The Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard Tree is a gorgeous variety that will add charm and vibrant color to gardens This delightful plant produces an abundance of large, double lilac-pink blooms that provide soft color from midsummer all the way into fall. Trained into a picturesque standard tree form, it makes a beautiful focal point or accent plant
Overview of the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus
The Ardens Hardy Hibiscus botanically known as Hibiscus syriacus ‘Ardens’ is a deciduous woody shrub prized for its incredibly long bloom time. The leaves are a strong green color with deeply toothed margins that turn lovely shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn.
This hardy hibiscus variety has a moderate growth rate and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8. It does well in both full sun and partial shade conditions. The Ardens prefers well-drained soil and is tolerant of different soil types. Regular watering is recommended until the plant is established after which occasional watering during droughts is sufficient. Mature size is typically 5-8 feet tall and wide.
Beautiful Blooms All Season Long
One of the best features of the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus is its exceptionally long bloom period. The large, fully double flowers begin appearing in midsummer and continue blooming prolifically into the fall frost, providing months of vibrant color in the garden. The blossoms can reach up to 6 inches wide, featuring row upon row of delicate petals in a lilac-pink hue with cream-colored throats.
These showy blooms beautifully contrast against the dark green maple-like foliage, adding a pop of color wherever they are planted. Group several Ardens together to create a stunning floral display. They also work wonderfully in perennial beds and borders, foundation plantings, and containers.
Care and Maintenance Tips for Ardens Hibiscus
Caring for the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus is relatively easy with proper planting and minimal maintenance. Here are some tips for success:
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Plant in full sun for optimal flower production. The Ardens tolerates partial shade but may bloom less.
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Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or other organic material to improve drainage. Good drainage is key, as Ardens does not like wet, soggy soil.
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Water 1-2 times per week until established. Then water occasionally during droughts. Avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot.
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Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to support abundant flowering.
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Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain its rounded form. Severe pruning will reduce blooms.
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Mulch around the base with 2-3 inches of material like bark or leaves to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
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Deadhead spent blooms as desired to encourage new buds, but this is not required.
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Watch for aphids and Japanese beetles, but serious issues are uncommon.
With proper planting and care, the Ardens should thrive for years, rewarding you with incredible color. It is relatively pest and disease resistant.
Gorgeous Standard Tree Form
While the Ardens makes a fantastic shrub, it truly shines when trained into a standard tree form. This specialized pruning involves clearing growth below the desired crown height to create a “lollipop” look with a rounded head on a straight trunk. The result is a small ornamental standard tree.
The Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard reaches a petite height of just 4-5 feet tall. The cascading pink blooms against the green crown are stunning. Standards make excellent focal points and garden accents. Use them to highlight corners, entries, or pathways. The Ardens Standard also shines in containers.
Caring for the Ardens as a standard tree is much the same as for a shrub. Annual pruning to maintain the desired shape is important. Fortunately, the Ardens requires minimal trimming to retain its rounded crown.
Benefits of the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard
Some key reasons to consider adding the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard Tree to your landscape:
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Exceptionally long bloom period from midsummer into fall. Provides months of vibrant color.
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Large, lush pink double blooms up to 6 inches wide. Showy display.
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Versatile performance in sun or partial shade. Tolerates various soil types.
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Easy care and maintenance. Requires only minimal pruning.
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Lovely small ornamental standard tree, reaching just 4-5 feet tall.
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Adds height, structure and visual interest to gardens and containers.
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Deciduous nature provides winter interest too.
This hardy hibiscus variety is one of the easier types to grow. Once established, it is relatively low maintenance and trouble-free. The graceful Ardens Standard Tree is sure to bring charm and beauty to your outdoor space with its long display of vibrant pink blooms against lush green foliage.
Where to Buy the Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard
The Ardens Hardy Hibiscus Standard Tree can be purchased from reputable online nurseries that ship live plants. Two recommended sources are:
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Spring Hill Nursery – Offers the Ardens Standard at 3 feet tall, potted, and ships in spring.
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Greenwood Nursery – Sells 1-2 foot bare root Ardens shrubs which can be trained into standards. Ships in fall.
When selecting your Ardens Hibiscus Standard, choose a location that allows its gorgeous pink blooms to shine. Give it full sun, well-drained soil, and minimal care for best results. Then sit back and enjoy as this easy-going plant gifts your garden with charm and color from midsummer through fall frost!
Planting – How Hibiscus ArrivesWhen you receive your Hardy Hibiscus plant from American Meadows, it could look like a pot of soil with sticks. Seems disappointing, but looks are deceiving because actually there is a thriving strong root system below the soil. The hibiscus is dormant and hasn’t emerged yet. We want you to successfully grow and care for your Hardy Hibiscus. To start planting, there are a few growing conditions to consider before planting.
Hardy Hibiscus thrives best in well drained soil, amended with organic matter. Hibiscus prefers acidic soil. To add acidity to your soil, add Peat moss or potting soil to your garden. If your soil is mostly clay, consider planting Hibiscus in a raised bed, this helps to eliminate water buildup. The best time to plant Hardy Hibiscus is after all danger of frost has passed. To plant, dig a hole double the size of the pot and set the plant in, the crown of the plant should rest just at or above the soil surface. Press the new loose dirt around the plant and water. If you water and the base of the plant shows, add more soil. If you are planting multiple Hibiscus, space plants 2 to 3 ft apart in the garden. Although the plant maybe small, these beauties reach 48” – 72” Tall.
Hardy Hibiscus is slow to emerge in cold springs or early summers, so be patient. Hardy Hibiscus does best in full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but growth and flowering will suffer. If you live in areas with very hot summers, during the hottest part of the day, Hibiscus may need shade. Hibiscus should be planted along, or in the back of perennial flower beds.
Big Bloom Energy: Hardy Hibiscus Edition
FAQ
What is the difference between hibiscus and hardy hibiscus?
Hibiscus are members of the mallow family which have large circular open face flowers. The main difference between the two are in their names, tropical and hardy. The tropical hibiscus is best known as a patio plant that winterkill while the hardy plant returns each spring.
Where is the best place to plant a hibiscus tree?
Hibiscus plants generally thrive in locations with full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) and well-drained soil.
Do standard hibiscus come back every year?
These shrub-like plants mature to 48” tall and are 48-60” wide, and come back yearly with proper care, so when you bring your plants home, make sure they have the space they need to grow into their greatness–around !
Can you leave a hibiscus tree outside in the winter?
These are tropical plants and don’t survive exposure to freezing temperatures. (That said, if you have a hardy hibiscus, which is sold in the perennials section of your local garden center, that plant can stay outdoors over winter.