Top 5 Proven Winner Perennial Hibiscus Varieties You Can Plant Right Now

Few plants bring summer drama quite like perennial hibiscus, and Proven Winners® Summerific® varieties take that impact to the next level. With dinner-plate-sized blooms, vibrant foliage, and reliable performance in full sun, these hardy perennials deliver tropical flair with easy-care resilience. And yes, you can still plant them now and enjoy flowers this season, plus even more impressive growth next year.

Here are our top 5 favorite varieties you can plant right now to enjoy late-summer color and years of beauty ahead:

Garnet Globes™
Berry Awesome™
Cherry Choco Latte™
Cookies & Cream™
Edge of Night™
Hibiscus bud

1. Garnet Globes™

Hibiscus 'Garnet Globes' – New for 2025
This new introduction from Proven Winners® is built for boldness, with some of the largest red blooms in the series and a commanding upright habit that makes it ideal as a vertical focal point. Its strong stems hold blooms high and resist flopping, even in wind or rain.

Best For: Large landscape beds, back-of-border structure, and bold color that doesn’t fade in full sun.

2. Berry Awesome™

Hibiscus 'Berry Awesome'
One of the most reliable and well-rounded varieties out there, Berry Awesome offers a dense, mounded form that fills space beautifully. It’s one of the longest bloomers, with flowers continuing into early fall. The foliage stays tidy and uniform all season.

Best For: Mass plantings, foundation beds, or any spot where consistent form and flower power are key.

3. Cherry Choco Latte™

Hibiscus 'Cherry Choco Latte'
Known for its refined, artistic blooms, Cherry Choco Latte is also one of the earliest to flower, often kicking off the hibiscus season in mid to late July (which is right now!). The fine-textured, deeply lobed foliage adds visual interest even before buds appear.

Best For: Gardeners who want early blooms and softer color combinations with a designer feel.

4. Cookies & Cream™

Hibiscus 'Cookies & Cream'
This variety stands out for its multi-season interest. The dark purple foliage emerges early in spring and holds color deep into fall, making it a great backdrop even when not in bloom. It also features a high bud count, offering dense, continuous flowering during peak season.

Best For: Layered beds and mixed plantings where foliage contrast is just as important as flowers.

5. Edge of Night™

Hibiscus 'Edge of Night'
Edge of Night is one of the shortest and most compact perennial hibiscus varieties available, reaching just 3 feet tall. Despite its size, it produces full-size blooms and has some of the darkest foliage in the group. It also handles container gardening exceptionally well.

Best For: Containers, small gardens, and front-of-border plantings where space is limited but impact is needed.

What They All Have in Common

While each of these varieties brings something unique to the table, they all share some key traits that make them a reliable choice for summer gardens:

  • Full sun – This is essential for producing the best flower and foliage color throughout the season.
  • Moist, well-drained soil – This type of soil supports healthy root development; avoid letting plants dry out completely.
  • Winter hardy – These perennials will die back in the colder months and return with new growth in the spring.
  • Low maintenance – Simply prune stems down to the ground in late winter or early spring to encourage growth.

Stop by our stores to explore these top picks and give your landscape a boost of late-summer color that lasts for seasons to come. To stay inspired and grow with us, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to dig into the joys of gardening!