Brian Minter: Revitalize your summer garden with hibiscus

Article content

With everything that’s going on in our gardens right now; the heat, drought and water restrictions, we could all use a lift from a remarkable plant family. I’ve seen them blooming their hearts out even in the hottest, driest locations, so they are well suited to today’s new gardening realities.

I’m talking about the hibiscus family, and two members in particular are bringing fresh, vibrant colour just when we need a little pick-me-up in that department. One, hibiscus moscheutos, is a hardy Zone 4 perennial, the other, hibiscus syriacus, a Zone 5 flowering shrub.

Article content

Article content

The old moscheutos hybrids, also known as Rose Mallow, like the Southern Belle and Luna series, have evolved into some of the most remarkable, absolutely amazing giant flowering perennials in our gardens.

The irony is that these late summer stunners were originally not recommended for the West Coast because we did not get enough heat to allow them a full summer and fall show. Well, that’s changed. Perennial growers across the Lower Mainland have them budded and ready for gardeners throughout the province.

Most of the North American breeding is done in Michigan and the newer varieties are shipped as bare root plants to growers who pot them up in February and March to finish them as blooming plants in mid-July and August.

Proven Winners have branded a series called Summerific. All are Zone 4 hardy and grow about one to two metres height and width. The foliage varies with many shades of green to the deepest burgundy reds, which contrasts nicely with the huge, spectacular blooms.

Flower colours range from the blush pink, red-edge of Ballet Slippers, to the rich, deep red of Holy Grail and bubble-gum pink, red-eyed Candy Crush. Red-eyed cream French Vanilla and hot pink Evening Rose, both of which have dark green, almost black, foliage are not to be missed.

Article content

Article content

There are also an increasing number of varieties which are equally spectacular. The pink and red swirls of Starry, Starry Night, and the vibrant magenta pink of Summer Carnival with its contrasting white and green variegated foliage are stunning.

These perennial hibiscus provide a much-needed pop of colour in the hottest, driest times of year in our gardens. They are the last perennial to emerge from winter dormancy, but they more than make up for it with a massive, spectacular display of colour that lasts for many weeks.

The shrub and tree forms, Rose of Sharon or hibiscus syriacus, have already been making a statement in our gardens for a few weeks now. I love the many varieties and colours they add to our gardens, but there have been some remarkable additions to this important summer flowering family.

The most recent introductions are the tall but narrow growing varieties called the Pillar series. Maturing at about three metres in height and a metre wide, these are truly valuable enhancements to our landscapes. They make a perfect screening focal point or hedge especially suited to a small space garden. I love the fact that they flower from top to bottom, making a unique display in the garden.

Article content

With some winter protection, they are also well suited to containers and in sunny locations, they would certainly provide a lasting summer performance. Purple Pillar, a lavender semi-double flower with a red throat was first on the market, followed by a pure white semi-double. It took a couple of years to develop, but this year saw the debut of the first red pillar with single pinky-red flowers. I’m eagerly waiting to see this one.

Hibiscus is the national flower of South Korea and the most compact of the shrub hibiscus, the Li’l Kim series, was developed by South Korean breeder, Dr. Kyung-Ku Shim. They grow to only about one metre and I’m very impressed with their tight, compact habit.

The older Proven Winner Chiffon series, sporting their large, single flowers with fully frilled centres are absolutely beautiful, and are available in five colours: blue, lavender, magenta, pink and white. They all grow up to about three metres and make great screens as well as producing massive colour all summer and into fall.

New this year is Star Blast Chiffon which is quite a head-turner. The white flowers are inked with red and pink markings and centred with a pure white ruffle. When the first blooms opened, they made you do a doubletake.

Article content

If you prefer single blooms with dark eyes, the Proven Winners’ Satin series grow to about the same size as the Chiffons and come in a nice range of colours.

It’s been a gardening year for the record books and with summer water restrictions, we need to make new choices on the plants we grow. These perennial and shrub hibiscus tick a lot of boxes and are great for birds and pollinators as well. They should be on our new planting lists.

Support our journalism: Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 per week, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.

Article content