Is the hibiscus hardy? There are still no leaves!

Is the hibiscus hardy? Why isn't the hibiscus growing leaves?

Hibiscus is a beautiful plant with striking and exotic flowers.

In our climate, Hibiscus syriacus (garden hibiscus or althea bush) is actually the only species that is hardy. You can therefore expect this species to survive the winter and sprout again in the spring.

Still, people often wonder if the hibiscus is dead, because it doesn't start sprouting leaves until very late. When most other plants are already in full leaf, the hibiscus will still be bare.

Is hibiscus hardy?

In our climate, only Hibiscus syriacus is truly hardy. This hibiscus can withstand most winters and sprouts new leaves in late spring. However, we would not recommend planting it in a spot exposed to the cold east wind.

The popular large-flowered hibiscus varieties, such as Newbiscus (Mauvelos / XXL) and Hibiscus moscheutos, are said to be quite hardy, but in practice, they turn out to be much less tolerant of our winters. A sheltered spot with well-drained soil can make all the difference.

Which hibiscus is hardy? Is the large-flowered hibiscus also hardy?

When does the hibiscus grow new leaves?

We are often asked whether it is normal for a hibiscus to still have no leaves halfway through spring:

Is my hibiscus dead? It's still bare!

Fortunately, this isn't something to worry about right away. Hibiscus doesn't start sprouting leaves until very late. When most other plants are already in leaf, the hibiscus will still be bare. The leaves usually appear around May or June, but sometimes they don't start sprouting until the end of June.

Hibiscus with no leaves, althea bush, garden hibiscus with no leaves

Why isn't the hibiscus putting out new leaves?

There may be several reasons why your hibiscus doesn't have any leaves (yet) after winter:

It's still too early: Hibiscus doesn't start sprouting again until later in the spring (around May, sometimes not until June)

It has been too cold, and many plants are budding later than usual

You didn't plant Hibiscus syriacus, but a variety that is less hardy or not hardy at all.

The location isn't ideal. If the plant doesn't get enough sun, or if the soil isn't well-drained enough, it will have a harder time sprouting again (though this usually happens a little later anyway).

The hibiscus was planted only recently: If it was planted in late winter or early spring, it may take longer for the plant to grow new leaves

The hibiscus dried out severely during the previous growing season (there’s a good chance your hibiscus won’t survive this).