The Hardy Hibiscus is unique and is unlike any other plant in the garden. The most unique quality of a Hardy Hibiscus is the one we get the most calls and questions about. Calls and emails come in about their Hardy Hibiscus dying over winter and what could have happened. Well, the answer is usually 'wait a few weeks and the plant will come back'.

The Hardy Hibiscus plant will wait until late spring to come up. The soil temperature needs to approach 70 degrees to bring the plant our of winter hibernation. In zones, 4 and 5, that could mean the plant will not emerge until June. The Hardy Hibiscus is a perennial even though they die back to the ground each winter. If one is looking for Hardy Hibiscus information, botanically, this plant is known as Hibiscus moscheutos.

If you have not dug the area up, looking for your plant before it comes up, you will be rewarded with flowers that are huge and so delightfully delicate. The many sizes and colors of the varieties offered will thrill the most jaded gardener. The Hardy Hibiscus is a fast grower, after emergence, and they are quite adaptable to planting sites and sun requirements. They prefer slightly acidic soil and love deep organic soils.