10 Unique Hibiscus Flower Varieties to Start Growing Now

Growing the Magnificent Lord Baltimore Hardy Hibiscus

A vibrant red hibiscus flower in full bloom. The flower is surrounded by lush green leaves, some of which are partially visible in the foreground. The petals of the hibiscus are large, layered, and have a slightly wavy texture. The center of the flower is adorned with tiny, yellowish-white stamens and a pinkish-red pistil. The background is blurred, emphasizing the flower and its immediate surroundings.

Let me tell you about my absolute favorite hardy hibiscus variety – the Lord Baltimore! I first discovered this stunning plant at my local nursery about seven years ago, and I’ve been completely obsessed ever since. Those dinner-plate-sized blooms in that deep, dramatic crimson are simply impossible to ignore.

Those Show-Stopping Crimson Blooms

The Lord Baltimore hibiscus produces some of the most spectacular flowers I’ve ever grown in my garden. We’re talking massive 8-10 inch blooms that’ll stop traffic! The petals have this incredible velvety texture and the most intense shade of red you can imagine. What I love most is how they create this perfect contrast against the dark green, maple-like foliage.

I remember the first time my plant bloomed – I literally spilled my morning coffee because I wasn’t prepared for how enormous and vibrant the flowers would be! These beauties typically start blooming in mid-summer and continue well into fall, giving you months of jaw-dropping color.

Surviving Winter Like a Champ

Now, let’s talk about winter survival because this is where I learned some valuable lessons the hard way. Despite being a hardy hibiscus, the Lord Baltimore needs some TLC to make it through those cold months. Don’t make the mistake I did of assuming “hardy” means “indestructible”!

Here’s my tried-and-true winter protection routine:

Wait until after the first frost to cut back stems to about 4-6 inches
Apply a thick 4-5 inch layer of organic mulch around the base
Mark the plant’s location (trust me, you’ll forget where it is when it’s dormant!)
Never remove old mulch until you see new growth in spring

Summer Care Secrets

During the growing season, these plants are surprisingly low-maintenance, but they do have some non-negotiable requirements. Lord Baltimore hibiscus thrives in full sun – I’m talking 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily. They’re also what I call “thirsty divas” – consistent moisture is crucial!

I’ve found that a slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring, followed by monthly applications of a balanced water-soluble fertilizer, keeps them blooming their hearts out. Just be careful not to overdo it with the nitrogen, or you’ll end up with lots of leaves and fewer flowers (learned that one the hard way!).

Perfect Planting Partners

Over the years, I’ve experimented with various companion plants, and some combinations have worked beautifully. My favorite partners for Lord Baltimore include:

Russian Sage – the purple spikes create amazing contrast
Ornamental Grasses like Maiden Grass – provides texture and movement
Black-Eyed Susans – extends the blooming season
Butterfly Bush – attracts pollinators and provides height variation

Want to know what makes these combinations work so well? The secret lies in understanding plant heights, blooming times, and color coordination. Click the “next” button below to discover our next amazing hibiscus variety – the compact but equally stunning Disco Belle Pink. Wait until you see how its unique growing pattern and space-saving qualities make it perfect for smaller gardens!