Hibiscus for northern gardens

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Starry Wind' from Costa Farms

Every time I go to Florida, I’m enthralled by the tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) in bloom. So many vibrant colors grab my attention every time I pass by them when walking or driving just about anywhere. Sadly, I know we can’t put them in the ground here in Ohio and expect them to live through the winter.

But that doesn’t mean I can’t have hibiscus in Ohio. I keep them in containers and take them in and out of the house as the weather dictates. But there’s a way to enjoy hibiscus in the north without all that in and out business. There are two hybrid hibiscus that are hardy to our zone 5 winters: Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus moscheutos.

I’ve got two Hibiscus moscheutos. They have ginormous blooms measuring 8-10 inches across. This hibiscus dies all the way back to the ground after a hard freeze in the fall, and begins growing again in late spring.

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Plum Crazy'

I’ve also got four Hibiscus syriacus, also known as Althea or Rose of Sharon. The blooms are similar to other hibiscus, but are much smaller, being approximately 3-4 inches across. These do not die down to the ground after frost, but they do lose their leaves. They too are rather slow to break dormancy in the spring, so don’t think they’ve not made it through the winter just because they’re later than most plants to show signs of life.

Hibiscus syriacus 'Aphrodite'

GROW IT

Botanical name: Hibiscus syriacus

Common name: Rose of Sharon

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 – 9

Bloom Time: July through September

Height: 4′-10′

Grow it: This is easy to grow from seed and from cuttings. Blooms best in full sun, but will grow and bloom (less) in full shade, too.

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Botanical name: Hibiscus moscheutos

Common name: Hardy Hibiscus

Hardiness: USDA Zones 5 – 10

Bloom Time: July through September

Height: 4′- 6′

Grow it: Plant in full sun. Average moisture needs, but does better on the moist side.