The Hibiscus Varieties for Outdoor Containers

Giant Red Hibiscus

• Resembling an over-sized hollyhock, the giant red hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) exhibits vivid red blooms up to 12 inches wide. Native to the coastal wetlands of Georgia and Florida, giant red hibiscus flourishes in U.S. hardiness zones 6 to 10. When pruned to maintain size, the plant adapts well to container planting. Gardeners in colder climates can cultivate the plant in a container placed in full sun on a porch or patio. Hibiscus x "Lord Baltimore" is ideal for container planting. Growing up to 4 feet tall and 5 feet wide, the hardy plant can be pruned to control size and shape, with its red, ruffled flowers growing up to 10 inches wide. The plant grows well outdoors in U.S. hardiness zones 4 through 9. Select a container large enough to allow the roots to expand and develop. Excellent drainage is crucial to successful hibiscus cultivation. Hibiscus shrubs cannot survive in standing water.

Yellow Hibiscus

• The yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei,) also known as Pua Aloalo, is the state flower of Hawaii. Kinchen's Yellow, a yellow hybrid presents brilliant lemon yellow flowers with a white center or eye. The spectacular blooms are up to 10 inches wide. Sun Shower, a variegated variety, presents vivid yellow and red ruffled flowers and a pure white center. Blooms are from 7 to 9 inches wide. Double Hula Girl is a double, ruffled variety that displays bright yellow, 8 to 10 inch flowers with a white and red eye. Planted outdoors in containers, yellow hibiscus plants brighten an entryway, porch or patio.

Blue/Lavender Hibiscus

• Tylene is a variety of bright blue hibiscus well adapted to container growing. The plant blooms profusely all summer and fall. The flower is a soft shade of blue with a red, pink and purple center. Flowers are from 7 to 9 inches wide. A distinctive purple variety, Mr. Ace exhibits presents deep purple, 7- to 9-inch flowers with a dark red eye. Nightfire is an unusual variety with deep purple, 7- to 9-inch flowers with a bright red center. Hibiscus planted in outdoor containers should be pruned in early spring to control size and shape. Remove all damaged branches and prune back to a height of 2 to 3 feet tall.

White Hibiscus

• Great White features a brilliant, pure white flower with 8- to 10-inch flowers. Hibiscus luna white (Hibiscus moscheutos) is a vigorous perennial that can tolerate cold temperatures. Hardy to minus 20 degrees F, the fast-growing hibiscus presents huge, white flowers with a red center. Oahu White hibiscus grows wild throughout the Hawaiian islands. It is a widely used tree in both rural and urban tropical landscapes. Oahu White can be successfully grown in containers outdoors in a sunny location.