Hibiscus 'Honeymoon Red'

Hibiscus 'Honeymoon Red': Romance in Full Bloom

Sultry and rich, Hibiscus 'Honeymoon Red' brings a romantic flourish to sunny summer gardens with enormous, velvety crimson blooms that appear like clockwork through the warmest months. Each flower spans up to 18–20 cm across, with gently ruffled petals and a dark eye that intensifies the dramatic colour. With its compact size and tropical charm, this variety fits beautifully into small gardens, containers, or front-of-border positions, delivering an exotic impact with ease and reliability.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 60–90 cm, with a rounded, bushy habit
• Flower Colour: Deep red with a darker centre
• Flowering Period: Midsummer through early fall
• Foliage: Medium green, broad and slightly toothed
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; consistent moisture is key

Uses and Benefits: Hibiscus 'Honeymoon Red' is a compact choice for gardeners craving bold tropical colour in smaller spaces. Its controlled size makes it ideal for urban gardens, patio containers, and front borders, while the abundant blooms invite hummingbirds and butterflies to linger. Despite its exotic look, it’s cold hardy and dependable in Canadian summers, blending well with both formal and relaxed planting styles.

Companion Plants: Plant Hibiscus 'Honeymoon Red' with Panicum 'Little Bunny', whose soft, mounded form and pale plumes provide a gentle counterpoint. Add Echinacea 'Prairie Splendor Compact White' to brighten the palette and extend bloom time. Introduce Sedum 'Firecracker' to echo the hibiscus’s rich tones while lending texture and late-season structure.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun with consistently moist, rich soil. Water deeply during dry periods and apply mulch to conserve moisture. Cut back stems in late fall or early spring. In colder climates, container-grown plants may benefit from winter protection or overwintering indoors. Expect late spring emergence followed by vigorous summer growth.

History: Hibiscus 'Honeymoon Red' is part of the Honeymoon™ series of compact hardy hibiscus, developed for gardeners seeking full-size blooms on a manageable plant. Bred for pot performance and landscape versatility, it blends tropical aesthetics with the resilience of North American native species such as Hibiscus moscheutos.

Final Thoughts: Passionate and compact, Hibiscus 'Honeymoon Red' adds a touch of romance and drama to any sun-soaked space. Whether in a border or a container, its rich blooms and tidy habit make it a standout for bold, small-scale gardening.