Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show/podcast: Hardy hibiscus are Summerific – 2022
Hardy hibiscus take those of us in cold climates to the tropics.
Blooming from July to September, some cultivars have flowers that can reach up to 9 inches across.
While blooms only last one to two days, there are MANY buds that continue to show off their colors.
It’s important to note that this zone 4 plant takes time to emerge in spring.
Don’t get nervous if you don’t see any growth spring up until June! Once it emerges, it grows quickly though. Years ago I planted one and thought it was dead. Be patient, you WILL be rewarded.
Once you start seeing growth, apply a controlled release fertilizer. Hibiscus need to be in full sun or light shade. They also like consistent moisture, a bog area would be great. This is where I have trouble growing them. In fall, leave them be, cut back the plant to about 6 inches in spring. Think of it as spring cleanup.
One of the most popular Summerific cultivars is ‘Berry Awesome’. Huge 7-8”, ruffled, lavender pink flowers have a cherry red eye. They cover the shrub-like plant with its midnight green foliage.
Most hardy hibiscus grow about 4 ft tall and 5 ft wide but there is some variation.
There are 3 new varieties this year.
‘Edge of Night’ has bubblegum pink flowers with nearly black foliage.
‘Valentine’s Crush’ has deep red 7 inch flowers that open flat. The leaves are dark bronze in full sun. This hibiscus grows in a more columnar fashion. It’s about 5 ft tall and 3 ½ ft wide.
And you see the new ‘Lilac Crush’ in the top photo!
There are 13 different Summerific varieties. Unfortunately one major issue for hibiscus are Japanese Beetles.