Hibiscus plants are known for their large, eye-catching blooms and bold, tropical appearance. Despite their exotic look, many hibiscus varieties are easy to grow and thrive in backyard gardens across a range of climates.
Some types are cold-hardy perennials, while others are tropical plants best grown in warm areas or containers. From massive dinner-plate flowers to long-blooming shrubs, these are the most popular hibiscus varieties to grow in your backyard.
1. Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Hardy hibiscus are known for their enormous, dinner-plate-sized flowers that can reach 8–12 inches across. They are cold-hardy perennials that die back each winter and return in late spring. This variety thrives in full sun, prefers consistently moist soil, and works beautifully as a bold focal point in backyard garden beds.
2. Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Tropical hibiscus feature glossy green leaves and brightly colored flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white. They bloom continuously in warm weather but are not frost-tolerant. This variety is best grown in containers so it can be moved indoors in cooler climates or used year-round in warm regions.
3. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Rose of Sharon is a hardy flowering shrub that blooms later in summer when many other plants have finished. It produces hibiscus-like flowers in purple, pink, blue, and white and can grow several feet tall. This variety is low maintenance, drought-tolerant once established, and excellent for hedges or privacy screens.
4. Swamp Hibiscus
Swamp hibiscus is a type of hardy hibiscus that naturally grows in wet or low-lying areas. It produces very large flowers and thrives in moist soil where other plants may struggle. This variety is perfect for rain gardens, pond edges, or areas with poor drainage.
5. Luna Hibiscus Series
The Luna hibiscus series offers compact hardy hibiscus plants with large blooms on shorter stems. They are bred to flower earlier and fit well into smaller gardens and containers. This variety provides bold color without the massive size of traditional hardy hibiscus.
6. Lord Baltimore Hibiscus
Lord Baltimore is a classic hardy hibiscus variety known for its massive red blooms and tall, upright growth. It can reach 5–6 feet tall and makes a dramatic statement in the back of garden beds. This variety thrives in full sun and consistently moist soil.
7. Midnight Marvel Hibiscus
Midnight Marvel hibiscus stands out for its deep red flowers and dark burgundy foliage. It blooms heavily in mid to late summer and adds strong color contrast to backyard gardens. This variety prefers full sun and is both heat- and cold-tolerant.
8. Disco Belle Hibiscus
Disco Belle hibiscus produces huge, flat blooms in shades of pink, red, and white. The flowers open wide and are very eye-catching from a distance. This variety grows well in sunny garden beds and prefers moist, well-drained soil.
9. Summerific Hibiscus Series
The Summerific series includes many modern hardy hibiscus varieties bred for strong stems, large blooms, and long flowering periods. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns. This series is popular with home gardeners for its reliability and impressive flower size.
10. Blue Chiffon Hibiscus
Blue Chiffon hibiscus is a Rose of Sharon variety with soft blue-lavender, semi-double flowers. It blooms from midsummer into fall and adds a gentle, elegant look to the garden. This variety works well as a flowering shrub or privacy screen and is very low maintenance.
11. White Chiffon Hibiscus
White Chiffon hibiscus is another Rose of Sharon variety with soft, double white blooms and a delicate, airy look. It blooms from mid to late summer and brightens garden spaces as other flowers fade. This variety is hardy, drought-tolerant once established, and easy to maintain.
12. Aphrodite Hibiscus
Aphrodite hibiscus produces large, rosy-pink blooms with a darker center. It is a hardy hibiscus that blooms in mid to late summer and grows into a bushy, upright plant. This variety is ideal for adding vibrant color to sunny garden beds.
13. Cranberry Crush Hibiscus
Cranberry Crush hibiscus features rich red blooms with dramatic veining and strong stems. It blooms heavily and maintains its shape well throughout the season. This variety is perfect for gardeners who want bold color without excessive spreading.
14. Kopper King Hibiscus
Kopper King hibiscus is known for its pale pink flowers contrasted against deep copper-colored foliage. The foliage alone adds visual interest even when the plant is not in bloom. This variety thrives in full sun and moist soil and works well as a focal plant.
15. Perfect Storm Hibiscus
Perfect Storm hibiscus combines large white blooms with red centers and dark, almost black foliage. It stays more compact than many hardy hibiscus varieties while still offering dramatic flowers. This variety is excellent for smaller gardens and high-impact displays.
