Hibiscus 'Cookies and Cream'

Hibiscus 'Cookies and Cream': A Sophisticated Twist on Summer Colour

Soft yet striking, Hibiscus 'Cookies and Cream' offers an elegant contrast to the vibrant hues often found in hardy hibiscus. Each oversized bloom—up to 20 cm across—features creamy white petals brushed with a faint blush and centred by a rich, dark burgundy eye. Held against deep green, heart-shaped foliage with a warm bronze undertone, the flowers appear continuously from mid to late summer, bringing refined drama to the sun-filled border.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–140 cm
• Spread: 100–130 cm, with a bushy, upright habit
• Flower Colour: Creamy white with a dark burgundy centre
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer
• Foliage: Rich green with bronze undertones; broad and toothed
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil with consistent watering

Uses and Benefits: Hibiscus 'Cookies and Cream' is ideal for adding a creamy, neutral balance to summer borders filled with hot colours. Its large flowers draw attention without overwhelming the planting, and its deep foliage provides strong structure throughout the season. Perfect as a focal point in pollinator gardens, it attracts hummingbirds and butterflies while remaining deer-resistant and easy to maintain. Plant it as a seasonal highlight or as part of a mixed perennial hedge for consistent late-season performance.

Companion Plants: Pair Hibiscus 'Cookies and Cream' with Panicum 'Heavy Metal', whose cool blue blades provide upright contrast and sway in summer breezes. Add Echinacea 'White Swan' to echo the creamy petals while offering extended bloom. Introduce Perovskia 'Blue Jean Baby' for a haze of lavender-blue that softens and cools the palette, enriching the hibiscus’s elegant presence.

Care Instructions: Plant in full sun with evenly moist, rich soil. Hibiscus are heavy feeders and benefit from compost or slow-release fertilizer in spring. Water consistently, especially in dry spells. Cut back stems in late fall or early spring once dormancy has set in. Mulch annually to protect the crown and retain moisture.

History: Hibiscus 'Cookies and Cream' was developed by Walters Gardens and introduced through Proven Winners® as part of the Summerific® collection. Bred from native North American hibiscus species, it was selected for its refined colour palette, strong performance, and large, high-impact blooms on a well-branched, compact plant.

Final Thoughts: Cool, creamy, and quietly bold, Hibiscus 'Cookies and Cream' is a welcome twist on classic dinnerplate hibiscus. Its soft-toned blooms and upright structure bring elegance and balance to late-summer borders in full sun.