Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Red'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Medium to wet
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Herbaceous Perennial
Native To
Eastern and Southern North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
The Story
Plant Bio
Hibiscus moscheutos, commonly known as hardy hibiscus or swamp rose mallow, is a vigorous, herbaceous perennial. It features large, showy, hollyhock-like flowers and large, heart-shaped to lobed, green leaves. 'Luna Red' is a compact cultivar noted for its large, dinner-plate sized, deep scarlet-red flowers, up to 8 inches across. Although individual flowers last only a day or two, the plant produces a succession of blooms from mid-summer to early fall.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings in moist soil in spring
- Ensure full sun for vibrant blooms
- Water regularly to keep soil moist, especially in dry periods
- Apply a balanced fertilizer during early growth
- Stake tall varieties to prevent wind damage
- Prune back in late fall after flowering
Pro Tip
Plant in rich, moist soil with good drainage for best results
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during dry spells 💧
- Prune in late fall to shape and promote new growth
- Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t cut back in early spring before new growth appears
- Refrain from using high nitrogen fertilizers that promote foliage over flowers
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red questions
What zones can Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red grow in?
Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red bloom?
Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red typically blooms in mid-summer to early fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red need full sun?
Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Hibiscus to compare
Midnight Marvel Swamp Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Midnight Marvel'
Rose of Sharon Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus 'Azurri Blue Satin'
Pink 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'
Keep exploring
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Hardy Hibiscus Luna Red with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
