Growing Hibiscus: Rose of Sharon, Swamp Mallow & Tropical Types

Growing Hibiscus (Hibiscus)

Pronunciation: hye-bis'kus

The genus includes 200+ species—annuals, perennials, shrubs, tender and hardy.

Rose of Sharon (H. syriacus)

Shrub with late-summer bloom. Full sun, well-drained average soil. Space 4–8′. Prune early spring. May take 2–3 years to flower. Growth 12–24″/year.

Swamp Rose Mallow (H. moscheutos)

Hardy perennial to 3–4′. Full sun, evenly moist, organically rich soil. Space 2–3′. Late to emerge (late May/June)—mark location. Cut stems to ground in fall or early spring.

Tropical Hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis)

Full sun for best color (part shade in West). Moist, well-drained soil. Pinch for bushiness. Hardy to zone 10. Overwinter indoors in sunny south window.