Plant Spotlight: Hibiscus in Charleston
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Did you know Charleston has beautiful, native hibiscus? These plants are grown for their striking, large flowers and work well in mass plantings around your landscape. They attract butterflies and hummingbirds and add a tropical flair to any space! If you're hoping to grow hibiscus in Charleston, add one these options to your garden today.
Hibiscus moscheutos, also known as swamp hibiscus or rosemallow are herbaceous perennials with massive, colorful flowers blooming mid summer to fall. The blooms range in color from stark white to striking red hues and leaves vary by variety. They thrive in full to part sun, grow best in moist soil and even thrive in wet, swampy conditions. These beautiful plants are found along creeks and ponds and native to wetlands in the southeastern United States.
Hibiscus 'Dream' is a cultivar of Hibiscus moscheutos with improved, compact branching habit and heavier flowers. Its prized for large white flowers with a red eye and dark foliage!
Hibiscus coccineus, or scarlet rosemallow is a herbaceous perennial native to the southeastern United States that's prized for its bold red blooms that are attractants for hummingbirds and other pollinators! Native bees nest in the hollow stems, so cut stems back 1-2 feet after flowering and let the stems disintegrate on their own.
Hibiscus laevis, or smooth rosemallow is a herbaceous perennial that is native to southeastern Canada and central and eastern United States. It features showy, white or pink flowers and smooth hairless leaves. This hibiscus is a host plant for many moth and butterflies!
Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as Rose-of-Sharon is not native but it's hardy from 5a - 9b and grows wells in our area! This fast growing, deciduous shrub or tree grows over 8 feet tall and over 6 feet wide. It thrives in the full sun and is tolerant of various soil conditions, but prefers moist, well draining soil. We love the Raspberry Smoothie and Blueberry Smoothie hybrids for the large, double ruffled leaves and glossy green foliage!
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