Could you suggest something easy to grow with impressive flowers? I don’t have a lot of time to garden and I want to see visible results.
How about Hibiscus moscheutos, commonly known as hardy hibiscus or swamp rose mallow? This low maintenance, vigorous perennial has large flowers (up to 8 inches in diameter) and can bloom from July to September. Flower colors include white, pink, red or burgundy, and the foliage ranges from dark green to purple. The five-petaled blooms are typically one solid color, some varieties have a contrasting “eye” in the center. Native to North American, hardy hibiscus size varies from two-six feet high and two-three feet wide.
Hardy hibiscus requires full sun and average, medium to wet soil to thrive. It tolerates heat and humidity well, and can withstand cold winter temperatures well beyond those on Capitol Hill. It has woody stems, but dies back fully during winter, and should be trimmed in the early spring before new growth emerges. It can be late to start growing in the spring, but once it starts it grows quickly. A single plant can make a big statement and will live for 15 to 20 years.
Individual flowers last just one to two days, but the plant produces new flowers in rapid succession over the long blooming period. Hibiscus flowers are best appreciated on the plant, as they are not suited for cut flowers and have no fragrance. Deadheading promotes more blooms. To deadhead, snap or pinch off the stem below the withered flower. Butterflies and hummingbirds like hibiscus blossoms.
Hardy hibiscus can be grown in containers. Large containers are best because they don’t dry out as quickly and hibiscus requires moist to wet soil.
Hardy hibiscus can be grown from seed, starting 12 weeks before the last frost, and planted in the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Nursery-grown hardy hibiscus or transplanted dormant hardy hibiscus can be planted in spring or early fall. To promote blooming, fertilize in the spring after new growth emerges and sprinkle a slow-release fertilizer around the roots three times during the growing season.
What’s the difference between a hardy and a tropical hibiscus plant?
Hardy hibiscus typically survives the winters outdoors, although it dies back to the ground on its own while dormant in the cold weather and is native to North America. Tropical hibiscus is native to Asia. Tropical hibiscus flowers come in bright colors, including red, yellow, orange, pink or a mixture of multiple colors in one flower. They are great container plans in our climate as they will not survive the winter and must be brought inside.
A third type of hibiscus, Hibiscus syriacus, commonly called Rose of Sharon or Althea, is a winter hardy shrub that does not die back to the ground. A native of China, Rose of Sharon grows to 12 feet tall and has three-inch purple, pink or white flowers with a stark red center. There are many Rose of Sharons on Capitol Hill.
Can I use my hardy hibiscus flowers to make hibiscus tea?
Hibiscus tea is an herbal tea made from Hibiscus sabdariffa, also called roselle, an African hibiscus. Hardy hibiscus flowers have been bred for appearance, not taste.
Want to learn more about gardening or spend time with people who like plants? Join the Capitol Hill Garden Club, more information on the club website at capitolhillgardenclub.org.
Gardening advice, information and commentary from the Capitol Hill Garden Club. Send your questions to capitolhillgardenclub@gmail.com
