One of our favorite Summer flowers to grow is Hibiscus, and it couldn’t be easier to grow Hibiscus in Utah! Hibiscus bloom all Summer long with bold, beautiful flowers and come in many colors and species. From annual Tropical varieties to the Dinner Plate-sized flowers of Hardy Hibiscus, to the privacy of Rose of Sharon shrubs, there’s an option for every gardener.
Which Hibiscus is best for Utah?
There are dozens of species in the genus Hibiscus, which is in the Mallow family (Malvaceae) along with some familiar and unique relatives: Hollyhocks, Lindens, and native Globemallow, as well as Cacao, Cotton, Okra, and Durian!
There are three styles of Hibiscus that you’ll find in garden centers in Utah: annual Tropical Hibiscus, perennial Hardy Hibiscus, and Rose of Sharon, the perennial shrub form. Here’s what to know about each type of Hibiscus.
Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos
Commonly known as Swamp Rose Mallow or Dinner Plate Hibiscus, these Eastern US-natives produce large flowers up to 9″ across! The most traditional variety of Hibiscus is a white flower with a red center, or eye. There are so many varieties available nowadays, from deep reds and magentas to white and pink swirls. Some varieties have burgundy foliage that turns a vibrant orange in the fall as well.
Care for Hardy Hibiscus
Hardy Hibiscus are herbaceous perennials that should be cut back in the Fall, and emerge again very late in the Spring. They are one of the last plants to wake up in the Spring, leading many gardeners to mistakenly think that their plants are dead.
- Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
- Water Needs: Water deeply during the growing season
- Soil Preferences: Prefers well-draining soil. Can tolerate moist soils and short periods of drought once established.
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer regularly throughout the growing season to promote blooming and healthy growth
- Pruning: Prune foliage back to ground in the Fall.
Rose of Sharon Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus
Rose of Sharon is a hardy shrub that originated in Korea and is now a favorite worldwide. They produce smaller flowers than other types of hibiscus, but in large amounts from late Spring up until Frost. Cold-tolerant, heat-tolerant, and drought-tolerant—they’re a great choice for Utah landscapes!
Care for Rose of Sharon Hibiscus
Rose of Sharon are very hardy shrubs that can adapt to hot, dry and sunny climates. Older varieties like Aphrodite Rose of Sharon could get to be quite large and make great flowering hedges. Newer varieties can be smaller and more compact. Many varieties come in Patio Tree form and work well as small landscape trees or in containers.
- Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
- Water Needs: Water deeply and infrequently once established. Rose of Sharon are highly drought-tolerant plants.
- Soil Preferences: Well-draining soil. Can tolerate poor, compacted soils.
- Fertilizer: Not necessary, but you can apply a high Phosphorus fertilizer to promote better blooming.
- Pruning: Blooms on old and new wood. Prune Spring to early Summer if desired.
Tropical Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
First bred in Polynesia, Tropical Hibiscus plants are now widely cultivated throughout the tropics and as ornamental shrubs in warm winter climates. They are valued for bright, colorful flowers that bloom throughout the summer, though they are just annuals in our temperate climate. Their flowers and calyces are edible and are frequently dried and used for teas.
Care for Tropical Hibiscus
You’ll find Tropical Hibiscus plants for sale in Northern Utah garden centers beginning in the late Spring when outdoor temperatures stay consistently above 50 degrees.
- Sun Exposure: Full to Partial Sun
- Water Needs: Water frequently, especially in containers
- Soil Preferences: Well-draining, acidic to neutral soil
- Fertilizer: Use a high Phosphorus fertilizer regularly in the growing season to promote consistent blooming
- Pruning: Prune to control growth if desired
