Unlike tropical hibiscus that must be brought indoors, hardy perennial hibiscus are winter-hardy in Michigan and perform beautifully throughout USDA Zones 4-9. That makes them an excellent choice for gardeners in Kalamazoo, Portage, Mattawan, Plainwell, Richland, and throughout Southwest Michigan.

If you're looking to add bold color to your landscape this summer, here are five Proven Winners® Summerific® hibiscus varieties that can still be planted right now.

1. Summerific® Garnet Globes™

One of the newest introductions in the Proven Winners lineup, Garnet Globes™ features enormous ruby-red flowers the length of their strong upright stems that stand up well to Michigan summer storms.

Why Kalamazoo gardeners love it:

• Incredible blooms on compact mound

• Strong stems resist flopping

• Notable “dark eyes”

Great for: Foundation plantings, backyard focal points, and large landscape beds.

2. Summerific® Berry Awesome™

Berry Awesome™ remains one of the most popular perennial hibiscus varieties thanks to its long bloom season and dependable performance.

This variety produces ruffled lavender-pink flowers with a cherry red eye from midsummer into early fall, and has a dense mound of midnight green foliage that looks tidy all season long. It is frequently recommended as one of the top-performing hardy hibiscus varieties available.

Most known for:

• Long blooming season

• Complimenting bloom-to-foliage color

• Tidy compact growth

Excellent for: Pollinator gardens, foundation beds, cottage gardens, and mass plantings.

3. Summerific® French Vanilla™

French Vanilla™ features huge 7-8” creamy custard yellow, ruffled flowers that turn more yellow in cooler conditions and whiter in hotter conditions. Deep green compact leaves nicely compliment this show-stopper. When flowering begins, the plant becomes a standout feature in the garden.

Why it works well in Southwest Michigan landscapes:

• Stunning focal-point plant

• Compact habit fits well in borders

• Excellent companion for coneflowers and ornamental grasses

Best for: Specimen planting, mixed borders, and modern landscape designs.

4. Summerific® Cherry Choco Latte™

If you want flowers earlier than most perennial hibiscus, Cherry Choco Latte™ is an excellent choice.

Its white-pink blooms with dramatic darker pink veining create a unique look that stands out in Michigan landscapes. Deeply cut foliage adds texture even before flowering begins.

Noted for:

• Earlier blooming season

• Striated pink color

• Dark contrasting foliage

Best for: Cottage-style gardens, mixed perennial beds, gardeners seeking unique flower coloring

5. Summerific® Ballet Slippers™

Ballet Slippers™ showcases huge 7”, white ruffled flowers with a deep red eye and petals that are delicately edged with blush pink. These light feminine flowers are prolific on a polished, upright clump of bright green foliage.

Why Michigan landscapers love this hibiscus:

• Its light, delicate expression

• Prolific blooms

• Upright and compact habit

Best for: Mixed borders, landscapes, or as a specimen plant.

Growing Perennial Hibiscus in Michigan

Perennial hibiscus thrive in Southwest Michigan when planted in the right location.

For best results:

• Plant in full sun (at least 6 hours daily)

• Provide consistently moist, well-drained soil

• Water deeply during dry summer periods

• Cut stems back in early spring before new growth appears

• Apply fertilizer in late spring as new growth emerges

One important note for Michigan gardeners: Perennial hibiscus emerge later than many other perennials. Don't worry if you don't see growth until late spring. Hardy hibiscus reliably return each year, even after harsh winters.

Why Hardy Hibiscus Are A Great Choice for Kalamazoo Gardens

Whether you're creating a pollinator garden, updating foundation beds, or adding late-summer color to a cottage garden, few perennials provide the tropical look of hibiscus while surviving Michigan winters, making them one of the best investments for an eye-catching garden.

Visit our garden center to explore our current selection of hardy hibiscus and discover which varieties are best suited for your landscape.