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Native alternative(s) for Hibiscus 'Fireball':
Illicium floridanum Illicum floridanum
Rhododendron x bakeri Rhododendron ×bakeri 'Clyo Red'
Silene virginica Silene virginica
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Canna Flower
Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Bird' Hibiscus syriacus 'Blue Bird'
Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana' Hibiscus syriacus 'Diana'
Hibiscus 'Fireball' has some common insect problems:
Japanese Beetle

Hardy Mallow Hibiscus 'Fireball'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
hy-BIS-kus
Description

‘Fireball’ hibiscus is a tropical-looking, woody, deciduous perennial shrub that reaches a mature height of 4 feet. It requires a planting space of 6 to 12 feet in diameter to thrive. ‘Fireball’ belongs to the Malvacae (mallow) family. It originates from the Tropics and Subtropics to North America. U.S. Plant Patent Applied for (PPAF).

This tough, low maintenance perennial grows in full sun and evenly moist, well draining soil. Propagate it by stem cutting. In addition to its heat tolerance, this perennial hibiscus is cold hardy, and can be grown in all parts of North Carolina, something unusual for a tropical plant.  

‘Fireball’ hibiscus has 10-inch red flowers that bloom from June through August. The cut stems of the flowers provide for a beautiful table display.  Fireball’s combination of showy red flowers and attractive, deeply cut green foliage with distinctive purple-colored veins makes this plant an impressive addition to a sunny garden.  

‘Fireball’ attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, pollinators, and specialized bees. Consider it for pollinator and drought-tolerant gardens. It can be planted as a single plant, or in multiples to produce a hedge. Hibiscus grows particularly well in naturalized areas and on river banks. It is resistant to black walnut rot, deer foraging, drought, and humidity. Hibiscus tolerate pruning, but keep in mind that flowers will appear on new growth.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. 

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#deciduous#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#red flowers#nectar plant#low maintenance#riparian#stream banks#specialized bees#deer resistant#large flowers#showstopper#border planting#pollinator plant#naturalized area#flowers midsummer#flowers early summer#flowers late summer#humidity tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#tropical feel#black walnut toxicity tolerant#pollinator garden#hedge#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#deciduous#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#red flowers#nectar plant#low maintenance#riparian#stream banks#specialized bees#deer resistant#large flowers#showstopper#border planting#pollinator plant#naturalized area#flowers midsummer#flowers early summer#flowers late summer#humidity tolerant#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#tropical feel#black walnut toxicity tolerant#pollinator garden#hedge#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hibiscus
    Species:
    ‘Fireball’ PPAF
    Family:
    Malvaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropics & Subtropics to N. America
    Wildlife Value:
    Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Multi-stemmed
    Vase
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Tubular
    Flower Petals:
    6 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    > 6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Large, 10" flowers clear red with delicate petals appaer from June-August
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Deeply cut, three-lobed
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Naturalized Area
    Riparian
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Black Walnut
    Deer
    Drought
    Humidity