Why Hardy Hibiscus?

Every summer I drive by this house with a magnificent hibiscus bush, and realize once again that I don’t have one. And I have nobody but myself to blame. Well, this year is going to be different.

Just one problem as I see it. I had no idea there were so many choices.

Hardy hibiscus blooms, and boy does it bloom, in late summer just as gardens and gardeners are looking a little bedraggled. It is just the pick-me-up needed to see you through to fall.

Who would have thought that a cousin to okra and cotton could be so glamorous? Sometimes known as rose mallow, hardy hibiscus shows off with dinner-plate flowers in shades of white, pink and red with lots of variety in between. The petals are crinkly, quilted or satin-smooth, with slight overlapping.

The most popular variety is “Kopper King”, with 12” white flowers and a red eye that streaks pink to the petal’s edge. The copper foliage is the result of over 20 years work by the Fleming brothers. These three plant breeders took painstaking effort to develop beautiful flowers as well as ornamental foliage.

“Fireball” explodes in bright burgundy blooms over cut-leaved purple foliage. It looks great planted with ornamental grasses. And even better add “Old Yella” and pick up on the red eye of this pale yellow variety.

For crisp contrast there is “Blue River II” with pure white flowers over light green foliage. The foliage on many varieties is cut or lobed like maple or oak leaves giving yet another dimension to this outstanding perennial.

Hardy hibiscus needs moist soil making them perfect for wet spots and low-lying areas. However they can perform in other places with regular water, even in containers. They are slow to emerge in spring, taking their time, sometimes as late as May. Don’t give up on them.

The tropical look is so hot right now. A man here in town plants huge palm trees in his yard, then digs them up and stores them inside over winter. These hibiscus look tropical without all that trouble.