Growing Zone: | Garden in
Find your Growing Zone!

Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Heartthrob'

  • Hardy outdoors in zones 9-11, or grow as a stunning patio container plant and overwinter indoors in colder climates
  • Huge 6-8 inch red blooms with a dramatic darker eye appear continuously from late spring through fall in warm conditions
  • Proven Winners® Hollywood Hibiscus™ series is bred for exceptional flower power, compact branching, and improved heat tolerance
  • Fast-growing tropical shrub reaches 4-6 ft tall and attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees to the garden or patio
Regular price $9020
Shipping calculated at checkout.
Out of stock
Plant not supported in Growing Zone. Update address

Unfortunately, this item cannot be shipped to your state.

Shipping to a different address?

Shipping to your area may be delayed due to weather conditions.

Shipping to a different address?

Enter your ZIP code to check shipping availability.

Find your Growing Zone
Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 6 hours of direct sun daily for the best flowering. Plants tolerate light afternoon shade in hot climates, but too much shade results in leggy growth and fewer blooms.

Soil: Use a rich, well-draining potting mix for containers. In-ground plantings (zones 9-11) thrive in fertile garden soil amended with compost. Avoid heavy clay that stays waterlogged.

Watering Requirements

Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy during the growing season. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 2-3 days in hot weather for containers. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows, but never let the root ball dry out completely.

Pruning Tips

Prune in early spring before new growth begins to shape the plant and encourage bushier growth. Hibiscus blooms on new wood, so regular tip pruning throughout the growing season promotes more flowering branches. Remove any dead, crossing, or leggy stems to maintain an attractive form.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed every 2 weeks during the growing season with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer or use a slow-release tropical plant formula in spring. Reduce feeding in fall and stop entirely in winter. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which push foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Photo courtesy of Proven Winners - www.provenwinners.com

Description

Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) brings the drama of the tropics to your garden or patio with dinner-plate-sized red blooms that stop people in their tracks. This Proven Winners® selection produces an endless parade of 6-8 inch flowers featuring rich red petals that deepen to a darker burgundy eye at the center, creating an almost velvety, romantic appearance that inspired its name.

A Tropical Showstopper That Keeps Blooming

Unlike older hibiscus varieties that drop buds at the slightest stress, Heartthrob is bred for continuous performance. The Hollywood Hibiscus™ series was developed specifically for improved bud retention, meaning you get reliable flowering even when temperatures fluctuate or the plant gets moved around. Each bloom lasts just a day, but new buds open constantly from late spring through fall whenever temperatures stay above 60°F.

Versatile Growing Options

In zones 9-11, plant Heartthrob directly in the landscape where it develops into a lush shrub reaching 4-6 feet tall with glossy dark green foliage. Zone 9 gardeners should mulch heavily in winter and be prepared to protect plants if hard freezes threaten. For gardeners in cooler climates, this hibiscus makes an exceptional container plant for sunny patios, decks, and poolside plantings. Grow it outdoors during warm months and bring it inside before temperatures drop below 50°F. A bright, sunny window keeps it happy through winter, and some gardeners even enjoy sporadic winter blooms indoors.

Wildlife Value and Landscape Uses

Hummingbirds find the large red flowers irresistible, and you will often spot them hovering at the blooms throughout the day. Butterflies and bees also visit regularly, making Heartthrob a solid choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Use it as a focal point in mixed containers, plant a row along a fence for tropical screening, or let a single specimen anchor a sunny border.

Why Heartthrob Belongs in Your Collection

The combination of bold color, massive flower size, and reliable performance makes this hibiscus hard to beat. Whether you are a tropical plant enthusiast looking to expand your collection or a gardener who wants that vacation vibe without leaving home, Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™ delivers season-long impact with surprisingly easy care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mature height and spread of Heartthrob™ Hollywood Hibiscus?

  • Heartthrob Hollywood Hibiscus reaches 4-6 feet tall when planted directly in the landscape in zones 9-11. In cooler climates, container-grown plants stay smaller and more manageable. Plan for full-size growth in warm zones or keep it pruned in pots for easier winter storage.

Can I plant Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™ in the ground or only in containers?

  • You can plant Heartthrob directly in the ground in zones 9-11, where it grows 4-6 feet tall. In cooler zones, grow it in containers and bring indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F. Shop at Nature Hills for this versatile tropical hibiscus.

What are the sunlight requirements for Heartthrob™ Hollywood Hibiscus?

  • Heartthrob Hollywood Hibiscus requires full sun for optimal flowering performance. This tropical hibiscus needs bright, direct sunlight whether grown in the landscape in zones 9-11 or as a container plant in cooler areas. Even when overwintered indoors, place it in a bright, sunny window to maintain health and encourage sporadic blooms.

What type of soil does Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™ need?

  • Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™ thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with consistent moisture. As a tropical hibiscus, it prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) and benefits from organic matter mixed into the planting area. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.

How often should I water Heartthrob™ Hollywood Hibiscus, and how do I avoid root rot?

  • Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 2-3 days in containers during active growth. Hibiscus needs consistent moisture but never soggy soil - ensure containers have drainage holes and well-draining potting mix. Check daily during hot weather as these large 6-8 inch blooms demand steady hydration.

How do I prune Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™ to encourage blooming and shape it?

  • Prune Heartthrob hibiscus in late winter before new growth starts to maintain its 4-6 feet size and encourage bushier form. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches, and cut back up to one-third of the plant's height. Light pruning throughout the growing season is fine since it blooms on new wood.

Is Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™ hardy outdoors in colder climates, or do I need to overwinter it indoors?

  • Heartthrob is only winter-hardy outdoors in zones 9-11. In colder climates, grow it as a container plant and bring indoors before temperatures drop below 50°F. Place in a bright, sunny window for winter storage.

Is Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™ disease-resistant, and how do I prevent pests?

  • Hollywood Hibiscus™ Heartthrob™ shows good disease resistance as part of the improved Proven Winners® breeding program. Watch for aphids and spider mites, especially on container plants. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.

Find Your Garden's Growing Zone!

Your Current Growing Zone:

Zone

ZIP Code:

✓ Growing Zone Set Successfully!

Your zone has been saved and will be used throughout the site.

⚠ Unable to locate a growing zone for that ZIP code.

Please check your ZIP code and try again.

Looking up your growing zone...

When ordering a tree or plant, make sure to know your planting zone.

You can determine your garden's USDA hardiness zone by entering your Zip Code below.