Hibiscus flowers add a tropical dimension to any planting scheme
Image: Hibiscus syriacus ‘Pink Giant’ from Thompson & Morgan

Hibiscus shrubs produce huge, beautiful flowers that make a real statement in any planting scheme. Whether you opt for a hardy garden variety or a tender house plant, these exotic-looking shrubs usually reach about 2-3m tall in the UK and deliver a distinctly tropical feel to your space. In this article we share planting and care tips along with five of the best varieties to start your new obsession!

Browse our full collection of hibiscus shrubs for even more inspiration.

This article was reviewed by T&M’s horticultural team and updated on 20 June 2024.

What are the different types of hibiscus?

In total, there are more than 200 known species of Hibiscus. The most suitable for growing indoors is Chinese Hibiscus, otherwise known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

For outdoor growing, Hibiscus syriacus, also called Rose of Sharon, is far more hardy. Available in a superb range of flower colours, the large blooms can be anything from bright white to hot pink or cool blue.

How to care for hibiscus shrubs

This tricolour Hibiscus shrub adds pink, white and blue flowers to an established border
Image: Hibiscus ‘Tricolour’ from Thompson & Morgan

• Sunlight: Hibiscus likes sunlight, so whether you’re growing a hardy variety outdoors or a tender houseplant, make sure it’s in a bright spot.
• Watering: Most Hibiscus like moderately wet soil, with the ability to drain well. If you’re gardening on clay soil, you may need to mix in some grit, sand and garden compost when planting, to improve the drainage. Plants grown in borders should be able to look after themselves once established, so you’ll only need to water them for the first month or two after planting. If you’re growing hibiscus in a pot, make sure that there are plenty of drainage holes to prevent waterlogging but water regularly during the summer months.
• Fertiliser: You can use fertiliser to help your hibiscus grow. Feed with a liquid plant food every 4 weeks from spring to late summer.
• Pruning: Indoor Hibiscus rosa-sinensis don’t really need any pruning. Hardy Hibiscus syriacus is in pruning group 1, meaning that it should be very lightly pruned in late spring, just as the leaf buds are opening. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and shape your plant as required.

Five of the best hibiscus varieties to grow outdoors in the UK

Hibiscus ‘Pink Chiffon’

1. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Pink Chiffon’

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Pink Chiffon’ produces a vast number of pink, silky, ruffled, double flowers that burst into bloom in late summer. These flowers continue to deliver plenty of colour into the autumn, just as other early-summer plants are starting to fade. Needing lots of bright sunlight, ‘Pink Chiffon’ requires six hours of direct sun per day, so choose the planting position carefully.

Hibiscus ‘Walberton’s® Rose Moon’

2. Hibiscus ‘Walberton’s® Rose Moon’

Hibiscus ‘Walberton’s® Rose Moon’ boasts extra large, pink, trumpet-shaped flowers that grow up to 18cm (7”) across! It makes an incredible specimen plant for late-summer borders or large patio containers. This impressive variety comes from British breeding, with much flatter blooms that really show off each glorious petal.

Hibiscus ‘Starburst Chiffon’

3. Hibiscus ‘Starburst Chiffon’

Hibiscus ‘Starburst Chiffon’ adds an elegant and exotic feel to your garden with huge, white, semi-double flowers streaked with magenta centres. Blooming from July to October, ‘Starburst Chiffon’ grows up to 150cm in height and spread, making a fabulous specimen shrub that adds the wow-factor to any garden.

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Oiseau Bleu’

4. Hibiscus syriacus ‘Oiseau Bleu’

Hibiscus syriacus ‘Oiseau Bleu’ is a real head-turner for its silky blue flowers. Like many Hibiscus, it is often one of the last plants in the garden to begin leafing-up after winter – often not until May. It’s worth waiting for though, as the late-summer flowers keep going right into autumn.

Hibiscus siriacus ‘Purple Ruffles’

5. Hibiscus siriacus ‘Purple Ruffles’

Hibiscus siriacus ‘Purple Ruffles’ is a fully hardy, free-flowering and bushy shrub that’s perfect for borders and patio containers. The purple-red flowers are extra-special, with double or sometimes triple layers of silky petals that burst into life from August until October. Infused in hot water, the petals make a mildly citrus-flavoured tea and they also work well in fruit salads. Read our edible flowers article for more information.

As you can see, Hibiscus shrubs are really easy to grow and don’t need a lot of special care. Visit our hub page to learn more about exotic plants including how to grow different types of tropical flowers and fruit. Or if you want to pick up tips on growing summer flowering plants, take a look at our dedicated page of helpful resources.

Sara Taylor

Sara Elizabeth Taylor has been a lover of things that grow, and that love has been a major part of her life. She’s a biologist specialising in flora and is also a passionate indoor gardener. You can find her at @indoorgardennook.

Within her house, located in the middle of the bustling city, Sara hides her lush and beautiful indoor garden, full of both decorative plants and of various fruits and vegetables. Throughout the years she has amassed a lot of experience regarding gardening and is more than eager to share all of her knowledge and exchange tips and tricks with gardening enthusiasts both young and old.

“Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.”