosphere. The golden petals often have a striking contrast with darker centers, enhancing their visual appeal.
Valued for its striking blooms, Hibiscus aculeatus (Comfortroot) is a robust, long-lived perennial wildflower renowned for its large, eye-catching flowers, measuring 3-4 inches (7-10 cm) across. Each flower features a deep purplish-red center, with petals that transition from cream to yellow before fading to pink, and are adorned with pleated, scalloped edges. Blooming from late spring through fall, it attracts numerous pollinators, including butterflies and native bees. Native to the southeastern United States, Comfortroot thrives in moist landscapes, native plant gardens, or wet wildflower gardens, making it a versatile and appealing addition to various garden settings.
Hibiscus brackenridgei (Mao Hau Hele) is a shrub or small tree known for its open, airy to compact growth habit. Blooming from late winter through late spring and intermittently throughout the year, it produces a profusion of large, vibrant yellow flowers measuring 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) across, each with a prominent yellow staminal column. As a Hawaiian endemic, Mao Hau Hele is not only a stunning landscape accent with its dramatic, long-lasting blooms but also holds the distinction of being the official flower of the State of Hawaii.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hula Girl’ (Tropical Hibiscus) is an eye-catching evergreen shrub known for its vibrant, large yellow flowers with overlapping petals and a striking red throat. Blooming almost year-round in mild climates, this tropical beauty adds a flamboyant touch to landscapes and patio containers. Additionally, the edible flowers are used in salads in the Pacific Islands, enhancing both your garden and your culinary experiences.
Blue hibiscus flowers are rare and striking, ranging from soft sky blue to deep azure. Their cool, serene color adds a touch of uniqueness and elegance to gardens. The blue petals, often with darker veins or contrasting centers, offer a refreshing and distinctive look that stands out beautifully.
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Marina’ (Rose of Sharon), also known as ‘Blue Satin’, is a prolific, dense deciduous shrub renowned for its striking violet-blue flowers, which resemble hollyhock blooms. From midsummer through fall, it produces large, 4-inch (10 cm) flowers with deep royal blue to violet-blue petals, highlighted by dark reddish-purple throats and prominent creamy-white stamens. This visually appealing shrub is ideal for adding structure to the back of garden borders, providing both vibrant color and an elegant form throughout its blooming period.
Hibiscus syriacus Blue Chiffon® (Rose of Sharon) is an award-winning deciduous shrub celebrated for its bushy growth and striking, lacy, pale blue, semi-double flowers that measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) across. Each bloom features a star-like red-purple stain at the base of the outer petals. Blooming continuously from midsummer through fall, this shrub provides a delightful splash of color and elegant structure to the back of garden borders.
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Ultramarine’ (Rose of Sharon) is a robust, upright deciduous shrub renowned for its striking, single, deep violet-blue flowers that measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) across, each featuring a dark red throat. Blooming from midsummer to early fall, the flowers last about one day and create a vivid contrast against the backdrop of maple-like green foliage. This shrub is excellent for adding structural interest and vibrant color to the back of garden borders.
Red hibiscus flowers are striking and vibrant, ranging from deep crimson to bright scarlet. Their bold, eye-catching color adds a dramatic flair to any garden. The intense red petals, often with a darker center, create a vivid contrast against green or dark foliage, making them a standout feature.
Noted for its dramatic foliage and extended blooming period, Hibiscus ‘Holy Grail’ (Rose Mallow) is a compact, well-branched perennial renowned for its exceptionally large, deep red flowers, reaching up to 9 inches (22 cm) in diameter. The striking blooms emerge from numerous buds that cover the plant from top to bottom, ensuring a prolonged flowering season compared to most hibiscus varieties. Blooming continuously from midsummer through fall, each flower contrasts vividly with the plant’s nearly black foliage, creating a stunning visual effect.
Hibiscus ‘Midnight Marvel’ (Rose Mallow) is a compact, well-branched perennial distinguished by its exceptionally large, deep, scarlet red flowers, reaching up to 9 inches (22 cm) in diameter. The stunning blossoms emerge from abundant glossy, black-red buds that envelop the plant. With continuous blooming from midsummer through fall, each flower creates a vivid contrast against the plant’s thick, leathery foliage of deep wine-purple, maple-like leaves, making it a dramatic addition to any garden.
Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Luna Red’ (Hardy Hibiscus) is a compact, well-branched perennial renowned for its impressive, deep burgundy red flowers, reaching 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in diameter. This variety blooms continuously from midsummer to fall, with each enormous flower featuring prominent, creamy-white stamens. While individual blooms last only a day, new flowers open daily in rapid succession, ensuring a stunning display until late in the season.
White hibiscus flowers exude elegance and purity, offering a crisp, clean appearance. The pristine white petals can range from creamy to pure white, often highlighted with a subtle gradient or a soft blush. Their delicate color brings a serene and sophisticated touch to gardens and floral arrangements.
Hibiscus laevis (Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow) is a robust herbaceous perennial with sturdy, upright stems and striking, hollyhock-like flowers that can reach up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter. The blooms feature broad petals in white or pink with a dramatic maroon or purple throat. Flowering from late spring through fall, depending on the location, this plant also captivates with its distinctive leaves that resemble the shape of the halberds used in the 15th and 16th centuries. Hibiscus laevis is a visually stunning North American species, ideal for wetland gardens, perennial beds, bogs, and pond areas.
Hibiscus lasiocarpos (Woolly Rose Mallow) is a vigorous, upright herbaceous perennial known for its striking flowers, reaching 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) across. Each bloom features five delicate white or pale pink petals contrasted by a vibrant crimson center. Flowering from mid-summer to fall, Hibiscus lasiocarpos also stands out for its velvety, heart-shaped foliage. Native to the southern and eastern United States, this plant thrives in natural landscapes, native plant gardens, and wetland areas.
Award-winning Hibiscus syriacus White Chiffon® (Rose of Sharon) is a bushy, deciduous shrub celebrated for its elegant, pristine white flowers. These large, double blooms, reaching up to 4 inches (10 cm) across, provide a stunning display from late summer through fall. With its continuous flowering and refined appearance, this shrub makes an excellent structural addition to the back of the border, offering both beauty and function to your garden.
Pink hibiscus flowers offer a range of delightful hues, from soft blush to vivid fuchsia. The gentle pink petals can add a touch of romance and charm to gardens. Their color varies from delicate pastels to bright, lively shades, providing a versatile and attractive floral display.
Noted for its striking dark foliage, Hibiscus ‘Edge of Night’ (Rose Mallow) is a compact, well-branched perennial with huge bubblegum pink flowers reaching 7-8 inches (17-20 cm) across. Continuously blooming from midsummer to early fall, each vibrant blossom contrasts beautifully with its jet-black, oval-shaped leaves. Ideal for adding a burst of color to end-of-season gardens.
Ideal for small gardens, Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’ (Rose Mallow) is a compact, vigorous perennial renowned for its exceptionally large, light pink flowers, reaching up to 12 inches (30 cm) across. Each bloom features striking red veining and a vivid red eye. Continuously blooming from mid to late summer, these dinner plate-sized flowers create a stunning contrast against the coppery-red, maple-like foliage. An excellent choice as a backdrop or centerpiece in a sunny border.
Fast-growing and award-winning, Hibiscus mutabilis (Confederate Rose) is a large, spreading shrub or small multi-stemmed tree renowned for its impressive flowers that make a dramatic impact in the garden. Blooming profusely from late summer through fall, this plant becomes a standout feature. The single or double flowers measure 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter and are remarkable for their color transformation. They start as pure white or light pink in the morning and gradually shift to hot pink or even red by evening, creating a stunning multicolor effect as all stages of color are present simultaneously. Low-maintenance and striking, Hibiscus mutabilis adds charm and color to the late-season garden, ensuring it remains a highlight even as other plants wind down for the winter.
Proper care ensures your hibiscus plant remains healthy and continues to produce beautiful flowers. Here’s a general guide to keeping your hibiscus thriving:
Hibiscus thrives in well-drained, fertile, and moist soil. Hardy types can tolerate wetter soils, making them suitable for damp areas. Aim for slightly acidic soil to keep your hibiscus happy. Good drainage is crucial to avoid root problems.
Keep the soil consistently moist. Mulching around the plant helps maintain soil moisture.
Use a balanced fertilizer with moderate nitrogen, low phosphorus, and high potassium, such as 10-4-12 or 12-4-18. Fertilize hardy hibiscus three times a year (early spring, after the first bloom, and midsummer) and tropical hibiscus monthly from spring to fall. Use a diluted water-soluble fertilizer for best results.
Prune hibiscus in early spring to encourage new growth and flower buds. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems as needed throughout the year.
Hardy hibiscus typically die back to the ground in winter, so only trim back dead stems before new growth begins.
Refresh potted hibiscus every couple of years in early spring. Choose a wide, shallow pot to encourage more blooms rather than focusing on root growth. Move the plant to a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix and water it well to help it adjust.
For tropical varieties, bring them inside before temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C). Reduce watering and stop fertilizing during winter. Leaf drop is normal; expect new growth in spring.
Watch for common pests such as aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if infestations occur. Hibiscus is generally resistant to diseases, but maintaining clean plant conditions can prevent potential issues.
Hibiscus plants generally prefer full sun, which means they should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Full sun exposure promotes vigorous growth and abundant blooming. In hot climates, some hibiscus varieties can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day, to prevent leaf scorch.
In temperate regions, many hibiscus varieties are perennials, meaning they return year after year. They typically die back in winter and regrow from the root system in spring. Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is not frost-hardy and may not survive winter in regions with cold temperatures. In such cases, they are often grown as annuals or brought indoors during colder months.
Many hibiscus species, such as hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos), are perennials in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9. Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is typically treated as an annual in colder climates, though it can be grown as a perennial in tropical and subtropical regions.
Hibiscus plants can vary significantly in height depending on the species and variety. Generally:
| Hardiness |
4 - 12 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials, Shrubs |
| Plant Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Loam, Clay, Sand, Chalk |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Landscaping Ideas | Patio And Containers, Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
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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.
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