Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Angel Eyes Hardy Hibiscus: Early White Saucers for Rain Gardens
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Angel Eyes hardy hibiscus is one of the first hardy hibiscus to flower each summer. Its bright white blooms open about 8 inches across, with a raspberry red eye that bleeds outward in rays along the base of each petal. Broad green leaves on reddish stems form a rounded plant about 5 feet tall and wide.
Underground, it is built like a tank. Thick, deep roots push through heavy clay, ride out short dry spells and tolerate mild flooding.
Angel Eyes at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hibiscus 'Angel Eyes' |
| Flowers | About 8 inches, bright white with a raspberry red eye |
| Foliage | Broad green leaves on reddish stems |
| Size | About 5 feet tall and wide |
| Bloom | Starts early July, peaks early August, into early fall |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 9 |
| Soil | Poor to fertile; tolerates clay and brief flooding |
| Wildlife | Great for pollinators and hummingbirds; moderately deer resistant |
The plant for lavender's problem spots
Lavender growers spend a lot of energy keeping water away from their plants. Angel Eyes is what you plant where the water goes. The low corner that floods after a storm, the strip of clay below the downspout or a rain garden that catches runoff from the roof are all fine for this hibiscus. Planting it there puts that ground to work and keeps moisture-lovers well away from your lavender.
It also extends the season. Angel Eyes opens in early July, while lavender is in full color, and keeps flowering into early fall. Crisp white with a red eye goes with everything, so it looks at home in view of a purple lavender bed. At 5 feet, it can also serve as a summer screen. Plan wet and dry zones together in the Companion Plant Planner.
Planting and care
- Light: full sun gives the most flowers; part shade is tolerated.
- Water: consistent moisture. It should never dry out for long, though its deep roots help in short dry spells.
- Spring: it may not appear until late May or June. Mark the spot so you do not plant over it.
- Cleanup: cut the woody stems back to a few inches in late fall or early spring.
- Pests: Japanese beetles, aphids and sawfly larvae are the usual visitors.
Plug tray or bare root
Angel Eyes is offered as a 72-cell plug tray, useful for planting a whole rain garden or growing on, and as a bare root plant for one bold specimen. See each product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can it really handle flooding?
It tolerates mild flooding and long wet periods, which is why it suits rain gardens. Standing water for weeks on end is a different matter.
How early does it bloom?
It is one of the earliest hardy hibiscus, starting in early July and peaking in early August.
Will it come back after winter?
Yes. It dies to the ground and regrows from the roots each year. It is just a slow riser in spring.
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