Proven Winners’ Summerific Week: Celebrating Summerific Hibiscus August 3-9, 2025

Summerific Week is an annual event held during the first full week of August that aims to showcase the beauty, benefits, and appeal of these hardy North American native perennials.

As summer unfolds, few perennials make a bigger impression than the Summerific® Hibiscus. These eye-catching plants, known for their enormous 8-inch blooms in vivid colors, are hybrids of the native Hibiscus moscheutos—a species naturally found in wetlands and along riverbanks throughout the Eastern U.S., including New Jersey’s Meadowlands. They offer a unique blend of native hardiness and ornamental beauty, making them a standout choice for gardeners looking to support pollinators, including native bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, while adding bold color to the landscape.

What Makes Summerific® So Special?

Unlike traditional hibiscus that bloom only at the top of their stems, Summerific® varieties flower the length of their stems, creating a lush, flower-filled display from top to bottom. This extended bloom time not only turns heads—it also provides a vital nectar source for pollinators when few other plants are in flower (late summer and early fall). Most blooms feature a bold contrasting eye, adding even more visual drama to your garden beds.

Planting Tips for Success

To get the most from your Summerific® Hibiscus:

Give Them Space

Summerific® Hibiscus may start small, but don’t be fooled—they’re fast growers that can reach an impressive 5 to 6 feet in width at maturity. When planting, be sure to give them plenty of room to spread out. Crowding them too closely with other plants can limit airflow, reduce flowering, and lead to a less tidy appearance. A little planning now will reward you with a full, lush display later in the season.

Additionally, it’s important to note that Hardy Hibiscus are one of the last perennials to emerge in spring. Planting early spring flowering bulbs such as tulips, daffodils and crocuses around the main stem of the plant will provide some added color in the early spring before the Summerific® Hibiscus hits its full stride of growth.

Sun Is Key

These hibiscus thrive in full sun, and it’s the secret to their most vibrant performance. At least six hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal to encourage abundant blooms and to maintain the rich, dark foliage that many varieties are known for. In shadier spots, you may notice fewer flowers and a more leggy, stretched-out habit—so choose a sunny location for the best results.

Moisture Matters

Summerific® Hibiscus are naturally adapted to moist environments, making them a great choice for areas of the garden that stay damp or even flood occasionally. They perform best in wet to consistently moist soil, which makes them ideal for rain gardens, low-lying spots, or near water features. Just be sure the soil doesn’t dry out completely during hot spells—these plants love a good drink!

Featured Varieties at Rohsler’s

Stop by our garden center to explore a curated selection of Summerific® stars:

‘Cherry Choco Latte’ – creamy white with raspberry veining and a deep red eye
‘Evening Rose’ – hot pink blooms with near-black foliage
‘Holy Grail’ – deep red flowers and dark foliage for dramatic contrast
‘French Vanilla’ – soft yellow blooms with a buttery glow
‘Spinderella’ – whimsical pinwheel blooms with pink veining
‘Cookies and Cream’ – matte black foliage and pure white flowers
‘Perfect Storm’ – white flowers with a red eye and deep black-purple, maple-like leaves
‘Berry Awesome’ – ruffled lavender pink flowers with a cherry red eye
‘Valentine’s Crush’ – bright red flowers with an upright columnar habit

Visit Us During Summerific® Week

Celebrate the season with a garden upgrade that’s bold, beautiful, and beneficial to pollinators. Visit Rohsler’s Allendale Nursery to shop our full selection of Summerific® Hibiscus and get expert planting advice from our team.

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