3.7k saves
Hibiscus
We track 90 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 24 most-saved Hibiscus varieties
See all 90 Hibiscus varieties →Search this genus →
7 species of Hibiscus
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Hibiscus in Sow
Save the Hibiscus you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Hibiscus
Whats common across all Hibiscus varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them.
The Hibiscus year
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Fertilize in late spring and early summer with a balanced fertilizer.
- PruneJanuary and February80% of varieties
Cut stems back to 4-6 inches in late fall or early spring.
- Check for PestsJune and July60% of varieties
Monitor for Japanese beetles and hibiscus sawfly larvae.
- MulchMarch43% of varieties
Refresh mulch in spring; apply thick layer in late fall for insulation
- PlantMarch, April, September and October30% of varieties
Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
- DeadheadJune–September30% of varieties
Remove spent, wilted flowers daily for best appearance
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March30% of varieties
Cut old woody stems down to 4-6 inches before new growth emerges (often late)
Do
- Water deeply during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Prune dead or damaged stems to encourage new growth
- Prune to maintain shape after flowering
- Apply balanced fertilizer in spring
Avoid
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Don’t prune in late fall or winter
- Don't prune in late fall or winter
- Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
What goes wrong with Hibiscus
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Distorted, sticky leaves | Use insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Japanese beetles | Chewed leaves and flowers | Handpick or apply appropriate insecticides |
| Japanese Beetles | Metallic green and copper beetles that chew holes in flowers and skeletonize leaves. | Hand-pick beetles and drop them into soapy water in the morning. Use systemic insecticides containing imidacloprid as a soil drench in spring. |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap |
| Root rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves | Improve drainage and reduce watering |
| Leaf Spot | Yellow, brown, or black spots on leaves, sometimes causing leaf drop. | Improve air circulation. Water at the base of the plant. Remove and destroy fallen leaves. Apply a copper-based fungicide if needed. |
| Root Rot | Wilting and yellowing leaves | Improve soil drainage and reduce watering |
Making more Hibiscus
Cuttings
- Select healthy stems in early summer
- Cut 4-inch sections just below a node
- Dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist soil or perlite
- Keep soil moist and place in bright indirect light
- Roots develop in 6 weeks
Seeds
- Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost
- Sow on surface and lightly cover
- Keep soil moist and warm (~70°F)
- Transplant outdoors after frost danger passes
Hibiscus questions
How many types of Hibiscus are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 90 distinct Hibiscus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.7k real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Hibiscus grow in?
Across its varieties, Hibiscus covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Hibiscus bloom?
Most Hibiscus varieties bloom in mid-summer, late summer, mid-summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Hibiscus should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.