Hollywood Hibiscus™ Hot Shot™

Hollywood Hibiscus™ Hot Shot™ (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Hot Shot') lives up to its name with blooms that stop traffic. These aren't subtle flowers. Each satellite dish-shaped blossom spans 5 to 6 inches across in vivid fire-engine red with a deep burgundy throat that draws your eye straight to the bright yellow stamens towering above. This Proven Winners® selection was bred specifically for gardeners who want maximum impact with minimum fuss, delivering weeks of continuous color from late spring until frost.

A Tropical Star for Any Climate

Tropical hibiscus like Hot Shot originated in warm regions of Asia, but modern breeding has made them accessible to gardeners everywhere. In zones 9 through 11, Hot Shot performs as a fast-growing evergreen shrub reaching 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. The glossy green foliage stays attractive year-round, providing a lush backdrop even between bloom cycles. In colder zones, this versatile plant thrives as a spectacular summer annual or container specimen that you bring indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F.

The Hollywood Hibiscus line stands out from generic tropical hibiscus for good reason. Proven Winners selected these varieties for superior disease resistance, vigorous growth habits, and most importantly, blooms that face outward and upward so they're always showing off their best side. Hot Shot produces an exceptionally high number of buds throughout the season, and each flower lasts two to three days on the plant rather than the typical single day, giving you dramatically more color for the same effort.

Container Superstar and Landscape Showpiece

Hot Shot excels in large containers as a patio centerpiece or deck accent. Its upright, well-branched habit fills a pot beautifully without becoming leggy or sparse. Pair it with trailing sweet potato vine, upright fountain grass, or silvery dichondra for a professional-looking mixed container that blooms all summer. In zones 9-11, plant Hot Shot in the landscape as a specimen, foundation plant, or informal flowering hedge where its bold color creates a dramatic focal point.

Hummingbirds find those vibrant red blooms irresistible, and you'll notice native bees working the flowers for pollen. The open flower structure makes nectar easily accessible, turning your patio or garden into a pollinator haven. Despite this wildlife appeal, deer typically avoid tropical hibiscus, making Hot Shot a smart choice for areas where browsing is a problem.

Overwintering Success

Gardeners in cold climates have two options: grow Hot Shot as an annual and replant each spring, or bring it indoors for winter. If you choose to overwinter, move your plant inside well before frost when nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 55°F. Place it in the brightest spot available, ideally a south or west-facing window with at least four to five hours of direct light. Expect the plant to drop some leaves and stop flowering as it adjusts to indoor conditions. Water sparingly through winter, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings, and hold off on fertilizer. When spring arrives and outdoor temperatures stay reliably above 60°F, gradually reacclimate Hot Shot to outdoor conditions over a week, and it will quickly flush out with new growth and blooms.

The tropical nature of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis means it cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Even a brief dip to 35°F can cause serious damage or death, so timing your outdoor placement in spring and fall is important. However, this sensitivity to cold also means Hot Shot thrives in the intense heat that wilts many other flowering plants. When temperatures soar into the 90s and other plants struggle, Hot Shot keeps producing those show-stopping red blooms.

Low-Maintenance Beauty

Despite its exotic appearance, Hot Shot requires straightforward care. Keep the soil consistently moist, provide full sun, and feed regularly. That's the formula for success. You don't need to deadhead spent blooms, though doing so keeps the plant looking tidy. The high bud count means there's always another flower ready to open. Pests like aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies occasionally appear but are easily managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering helps prevent the fungal issues that sometimes plague tropical hibiscus.

The Proven Winners brand backing means you're getting a plant that's been trialed and tested for garden performance. Hot Shot delivers on the promise of big, bold, long-lasting color that transforms ordinary spaces into tropical escapes. Whether you're creating a resort-style patio, adding punch to a foundation planting, or simply want a container plant that demands attention, Hot Shot brings the heat all season long.