Dark Princess Hibiscus

Dark Princess Hibiscus has some of the largest flowers of any Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The single-petaled flowers are pale lilac with a deep burgundy center and consistently reach 5-6 inches in diameter. The deep green glossy foliage remains clean all summer, even in high heat and humidity. Dark Princess can bring the feeling of a tropical oasis to your backyard and is very well suited for growing in containers, planting in groups, or featuring as a single specimen.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is often referred to as the Chinese Hibiscus or Hawaiian Hibiscus. The large flowers last only a day individually, but the whole shrub can bloom nonstop from late June to the end of summer with very little maintenance. Grown as a tropical annual in most parts of the United States, Dark Princess Hibiscus is a perennial shrub in USDA zones 9-10. In these zones, Hibiscus makes a lovely, informal blooming hedge. When grouped with other tropical houseplants on the deck or patio, you will feel like you have created your very own tropical paradise.

Dark Princess Hibiscus Care

Hibiscus requires warm temperatures and full sun to thrive and flower well. Only bring Hibiscus outdoors after the nighttime temperatures are reliably above 60 degrees F. Plant these deciduous shrubs in a pot with ample bottom drainage and an all-purpose potting mix. Fertilize the plants during active growth in the summer months. Every 2-3 weeks feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer. Hibiscus planted in the ground will need annual fertilization with a high-phosphorous fertilizer, such as tomato or rose food. Apply the granular fertilizer early in the spring as the new foliage emerges. 

Pruning of Hibiscus is only needed to control the overall height or to clean up any spent flowers that do not fall on their own. Perennial Hibiscus may need seasonal pruning to remove dead, diseased, or dying branches. Branches can be thinned from the center of the plant to allow for better air circulation if pests or diseases become an issue. Hibiscuses grown as a houseplant will slow their growth in the winter as they are deciduous shrubs. The best place to put these shrubs is in a dark location that stays above 60 degrees F. A heated garage or basement is ideal for letting the shrubs go dormant. Water only once a month or less. The soil should be allowed to dry as the shrubs will not be actively growing. The shrubs can be brought into a bright and warm location in the spring to resume growing.

Dark Princess Hibiscus Spacing

Plant Dark Princess in a container with at least a 12-inch diameter. The mature height is 2-4 feet, while the width will be about 3 feet. Repotting every spring will significantly rejuvenate the plant while allowing you to move up a pot size if necessary.