Hibiscus Luna Red
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Red'
This spectacular hardy hibiscus produces enormous 6-8 inch scarlet-red blooms that command attention from across the garden, yet grows on a compact, manageable plant perfect for smaller spaces. Luna Red delivers the tropical impact of traditional hibiscus while being completely winter hardy in most climates, returning reliably each spring to provide months of show-stopping color.
Harvest
100-120d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun
Zones
4–9
USDA hardiness
Height
2-6 feet
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Hibiscus Luna Red in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 flower →Zone Map
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Hibiscus Luna Red · Zones 4–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April – May | June – July | June – August | — |
| Zone 4 | March – April | June – June | June – July | — |
| Zone 5 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 6 | March – April | May – June | May – July | — |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 8 | February – March | April – May | April – June | — |
| Zone 9 | January – February | March – April | March – May | — |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | February – April | — |
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: High Organic Matter, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Moist, Occasionally Wet. Water: 'Disco Belle' Seriessemi-dwarf, flowers pale pink, dark pink, rose, red or white with red eye 'Lady Baltimore'light pink flowers with a red center 'Luna' Seriesdwarf plant, flowers white, blush, pink, rose, red, and pink swirl, good for containers Pink Tea Cups 'Robert Fleming'compact, bloom 10 inches in diameter, red, velvety flowers, dark green foliage 'Summerific Perfect Storm'compact, dark purple foliage, whitish-pink flowers with a red central eye 'Summer Storm', 'Disco Belle' Series, 'Lady Baltimore', 'Luna' Series, Pink Tea Cups, 'Robert Fleming', 'Summerific Perfect Storm', 'Summer Storm'. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 5 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 3 feet-6 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: 'Disco Belle' Seriessemi-dwarf, flowers pale pink, dark pink, rose, red or white with red eye 'Lady Baltimore'light pink flowers with a red center 'Luna' Seriesdwarf plant, flowers white, blush, pink, rose, red, and pink swirl, good for containers Pink Tea Cups 'Robert Fleming'compact, bloom 10 inches in diameter, red, velvety flowers, dark green foliage 'Summerific Perfect Storm'compact, dark purple foliage, whitish-pink flowers with a red central eye 'Summer Storm', 'Disco Belle' Series, 'Lady Baltimore', 'Luna' Series, Pink Tea Cups, 'Robert Fleming', 'Summerific Perfect Storm', 'Summer Storm'. Propagation: Division, Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruit is a brown, oval, 1 to 1¼ inch long seed capsule that appears from July to October. The beaked capsules turn brown within 4 to 5 weeks of the flowers blooming. Each capsule contains a ring of seeds. The seeds are dark brown, reniform, flat, and hairless.
Color: Brown/Copper. Type: Capsule. Length: 1-3 inches. Width: 1-3 inches.
Harvest time: Fall, Winter
Bloom time: Fall, Summer
Storage & Preservation
Fresh hibiscus flowers are extremely perishable and should be used within 24 hours of harvest for best quality. Store freshly cut blooms in cool water in the refrigerator, changing water daily. For longer storage, gently separate petals and store in slightly damp paper towels inside sealed containers for up to 3 days.
To dry petals for tea, spread them on screens in a well-ventilated, dark area for 3-5 days until completely crisp. Properly dried petals retain their tart flavor for up to one year when stored in airtight containers away from light. Freeze whole flowers in ice cube trays for stunning drink garnishes, or flash-freeze individual petals on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags.
For hibiscus syrup, simmer fresh petals in equal parts water and sugar until liquid turns deep red, then strain and refrigerate for up to one month. The concentrated cranberry-like flavor makes excellent bases for beverages, desserts, and cocktail mixers.
History & Origin
Origin: Southeast Canada, Central & Eastern United States, and NE Mexico
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Heat, Humidity, Salt, Wet Soil
- +Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Pollinators, Specialized Bees
- +Wildlife value: Its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies and other pollinators. 28 species of butterflies and moths use this as a caterpillar host plant. Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis. Dead stems are used by stem-nesting bees.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Marigold
Repels aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites that commonly attack hibiscus
Nasturtium
Acts as trap crop for aphids and adds nitrogen to soil
Lavender
Attracts beneficial pollinators and repels common garden pests
Pentas
Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds while sharing similar water needs
Catnip
Repels mosquitoes, ants, and aphids that may damage hibiscus
Rosemary
Deters spider mites and whiteflies with aromatic oils
Zinnia
Attracts beneficial insects and ladybugs that control aphids
Beebalm
Attracts pollinators and beneficial predatory insects
Keep Apart
Black Walnut Tree
Produces juglone toxin that inhibits hibiscus growth and causes wilting
Eucalyptus
Allelopathic compounds suppress growth of nearby flowering plants
Fennel
Inhibits growth through allelopathy and competes aggressively for nutrients
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #169270)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good disease resistance, some susceptibility to leaf spot
Common Pests
Japanese beetles, aphids, whiteflies, spider mites
Diseases
Leaf spot, rust, root rot in poorly drained soil