Companion Plants for Hibiscus in Southern California

Cannas

• At 4 to 10 feet tall, with a 5- to 8-foot spread, a mature hibiscus can anchor a tropical-theme Southern California planting scheme that includes plants like cannas (Canna group), hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10. The plants feature tall flower stalks -- 1.5 to 8 feet -- and flowers in vivid colors that complement those of hibiscus. Varieties like "Bengal Tiger," hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11, combines orange flower spikes with yellow and green striped leaves that contrast with the solid green of the hibiscus foliage.

Elephant Ears

• Grown from large tubers, elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta.) make great partners for hibiscus in Southern California gardens. Grown primarily for their heart-shaped foliage, elephant ears are hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10 and grow 3 to 6 feet tall. The plants like the same full sun/light shade conditions that favor hibiscus and also appreciate uniformly moist soil. One variety that is especially dramatic with hibiscus is "Black Magic," also hardy in USDA zones 8 through 10. The plant's dimensions are similar to those of the species, but the foliage is a dramatic black.

Dahlias

• Grown from tubers and hardy in USDA zones 7 through 10, dahlias (Dahlia group) come in all sizes, shapes and colors and are good companions for hibiscus in Southern California. Flower colors run the gamut of the color spectrum, encompassing all colors except true blue. Heights range from 1 to 6 feet tall, so dahlias can function at the front, middle or back of mixed planting schemes anchored by hibiscus. Hot-colored hibiscus pair especially well with "Bishop of Llandaff," a red-flowered variety with purple-black, dissected foliage that grows 18 to 36 inches tall.

Ginger Lilies

• Growing from fleshy rhizomes, ginger lilies (Hedychium spp.), generally hardy in USDA zones 7 or 8 through 10 or 11, feature long, gray-green leaves and large fragrant flower spikes that look like bottle brushes. Depending on the species, ginger lily flowers are white, red, orange or yellow. The tropical-looking plants can grow up to 6 feet tall, though some varieties are smaller and more suitable for limited space situations. The colors pair well with those of hibiscus varieties and the zone hardiness is suitable for Southern California gardens.