The hardy perennial hibiscus, also called rose mallow or swamp rose, adds the beauty of a tropical hibiscus to the garden, but can withstand cold winter temperatures that kill the actual tropical varieties. Here’s how to grow hardy hibiscus in your garden!
Perennial hibiscus have big, disc-shaped, hollyhock-like flowers that can be 6 to 12 inches across. The perennial hibiscus species found in gardens are the result of hybridizing native hibiscus species, including Hibiscus moscheutos and H. coccineus.
The larger, more shrub-like hardy hibiscus species, H. syriacus (aka Rose of Sharon), has similar planting and care to the smaller species highlighted in this article. It produces an abundance of smaller flowers and grows into a much larger shrub that doesn’t die back to the ground in winter.
Botanical Name | Hibiscus spp. |
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Plant Type | Shrub |
Sun Exposure | Full Sun, Part Sun |
Soil Type | Loamy |
Soil pH | Slightly Acidic to Neutral |
Bloom Time | Summer, Fall |
Flower Color | Multicolor, Pink, Red, White |
Hardiness Zones | 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 |
Special Features |