Species hardy hibiscus
Swamp mallow(Hibiscus moscheutos); baby pink  flowers with dark pink markings and centers,  yellow stigmas, green buds, and green, toothed leaves

hardy hibiscus

Hibiscus 'Lester Riegel'

Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus 'Lester Riegel') grows tall and strong, and provides a beautiful show of large pink blossoms all summer long. It's an easy-care shrub that tolerates a variety of soil conditions and will thrive in sun and part-sun sites up to USDA Zone 5. The rich green foliage is an attractive backdrop to its vibrant blossoms, which attract pollinators. This striking plant is ideal for use in foundation plantings, as an accent shrub, or in borders. Grown in containers, it brightens up decks, patios, and other outdoor living spaces. Hardy Hibiscus is a reliable, adaptable shrub that requires minimal care.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Stem Propagation,Root Cutting,Division,Air Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Pink with deep pink veins and red eye Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Low

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus 'Lester Riegel') should be watered regularly throughout the growing season. During the hottest months of summer, these shrubs may need to be watered 2 to 3 times per week. As the temperatures begin to cool off in the fall, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once a week. In the winter months, hibiscus may need very little or no supplemental watering. However, if the area where the hibiscus is planted experiences a milder winter, water once every 1 to 2 weeks to help keep the shrub healthy.

sunlight

Hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus 'Lester Riegel') prefers a full sun location to stay healthy, bloom, and look its best. A minimum of 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight is ideal. If possible, the plant should be located in a spot that receives all-day exposure, especially during the spring and summer months, when temperatures are warm and the plant is actively growing and blooming. In the winter, when the plant is dormant and very little flowering is occurring, a more shaded location may be tolerated.

pruning

Prune your Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus 'Lester Riegel') lightly in late winter or early spring just before new growth begins. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged stems as needed at any time during the growing season. Thin out overcrowded stems and remove any shoots that are growing outward from the main stem. To encourage bushier growth, cut off a few of the shoots just above a bud. Prune off faded flowers to prevent the plant from setting seed and to stimulate additional bloom. By pruning lightly and removing faded flowers, you'll enjoy an abundance of beautiful blossoms throughout the summer!

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Hardy hibiscus typically start flowering in late summer, usually in July or August.

Hardiness Map