Hibiscus 'Lady Baltimore'
Hibiscus 'Lady Baltimore' is a bold late summer flowering perennial known for its large soft pink blooms with a deep red eye that stand out against lush green foliage. Its tropical looking flowers bring a dramatic focal point to sunny borders and cottage style plantings while providing reliable seasonal color during the heat of summer.
Height & Spread: 4 - 5 ft x 3 - 4 ft
Bloom Time: Mid to late summer
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Preference: Moist rich well drained soil
Watering Needs: Moderate to high; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant
Native Status
This hibiscus is a cultivated hybrid derived from North American hardy hibiscus species and is grown primarily for ornamental landscape use rather than as a wild native form.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Hummingbirds
- Highly attractive to hummingbirds which are drawn to the large open flowers and abundant nectar throughout the peak summer bloom period.
Butterflies
- Draws a variety of butterflies including Swallowtails, Painted Ladies, and skippers that visit the blooms for nectar.
Bees
- Supports native bees and bumblebees which forage heavily on the large pollen rich flowers during midsummer.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 36 - 48 in apart to allow full development of its large shrub like form.
Landscape Placement
- Best used as a focal point in sunny borders, cottage gardens, and along foundations where its bold blooms can be appreciated at peak summer height.
Companion Plants
- Calamagrostis acutiflora 'Karl Foerster' (Feather Reed Grass) - Adds vertical structure and movement that contrasts with the bold hibiscus blooms.
- Echinacea purpurea 'Magnus' (Purple Coneflower) - Extends summer color and reinforces pollinator activity in the same season window.
- Rudbeckia fulgida 'Goldsturm' (Black Eyed Susan) - Provides strong golden color that pairs well with the tropical flower tones.
- Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian Sage) - Offers airy lavender blue texture that softens the boldness of hibiscus.
- Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem) - Brings native grass structure and seasonal color shift into the planting.