Product Field NotesCompanion Plants
Garnet Globes Hardy Hibiscus: Big Red Blooms on a Compact Ball
Save
Garnet Globes hardy hibiscus takes the tropical look of a hibiscus and packs it into a neat, round plant about 3 feet tall and wide. Starting in midsummer, saucer-shaped flowers 6 to 7 inches across open along the full length of every stem, deep garnet red with an especially dark eye, set against broad, dark olive green leaves.
It loves sun as much as lavender does, but not lavender's dry feet. The honest plan is to give it a well-watered bed of its own close enough to enjoy alongside the lavender.
Garnet Globes at a glance
| Trait | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Hibiscus 'Garnet Globes' |
| Flowers | Dark garnet red with a very dark eye, about 6 to 7 inches across |
| Foliage | Broad, dark olive green |
| Size | 36 to 42 inches tall, about 36 inches wide |
| Bloom | Midsummer start, peaks mid-August, long blooming |
| Hardiness | USDA zones 4 to 9 |
| Light | Full sun best; part shade tolerated |
| Wildlife | Great for pollinators and hummingbirds |
Where it fits near lavender
Full-size hardy hibiscus can swallow a small yard. Garnet Globes stays compact enough for mixed borders and smaller gardens, which makes it easier to place in a sunny spot beside, but not inside, the lavender bed. A low spot that collects rain, a border near a downspout or a bed on the irrigation line all suit it. From there, its huge red flowers pick up the summer color as lavender finishes, and its dark leaves make a strong backdrop when viewed across the silvery lavender. Plan the two beds in the Companion Plant Planner.
Care through the year
- Water: consistent moisture is the key. It grows in poor to fertile soil but should never dry out for long. In hot spells, dry soil means wilting and fewer flowers.
- Bloom: flowers open for ten weeks or more. The petals open flat and stand up to wind and rain.
- Pests: Japanese beetles, aphids and sawfly larvae are more common than disease. Leaf spot or rust can show up in wet seasons.
- Cutback: cut the woody stems back to a few inches in late fall or early spring.
The late spring wake-up
Hardy hibiscus is famous for scaring gardeners. It often does not emerge until late May or even June in Michigan, long after everything else is up. It is fully hardy here, so resist the urge to dig. Put a stake or label at the crown in fall so you remember where it is.
Plug tray or bare root
Garnet Globes is offered as a full 72-cell plug tray for growers and larger plantings, and as a bare root plant for home gardens. See each product page for current availability.
Frequently asked questions
Can I plant it right in my lavender bed?
Not if you want both to thrive. The steady water hibiscus needs would rot lavender's roots. Plant them near each other in separate beds.
Is it a houseplant hibiscus?
No. This is a hardy perennial that dies back to the ground each winter and returns in late spring.
Share how it went in your field