3.2k gardener saves
Hibiscus: the varieties gardeners actually grow
We track 86 varieties; these are the ones gardeners actually save and plant, ranked by real saves rather than catalog marketing. Each links to full care, bloom, and live price data.
The 12 most-saved Hibiscus varieties
Of 86 in the catalog — ordered by how many gardeners actually grow them.
#1 most savedMidnight Marvel Swamp Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Midnight Marvel'
#2 most savedRose of Sharon Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus 'Azurri Blue Satin'
#3 most savedPink Chiffon Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus 'Pink Chiffon'
Blue Chiffon Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Chiffon'
Confederate Rose
Hibiscus paramutabilis
White Chiffon Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus 'White Chiffon'
Purple Pillar Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus 'Purple Pillar'
Rose of Sharon Paraplu Violet
Hibiscus syriacus 'Paraplu Violet'
Red Pillar Rose-of-Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Pillar'
Spinderella Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Spinderella'
Rose of Sharon Dark Lavender Chiffon
Hibiscus syriacus 'Dark Lavender Chiffon'
Hardy Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos
Browse all 86 Hibiscus varieties →
How to grow Hibiscus
What the Hibiscus varieties in our catalog actually agree on — drawn from the care records of the 40 most-grown of them, not from a generic template.
The Hibiscus year
- FertilizeMarch and April100% of varieties
Apply balanced fertilizer as new growth begins and again mid-summer
- PruneJanuary–March80% of varieties
Cut back hard in late winter/early spring to maintain shape and encourage new blooms.
- Check for PestsJune and July60% of varieties
Monitor for aphids and whiteflies, especially on new shoots.
- MulchMarch43% of varieties
Refresh mulch in spring; apply thick layer in late fall for insulation
- PlantMarch, April, September and October30% of varieties
Plant bare root or container plants after the danger of hard frost
- 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 | Chewed leaves and skeletonization | Handpick or use organic insect traps |
| 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 | Dark spots on leaves | Remove affected leaves and apply copper fungicide |
| 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 86 distinct Hibiscus varieties. The most popular — ranked by 3.2k real gardener saves — 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.
Keep exploring
More on Hibiscus
Hibiscus shows up in
By hardiness zone
Design with Hibiscus in your own yard
Snap a photo of your space and see these varieties planted in it — sized correctly, matched to your zone, with care reminders included.
