How big does Hardy hibiscus grow?

About 1.5 m × 1.2 m after ten years (height × width). Its ultimate size is 0.9–2.1 m × 0.6–1.5 m.

What soil does Hardy hibiscus grow in?

It tolerates these soils: average garden soil.

Is Hardy hibiscus hardy?

Hardy down to -29 °C (USDA zone 4, RHS H7). It gets through winter in every part of the country.

When does Hardy hibiscus flower?

Flowering: July–September, white, pink, red.

How much water does Hardy hibiscus need?

Water need: high. Drought tolerance: low.

Hardy hibiscus

Hibiscus moscheutos

Hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) is a perennial that reaches 1.5 m × 1.2 m after ten years. Light: full sun, part shade. Hardy down to -29 °C. Drought tolerance: low. Sold in local shops from about €14.

Illustration of Hardy hibiscus — An illustration of the typical shape of the mature plant, not a photo.

What it's good for, and what it isn't

A shrub-sized herbaceous perennial that carries dinner-plate flowers in white, pink or red from midsummer into autumn; each bloom lasts a day or two, but new ones open daily. It is happiest in sun next to a pond or in a rain garden hollow, because it needs a lot of water. It dies back to the ground in winter and comes up very late in spring, so mark the spot and do not dig it up out of impatience.

Watch out for

In Central Europe the shoots freeze back to the ground every winter and the plant resprouts only in May, after most other perennials: many people think it is dead and throw it out. Cut the stems back to a hand span in autumn, mulch the crown in its first winters and mark its place. It is thirsty: if the soil dries out, the leaves scorch and the buds drop, so in hot, dry summers it will not look good without regular deep watering. Aphids, whiteflies, leaf spots and rust can occur, and beetles and sawfly larvae may chew the leaves.

Key facts

Light: Full sun, Part shade
Water need: High
Care: Medium
Size after 10 years: 1.5 m × 1.2 m
Hardiness: down to -29 °C
Foliage: Deciduous
Flowering: J F M A M J J A S O N D July–September, white, pink, red

Group	Perennial
Light	Full sun, Part shade
Size after 10 years	1.5 m × 1.2 m
Ultimate size	0.9–2.1 m × 0.6–1.5 m
Hardiness	down to -29 °C (USDA 4, RHS H7)
Soil	Average garden soil
Foliage	Deciduous
Flowering	July–September, white, pink, red
Water need	High
Drought tolerance	Low
Maintenance	Medium
Root aggressiveness	Low
Suckering	no
Spreading	Low
Distance from buildings	no data
Distance from paving	no data
Litter	not typical
Planting distance	90 cm
For dogs	no data
For cats	no data
For children	no data
Typical price	from about €14

Toxicity data is for information only. If your pet or child has eaten a plant, contact a vet or a doctor.

Sizes and prices available

The same plant is sold as a small pot and as a specimen several metres tall, and the price follows. Prices are rounded and for guidance only.

Size	Typical price
size not stated	approx. €14

Frequently asked questions

Data updated: October 8, 2026 · How our data is made

Appears in these lists

Perennials for part shade Perennials for full sun Perennials for pollinators Plants for containers

Looks good next to it

Firethorn

Pyracantha coccinea

Blue holly

Ilex × meserveae

Willowleaf cotoneaster

Cotoneaster salicifolius