Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush'

Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush': A Cool-Climate Marvel with Refined Colour

Expansive and elegant, Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush' is a refreshing take on the dinnerplate hibiscus, offering enormous 20–23 cm blooms in an unusual lilac-lavender hue that stands out from the crowd. Each softly ruffled flower is touched with a pale blush and anchored by a subtle red eye, appearing in abundance from midsummer through fall. Its upright form and lush green foliage create a commanding presence in the garden, while the flower colour introduces a rare, cool-toned sophistication to late-season borders.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 150–180 cm
• Spread: 120–150 cm, with an upright, vase-shaped habit
• Flower Colour: Lilac-lavender with a faint red centre
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to early fall
• Foliage: Rich green, heart-shaped leaves with a full, bushy texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Moist, fertile, well-drained soil; thrives with regular watering

Uses and Benefits: Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush' offers a refined and rarely seen colour in the hardy hibiscus palette, making it a standout in mixed borders, large containers, or as a seasonal anchor in perennial beds. Its cool-toned blooms play beautifully with blues, purples, and whites, while the stately height provides vertical interest and screens. Highly attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators, this variety is also deer-resistant and cold hardy, with a reliably long bloom window.

Companion Plants: Combine Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush' with the upright, silver-bladed grace of Calamagrostis 'Avalanche', which adds softness and vertical balance. Pair with Echinacea 'Kismet White' for a crisp counterpoint that complements the cool-toned blooms. Finish with Perovskia 'Denim 'n Lace' to echo the soft lavender tones and add airy texture to the planting.

Care Instructions: Grow in full sun with moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Water regularly throughout the growing season. Cut back stems to the base in late fall or early spring. Mulch annually to retain soil moisture and protect roots. This variety may emerge slowly in spring but will quickly form a vigorous, upright clump once warm temperatures arrive.

History: Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush' is a Walters Gardens introduction and part of their advanced breeding for hardy, large-flowered hibiscus. It was selected for its rare flower colour, improved branching, and upright habit—qualities that offer both garden performance and visual refinement. Though not in the Summerific® series, it carries the same high standards for durability and bloom.

Final Thoughts: Uncommon in colour and undeniably grand in scale, Hibiscus 'Lilac Crush' adds an air of softness and serenity to the bold late-summer border. It’s a statement plant with a gentle soul—cool, calming, and wonderfully dramatic.