Hibiscus Bush

Hibiscus Bush (Hibiscus)

Hibiscus Bush brings big, showy blooms on lush green foliage with a rounded, shrubby habit; select tropical types for continuous warm-season color or hardy types for dramatic midsummer flowers in temperate gardens.

Distinctive Features

Large, eye-catching flowers in vivid reds, pinks, oranges, yellows, whites, or bicolors open on new growth and attract pollinators; glossy or broad, maple-like leaves and a naturally full form create a bold focal point in beds and containers.

Growing Conditions

Give full sun, fertile well-drained soil, and steady moisture for best bloom; choose types suited to your climate or grow tropical forms in containers to winter indoors.

• Sun Exposure: Full sun for at least 6 hours; light afternoon shade in very hot climates.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained loam with added compost; avoid waterlogged sites.
• Water: Keep evenly moist during active growth and flowering; do not allow prolonged drought.
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Tropical hibiscus generally 9 to 11; hardy hibiscus typically 4 to 9.
• Mature Size: Tropical types about 3 to 6 ft tall and wide; hardy types about 4 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide.
• Bloom Time: Tropical forms spring to fall in warm conditions; hardy forms mid to late summer.
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral, about 6.0 to 7.0.

Ideal Uses

Use as a bold seasonal centerpiece, a long-blooming hedge, or a container feature that moves easily to shelter before frost.

• Focal Point: Oversized blooms create instant curb appeal.
• Mixed Border: Summer color that pairs with grasses and perennials.
• Container Feature: Tropical impact on patios and balconies.
• Screening: Dense foliage forms a seasonal privacy hedge.
• Pollinator Garden: Nectar-rich flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Low Maintenance Care

Regular watering, light feeding, and timely pruning keep plants vigorous and floriferous through the warm season.

• Watering: Water deeply when the top 1 in of soil is dry; increase frequency during heat waves and container culture.
• Pruning: Prune in late winter to early spring to shape and encourage new flowering wood; deadhead to tidy.
• Fertilizing: Feed every 4 to 6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer; reduce feeding in fall.
• Mulching: Apply 2 to 3 in of organic mulch to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature, keeping mulch off stems.
• Notes: Protect tropical forms from frost by overwintering indoors; watch for aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites and manage with strong water sprays or insecticidal soap.

Why Choose Hibiscus Bush?

Few shrubs match hibiscus for sheer flower size and season-long show, whether you garden in a warm climate or grow it as a summer container star.

• Spectacular Blooms: Huge flowers in vivid colors.
• Versatile Habit: Works in beds, borders, and containers.
• Seasonal Impact: Long flowering window with proper care.
• Wildlife Value: Excellent nectar source for pollinators.
• Adaptable Choices: Tropical and hardy types suit many climates.

Plant in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil, keep moisture steady, and prune in late winter to enjoy abundant, show-stopping flowers.