Common Names: Rose Mallow, Swamp Mallow, Hardy Hibiscus, Dinner-Plate Hibiscus, Fleming hybrid Hibiscus, or Perennial Hibiscus.
Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9; Hardy to -30F degrees.

A hardy perennial that is categorized as a deciduous woody shrub, Hibiscus ‘moscheutos’ is cold hardy like to Hibiscus syriacus (Rose-of-Sharon), but produces large blooms that are similar to tropical Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

Plant the hibiscus crown at or just below soil level in a moist, well-drained, sunny location. Keeping these plants watered will result in larger flowers and lush foliage. Do not over-water dormant plants, but after dormancy is broken, do not let plants wilt. Provided with organic soil (or a fertilizer application in the spring) and plenty of water, Hibiscus ‘moscheutos’ will continue its vigorous growth rate through the summer. Fertilizer should not be used after June to ensure that the hibiscus flower production is not impeded by excess nitrogen. To encourage branching, pinch plants back when new shoots are 2 inches long. Do not pinch all the way back to the hardwood portion of the stem.

Hardy hibiscus begins blooming in mid-summer and will often continue producing flowers until frost. One hibiscus plant can produce hundreds of flowers, especially with deadheading to prolong the bloom period.

It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives. Hibiscus should be heavily mulched the first winter. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears. Be advised: Hibiscus ‘moscheutos’ loves heat and need long days to break dormancy; it is always one of the last plants to emerge each spring. However, its vigorous growth rate more than makes up for this late start.

Hibiscus can be used in the garden as focal point, as a border or arranged to provide an informal hedge. Some perennial hibiscus plants are compact and some habits are taller.