Stepping into my garden, I’m instantly transported to a tropical paradise. The vibrant colors of my hibiscus collection never fail to take my breath away.
After years of cultivating these beauties, I’m excited to share my passion and help you bring a touch of the tropics to your own backyard!
Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
1. Snow Queen
My 12-foot tall Snow Queen is a true showstopper. Her large, pristine white flowers contrast beautifully with variegated leaves, creating a stunning focal point in my garden.
2. Double Peach
This variety holds a special place in my heart. I planted one for my sister 15 years ago, and its peachy-pink double flowers still bring a smile to her face every morning.
3. Brilliant Red
A classic red hibiscus that reminds me of my childhood. Its vibrant blooms are like beacons of tropical beauty in any garden.
4. Lef Bran
This small tree-like hibiscus features lovely drooping branches adorned with delicate pink or white flowers. It’s a living sculpture in my landscape.
5. Andrade Red
Another tree-type hibiscus, Andrade Red boasts striking crimson flowers on a bushy, pendulous form. It’s a real eye-catcher!
6. Midnight Tryst
I love the unique lavender and purple hues of this exotic variety. It adds a touch of mystery to my tropical display.
7. Bright Hope
This stunning hybrid never fails to impress with its intricate blend of colors. It’s like having a living sunset in your garden.
8. Hawaiian Punch Orange
With large, flat flowers that last 3-4 days, this variety is a real treat. Its vibrant orange hue reminds me of tropical cocktails by the beach.
9. Imperial Dragon
This rare find is worth seeking out. Its extraordinary blooms are like works of art in nature.
10. Tangerine Dream
A double flower variety that paints my garden in warm, sunset hues. It’s pure magic when the light hits it just right.
11. Double Wild
Imagine a giant pink carnation, and you’ve got this beauty! It’s a conversation starter for sure.
12. Neilia Gonzalez hybrids
These varieties always catch my eye with their intricate color patterns. They’re like nature’s own kaleidoscopes.
13. Hollywood Gossip Queen
With a name this fun, how could you resist? It adds a touch of glam to my garden.
14. Fiesta
A readily available variety that’s perfect for container gardens. I love using these to add pops of color on my patio.
15. Heavy Metal
A rare find, but oh so worth it if you can get your hands on one. It’s the rock star of my hibiscus collection.
16. Island Wind
Another great choice for pots around the pool or patio. It brings that vacation vibe right to your doorstep.
17. Rico Suave
The name alone makes me smile every time I see it in my garden. It’s as charming as its moniker suggests.
18. Cosmic Dancer
Ideal for creating small, colorful hedges in your landscape. I use these to add structure and vibrant color to my garden beds.
Swamp Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus)
19. Swamp Hibiscus
Native to Florida, this marsh hibiscus adds a touch of wildness to my garden. It’s perfect for those slightly damper areas.
Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
20. Luna Pink Swirl
A swirling pattern of pink and white that’s simply mesmerizing. It’s like having a pinwheel of color in your garden.
21. Ballet Slippers
Delicate pink blooms that dance in the breeze. These always remind me of a troupe of tiny ballerinas.
22. Starry Starry Night
Deep, moody colors that add drama to the garden. It’s like having a piece of the night sky blooming in your yard.
23. Bluebird
A rare blue hue that’s hard to find in tropical varieties. It’s a cool, refreshing presence in the summer garden.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
24. Purple Pillar
A tall, narrow variety that’s great for screening or framing spaces. I use these to create living walls in my landscape.
25. Bluebird Rose of Sharon
Another blue beauty that adds a unique touch to cooler climate gardens. It’s like having a piece of the tropics up north.
26. Lavender Chiffon
Soft lavender blooms that add a touch of elegance to any garden. They’re like floating bits of silk.
27. Red Heart
White flowers with a bold red center make this variety pop. It’s a real attention-grabber in my summer garden.
28. White Chiffon
Pure white blooms that bring a sense of peace and tranquility to the garden. They’re like clouds floating amongst the greenery.
Hibiscus Care Tips
Tropical Hibiscus Care
I’ve found that tropical hibiscus thrive with full sun exposure. I plant mine in well-draining, fertile soil and water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, I feed them with a balanced fertilizer. Regular pruning helps maintain their shape and encourages more of those gorgeous blooms.
Swamp Hibiscus Care
My swamp hibiscus loves wet areas, making it perfect for rain gardens. I give it full sun to partial shade, and it adapts well to various soil types. Just remember, it may go dormant in winter.
Hardy Hibiscus Care
For those dinner plate-sized blooms, I make sure my hardy hibiscus gets full sun. They prefer moist, well-draining soil. In winter, they die back to the ground, so I trim the dead growth in spring. I start fertilizing when I see new growth appear.
Rose of Sharon Care
These tough plants do well in full sun to partial shade. I plant them in well-draining soil, and they tolerate various soil types. I prune mine in late winter to early spring to keep them looking their best.
Growing hibiscus has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my gardening journey. From the tropical varieties that remind me of island vacations to the hardy types that bring a touch of the exotic to cooler climates, there’s a hibiscus for every garden.
I hope this guide inspires you to add some of these stunning varieties to your own outdoor space. Trust me, once you see those first blooms unfurl, you’ll be just as hooked as I am!