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Lord Baltimore Hibiscus
Hibiscus 'Lord Baltimore'
Lord Baltimore Hibiscus is one of those classic plants that still earns its place because the flowers are impossible to ignore. The red blooms are huge, bright, and dramatic, especially when the plant is used at the back of a sunny border or near a rain garden where the soil stays moist. I like it for gardeners who want that tropical hibiscus look without treating the plant like an annual. Just remember to give it time in spring, because hardy hibiscus wakes up late but grows fast once the heat arrives.
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Giant Crimson-Red Blooms on a Classic Hardy Hibiscus
Huge Red Flowers with Tropical Garden Drama.
Lord Baltimore Hibiscus is a classic hardy hibiscus grown for its enormous crimson-red flowers that can reach up to 10 inches across. The bold, satiny blooms bring a tropical look to the landscape while the plant itself returns as a cold-hardy perennial in suitable climates. Each flower lasts briefly, but new blooms open in succession during the season, creating a powerful late-summer display.
A Proven Hardy Hibiscus for Sunny Borders.
This red Rose Mallow grows into an upright, bushy perennial that works beautifully at the back of a sunny border or as a summer focal point. Its bright green foliage creates a clean backdrop for the large red flowers, allowing the blooms to stand out from across the yard. Use Lord Baltimore Hibiscus where you want bold color, strong height, and a showy seasonal feature.
Excellent for Moist Soil and Rain Gardens.
Lord Baltimore Hibiscus tolerates average to wet soil, making it especially useful in rain gardens, pond edges, low areas, and moisture-retentive borders. It performs best in full sun with consistent moisture, especially during hot weather and bloom season. If you have a sunny spot where other perennials struggle because the soil stays damp, this hardy hibiscus can be a strong solution.
Deer-Resistant Color with Pollinator Appeal.
Lord Baltimore Hibiscus is considered deer resistant and attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its large red flowers make it a natural fit for pollinator gardens, cottage gardens, wildlife-friendly borders, and sunny perennial plantings. No plant is completely deer-proof, but hardy hibiscus is a practical choice where gardeners want bold flowers with lower browsing pressure.
Late to Wake, Fast to Grow.
Like other hardy hibiscus plants, Lord Baltimore dies back to the ground in winter and is slow to emerge in spring. This is normal. Once soil temperatures warm, new shoots grow quickly and develop into a tall, flowering perennial by summer. Mark the planting location, cut back old stems in spring, mulch the root zone, and keep the soil evenly moist for the best growth and bloom performance.
| Hardiness Zone: | 5-9 |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | 4 to 5 Feet |
| Mature Width: | 3 to 4 Feet |
| Sunlight: | Full sun; tolerates light part sun |
| Soil | Average to moist, well-drained soil; tolerates wet soil |
| Water Requirements: | Average to wet; keep consistently moist, especially during heat and bloom |
| Bloom Time / Color | Mid-summer to early fall; huge crimson-red to brilliant red flowers |
| Ornamental Features | 10-inch red flowers, upright bushy habit, tropical-style summer color |
| Wildlife Value | Attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and pollinators |
| Resistance | Deer resistant, wet soil tolerant, heat tolerant with adequate moisture |
| Landscape Uses | Sunny borders, back-of-border plantings, specimen perennial, rain gardens, pond edges, cottage gardens, pollinator gardens, wet soil plantings |
How to Care for Lord Baltimore Hibiscus
Before you purchase your Lord Baltimore Hibiscus, be sure to read the recommended care instructions to ensure your plant remains happy and healthy for years to come!
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How should I plant Lord Baltimore Hibiscus?
Plant Lord Baltimore Hibiscus in full sun where it has room to grow into an upright, bushy perennial. Choose average to moist soil that drains well enough to keep the crown healthy, but do not be afraid to use it in moisture-retentive areas. This hardy hibiscus is especially useful in sunny borders, rain gardens, pond edges, and low spots that stay evenly moist. Dig a hole about twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Set the crown level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, and water thoroughly. Add a 2- to 3-inch mulch layer around the root zone to conserve moisture and protect the crown, keeping mulch slightly pulled back from the stems.
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How often should I water Lord Baltimore Hibiscus after planting?
Water Lord Baltimore Hibiscus deeply after planting and keep the soil evenly moist through the first growing season. Hardy hibiscus produces large leaves and oversized flowers, so steady moisture is important for strong growth and reliable bloom production. Water when the top few inches of soil begin to dry. Once established, Lord Baltimore Hibiscus can tolerate average to wet conditions, but it performs best with consistent moisture during hot weather. Avoid repeated drought stress, which can cause wilting, smaller flowers, and reduced flowering. Container-grown plants may need more frequent watering than in-ground plants.
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When should I fertilize Lord Baltimore Hibiscus?
Fertilize Lord Baltimore Hibiscus in spring once new growth begins. Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer or a fertilizer formulated for flowering perennials. This supports vigorous stems, healthy foliage, and large red summer flowers. A second light feeding in early summer may help in poor soils or heavily blooming plants. Avoid excessive high-nitrogen fertilizer, which can encourage leafy growth at the expense of flowers. Full sun, consistent moisture, and healthy soil are the most important foundations for strong hardy hibiscus performance.
When and how should I prune Lord Baltimore Hibiscus?
Prune Lord Baltimore Hibiscus in late winter or spring by cutting the previous year’s dead stems back near the ground before new growth fully emerges. The plant dies back naturally in winter and returns from the roots, so removing old stems helps clean up the planting and make room for fresh growth. During the growing season, remove broken or damaged stems as needed. Deadheading can improve appearance, but it is not required for continued bloom. Be patient in spring because Lord Baltimore Hibiscus often emerges later than many other perennials, then grows quickly once warm weather arrives.
