A popular shrub in many gardens is the hibiscus, which delights with its flowers in pink, yellow, white or blue. If you want the hibiscus to settle permanently in the garden, you must choose a hardy variety.
Which hibiscus varieties are hardy?
A hardy hibiscus for the garden is the marshmallow (Hibiscus syriacus). Popular varieties include Hamabo, Russian Violet, Pink Giant and Blue Chiffon. Other hardy varieties include the marshmallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), the almond marshmallow (Hibiscus mutabilis) and the hourflower (Hibiscus trionum).
We know the hibiscus with its colorful flowers in many different ways. It is now an important design element in many gardens, where it is particularly welcome as a late bloomer. As a pot plant it gives terraces and balconies a southern flair and as a house plant it stands out with its large flowers.
Winter-hardy hibiscus for the garden
The marshmallow is ideal for the garden. Hibiscus syiacus, also known as rose marshmallow, has proven itself as a hardy shrub. It is available in a large selection in nurseries and garden centers. Popular varieties are Hamabo, Russian Violet, Pink Giant or the double variety Blue Chiffon. You can plant the hibiscus as a solitary plant, in a loose group or as a flowering hedge.
If the hibiscus has grown well in your garden, it can tolerate frosty temperatures well. In addition, new growth is relatively safe from late frosts in spring, as the hibiscus develops its flowers on fresh wood. In the months of July to September it reliably delights with countless flowers. With good site conditions and proper care, it grows up to a height of 2 m.
Other hardy varieties are:
- Hibiscus moscheutus, or marshmallow, a perennial form for sunny locations
- Hibiscus mutabilis, the almond marshmallow, which changes its flower color, hardy to approx. -15°C
- Hibiscus trionum, the hour flower
Good care
Even if the winter-hardy hibiscus is a fairly easy-care shrub, it does place some demands on its location and care. The garden marshmallow feels most comfortable in a bright, sunny and protected location. The best time to plant is spring.
The hibiscus prefers humus-rich soil, but it can cope just as well with normal soil. It is important that you water the garden hibiscus regularly. Although waterlogging must be avoided, the soil around the plant should still be constantly moist. If the hibiscus is left dry for too long, it will simply drop its flowers, even the unopened ones.
Frost protection for young bushes
The hardy garden marshmallow has adapted to our winters and tolerates frosty temperatures quite well. However, especially in the first few years, it is important to protect young hibiscus plants from severe frosts. To do this, simply cover the ground around the bush with bark mulch (€14.00 on Amazon). Older bushes no longer need frost protection and can also tolerate short-term frosts down to -20°C.
Frozen branches
Even if the hibiscus has adapted well to our winters, individual parts of the plant can freeze in severe frost. This is no problem, as the hibiscus is robust and sprouts vigorously again in spring. Frozen branches and twigs are removed during the annual pruning in spring. The cut should be carried out into the fresh wood to prevent diseases.
Non-hardy varieties
In addition to the popular, hardy Hibiscus syriacus, many other hibiscus varieties can be found in the garden and on the terrace throughout the summer. The popular Chinese hibiscus is not hardy, bot. Hibiscus rosa sinensis. It can easily be left outside in a pot during the summer, but it definitely needs to be taken inside before winter. Inside, it feels at home in a bright place in the room or in the winter garden. The ideal temperature is 10 – 15 °C.
Other beautiful, non-hardy varieties are Hibiscus caesius (climbing hibiscus), Hibiscus El Capitolio and the yellow Hibiscus calyphyllus.
Tips & Tricks
A layer of mulch primarily protects young hibiscus from frost damage. Instead of bark mulch, you can also cover the ground around your hibiscus with dry leaves and branches of fir or spruce.
