Perennial hardy hibiscus bring color and charm

One of the plants I look forward the most to seeing bloom in my landscape each year is the perennial hardy hibiscus.

It has enormous, brilliant blooms, some stretching up to 12 inches across. It’s no wonder this plant has earned the nickname dinnerplate hibiscus. These bold, beautiful flowers bring a tropical flair to the landscape, turning heads and sparking conversation wherever they grow.

Hardy hibiscus is a bushy perennial that can reach between 2 and 5 feet tall, depending on the variety. The foliage adds as much interest as the flowers, ranging from light and medium green to dramatic shades of burgundy and deep purple.

In my south Mississippi garden, hardy hibiscus dies back to the ground each winter.

I prune away the dead stems in early spring and then wait with anticipation for the fresh shoots to emerge. It is usually late April or early May before I see any signs of life -- much later than many of my other perennials -- but the wait is always worth it.

There are many incredible varieties to choose from, but one of the most striking I have seen is Summerific Edge of Night.

This variety pairs soft, glowing pink blooms with some of the darkest foliage you’ll find on any hibiscus. The 7- to 8-inch flowers have ruffled petals and deep red centers that seem to radiate outward, creating a luminous effect against the dramatic leaves.

Another showstopper is Summerific Garnet Globes.

This variety has deep, cherry-red blooms that are velvety in texture and rich in color. Flower petals overlap in a full, cupped form. The eye is naturally drawn to the flower’s center, where the delicate stamen and pistil seem to float above the vivid red backdrop.

If you’re looking for a more compact option, Head Over Heels Adore is a fantastic choice.

This hardy hibiscus selection has large, rosy-pink flowers with a crimson eye, and these flowers are complemented beautifully by rich burgundy-green foliage. Despite its smaller size, Head Over Heels Adore delivers impact and elegance.

Perennial hardy hibiscus are surprisingly easy to grow. These plants thrive in full sun, needing at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for the best flowering performance. They prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil that has a slightly acidic to neutral pH level.

During hot, dry weather, keep the soil evenly moist, as hibiscus do not tolerate drought well.

I like to apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer to support healthy growth and prolific blooming.

Adequate spacing is essential, both for air circulation and to give the plant room to mature. In colder zones, I recommend adding a layer of mulch around the base in late fall to protect the roots over winter.

Whether you’re drawn to bold reds, romantic pinks or glowing whites, perennial hardy hibiscus has something for every garden. They are easy to grow, incredibly rewarding and guaranteed to add dramatic color and tropical charm to the landscape year after year.