Hibiscus 'Holy Grail'

Hibiscus 'Holy Grail': A Dark-Leafed Marvel with Fiery Red Blooms

Intensely dramatic and unmistakably bold, Hibiscus 'Holy Grail' delivers one of the most striking colour contrasts in the summer garden. Gigantic, velvety red flowers—up to 20–23 cm across—flare out against deep, near-black foliage, creating an unforgettable display from midsummer through early fall. The dark leaves hold their colour all season, offering structure and richness even when the plant isn’t in bloom. Compact yet powerful, this Summerific® selection lives up to its name as a true treasure of the sunny border.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 120–150 cm
• Spread: 120–150 cm, forming a full, rounded clump
• Flower Colour: Deep red with velvety petals
• Flowering Period: Mid to late summer into early fall
• Foliage: Near-black, maple-shaped leaves with a glossy sheen
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; benefits from consistent moisture

Uses and Benefits: Hibiscus 'Holy Grail' brings instant drama to garden beds, borders, and focal-point plantings. Its massive blooms and dark foliage create contrast and intensity in full-sun spaces, whether planted en masse or as a singular statement. Despite its bold appearance, this perennial is easy to grow, cold-hardy, and highly attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. It’s especially effective in late-season combinations where bold texture and saturated colour carry the garden into fall.

Companion Plants: Highlight the drama of Hibiscus 'Holy Grail' with the upright elegance of Panicum 'Blood Brothers', whose reddish foliage deepens alongside the hibiscus blooms. Add Echinacea 'Hot Coral' for a layered blend of fiery reds and oranges. Introduce the soft haze of Perovskia 'Little Spire' to cool the palette and offer movement and contrast.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun with rich, moisture-retentive soil. Provide regular watering, especially in hot, dry weather. Cut back stems to the base in late fall or early spring. Mulch annually to protect the crown and preserve soil moisture. Be patient in spring—hibiscus emerges late but grows rapidly once the heat arrives.

History: Hibiscus 'Holy Grail' was bred by Walters Gardens and introduced through Proven Winners® as part of the Summerific® series. Selected for its unparalleled foliage darkness, massive flower size, and improved branching, it represents the pinnacle of hardy hibiscus breeding—combining tropical impact with northern resilience.

Final Thoughts: Towering in presence yet surprisingly easy to grow, Hibiscus 'Holy Grail' offers a garden experience that’s as theatrical as it is reliable. It’s the embodiment of bold beauty, bringing vivid colour and structure just when the garden needs a late-summer crescendo.