If you’re dreaming of a garden bursting with bold color and tropical charm, hibiscus plants are the perfect choice. With their large, vivid blooms and lush foliage, hibiscus can instantly transform outdoor spaces into a lush paradise. Available in a rainbow of shades — from fiery reds to delicate pastels these plants are also pollinator-friendly, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies. Whether you’re growing them in containers or garden beds, these 10 stunning hibiscus varieties are sure to brighten your landscape and lift your spirits.
1. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese Hibiscus)
Chinese Hibiscus is perhaps the most iconic hibiscus variety, renowned for its large, vibrant flowers that can span up to 8 inches across. Available in bold reds, sunny yellows, pinks, and oranges, these blooms bring a lively, tropical feel to any garden. The plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for patios, decks, or border plantings. It also attracts pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds, adding dynamic movement and beauty to your space. Regular pruning keeps it lush and blooming all season long.
2. Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
Rose of Sharon is a hardy, deciduous shrub hibiscus known for its continuous summer bloom and cold-weather tolerance. Unlike tropical varieties, this plant can withstand cooler climates, making it ideal for temperate gardens. Its trumpet-shaped flowers appear in shades of lavender, pink, white, and blue, offering delicate beauty from midsummer to early fall. Growing up to 8–12 feet tall, Rose of Sharon is perfect for hedging, privacy screens, or as a flowering focal point in the garden. It requires minimal care and adapts to a range of soil types.
3. Hibiscus moscheutos (Hardy Hibiscus)
Often called Swamp Hibiscus or Dinner Plate Hibiscus, this variety produces some of the largest hibiscus blooms — often exceeding 10 inches in diameter. Hardy Hibiscus offers breathtaking flowers in pink, red, or white with contrasting centers. It’s a cold-hardy perennial that thrives in sunny garden beds with moist, fertile soil. The plant dies back in winter but reliably returns each spring, delivering dramatic blooms through late summer. Its impressive size and showy flowers make it a favorite for gardeners wanting bold, seasonal color.
4. Hibiscus acetosella (Red Leaf Hibiscus)
Known for both its striking foliage and delicate flowers, Red Leaf Hibiscus brings a bold pop of color to the garden even before it blooms. Its deeply lobed, burgundy leaves create a dramatic backdrop, while small, crimson blooms appear throughout summer and fall. This fast-growing annual or tender perennial thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. It’s perfect for mixed borders or container arrangements, adding texture and contrast to floral displays. Beyond its beauty, the edible leaves are sometimes used in salads and teas.
5. Hibiscus mutabilis (Confederate Rose)
Confederate Rose is a captivating hibiscus variety that changes flower color throughout the day. Starting as white or pale pink in the morning, blooms deepen to rich pink or crimson by evening. This large shrub can reach heights of 12–15 feet in warmer regions and produces multiple blooms during late summer and fall. The Confederate Rose thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Its dramatic, color-changing flowers and towering presence make it a conversation starter in any landscape.
6. Hibiscus sabdariffa (Roselle)
Also known as Roselle or Jamaican Sorrel, this hibiscus is as useful as it is beautiful. Its ruby-red calyces are harvested for teas, jams, and herbal remedies, offering tart, cranberry-like flavor. Beyond its culinary use, Roselle produces delicate pale yellow flowers with dark centers. It prefers warm, sunny conditions and thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. This annual plant can grow up to 7 feet tall, making it a striking addition to kitchen gardens, edible landscapes, or tropical-themed borders.
7. Hibiscus trionum (Flower-of-an-Hour)
Flower-of-an-Hour is a charming, fast-growing annual hibiscus known for its short-lived but abundant blooms. Its pale yellow flowers with dark maroon centers open in the morning and close by afternoon, hence its whimsical name. Despite their fleeting nature, the blooms are plentiful throughout the growing season. This compact plant grows well in containers or borders, adding cheerful, delicate color to sunny spots. It requires minimal care, tolerates poor soils, and attracts pollinators, making it a great choice for low-maintenance, eco-friendly gardens.
8. Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet Hibiscus)
Nicknamed Texas Star Hibiscus, this striking variety produces star-shaped, scarlet-red flowers that are magnets for hummingbirds and butterflies. Native to wetlands in the southeastern United States, it thrives in moist soil and full sun. The plant can reach heights of up to 8 feet, making it ideal for pond edges, rain gardens, or bold garden backdrops. Its unique flower shape and fiery color stand out in any landscape. It’s a perennial in warm climates and can be grown as an annual in cooler areas.
9. Hibiscus grandiflorus (Swamp Rose Mallow)
Swamp Rose Mallow is a native North American hibiscus that dazzles with its enormous, soft pink flowers and dark crimson centers. Blooming from midsummer through early fall, these blooms attract pollinators while adding a lush, tropical touch to wetland gardens, pond edges, and rain gardens. The plant can grow up to 7 feet tall and thrives in full sun with consistently moist soil. It’s an excellent choice for naturalistic plantings, wildlife gardens, or spaces needing a splash of summer drama.
10. Hibiscus arnottianus (Hawaiian White Hibiscus)
Native to Hawaii, Hibiscus arnottianus produces elegant, pure white blooms with striking red stamens. The flowers exude a light, sweet fragrance, making this variety a sensory delight in any garden. It prefers warm, humid conditions and well-drained soil, thriving in full sun to partial shade. The plant grows as a small tree or large shrub, reaching up to 15 feet in its native habitat. Its pristine blooms and glossy green foliage lend a serene, tropical feel to gardens, patios, and poolside spaces.