Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus

Hibiscus 'Starry Starry Night'

Nature Hills Nursery

Dinner-Plate Blooms from Top to Bottom with Stunning Rose-Pink Eyes
Cold Hardy: Thrives in Zones 4-9
Grows 3-5 ft Tall, 3-4 ft Wide
Heat Tolerant, Salt Tolerant
Ideal for Privacy Screen or Hedge

$34⁷⁹

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Plant Size

Product variants

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Plant this hibiscus in a spot receiving at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily to ensure the foliage maintains its intense, near-black color. While it survives in partial shade, the leaves will turn greener and flower production will significantly decrease.
Soil: These plants thrive in rich soil that holds moisture well, making them perfect for low spots or rain gardens. If you have sandy soil, amend it heavily with compost to retain the water necessary for those massive blooms.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the first year while the root system establishes. Once established, these plants still have a high water demand and will drop their flower buds if allowed to dry out completely. Consistent moisture ensures the large, dinner-plate sized flowers open fully and last longer.

Pruning Tips

Hardy Hibiscus blooms on new wood, but it is one of the last plants to wake up in the spring, so be patient. Cut all the stems down to about 3 to 4 inches above the ground in early spring before new growth emerges. This clears the way for vigorous new shoots that will carry this season's flowers.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a slow-release, balanced fertilizer or a formula designed for blooming shrubs in the spring when new growth finally appears. Avoid fertilizing after late summer, as pushing new growth late in the season prevents the plant from hardening off properly for winter.

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

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Cold hardy, Fast-growing, Flowering, Clay Tolerant, Wet Soils, Heat Tolerant, Attracts pollinators, Container Friendly
Hardiness Zone	4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Sunlight	Full sun, Partial shade
Height	3-5 ft
Width	3-4 ft
Watering Needs	High
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Peaty, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Upright
Blooms In	Fall, Summer
Flower Color	Pink
Foliage Color	Dark green, Purple
Suitable Space	Outdoors, Indoors
Plant Name	Hibiscus
Botanical Name	Hibiscus 'Starry Starry Night'
Species	hybrid
Cultivar	Starry Starry Night
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, AZ, HI, ID, MT, PR

Not all stars are cold...some are actually red-hot! The Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus x 'Starry Starry Night') delivers exceptional performance for your summer garden! Stellar pale-pink blooms develop from the top of the plant...all the way down to the bottom. Not all Hardy Hibiscus plants can do that, but that one trait takes a giant leap forward.

The blooms themselves are the size of dinner plates! Overlapping petals swirl open to reveal a rose-pink eye surrounding a tubular stamen. Over the long season of bloom, you'll be awestruck by the sheer floriferous nature of this improved native perennial. Beyond the bloom, the butterflies also offer a pretty display as they visit to gather nectar.

But that's not the only winning attribute of the top-rated Starry Night. After all, stars shine brightest against the dark backdrop of the night. These ethereal pink-blended blooms really "pop" against the dark purple leaves. Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus offers some of the very darkest foliage on the market...it's almost black!

The dark foliage color stays true in the hot climate of USDA Zone 9. But Starry Night is tough enough to handle the frigid winter temperatures of Zone 4. Growing into a neat and tidy 3-4 feet tall and wide upright mound, this herbaceous perennial

Planting and Application:

The upright, tight branch structure makes this superstar an incredible choice to place in large outdoor containers. Place them where you have full sun to partial shade for an eye-catching focal point. You aren't limited by small yards or land ownership either! Keep Hardy Hibiscus in containers on your balcony to rocket your Apartment Life into a new dimension!

The glorious pink blooms partner so well with just about any other flower color. Put them in a Bali-style subtropical landscape or around the pool deck with hot orange and red blooms. Add them for a deliciously dark layer in a Cottage Garden. Starry Nights embolden a mix of pastels and jewel-toned plants in a mixed perennial border.

Place them in front of larger Ornamental Grasses for an effective contrast around your entertainment area. Savor the long days spent outside with family and friends! Hummingbirds and Butterflies visit the blooms, too!

Use these as a draw to bring pollinators to your "Second Season" of planting in your annual Victory Garden. They make an exceptional low-growing flowering hedge to hide some of the more utilitarian aspects of growing vegetables. Plant them 30 inches apart for a solid screen that dazzles the eye!

Rain Gardens are another chance to make the most of the power of these plants due to their tolerance of moist soil. Use several in a mass planting on the berm to help control erosion and filter water runoff. Coastal gardeners won't need to worry either, and these salt-tolerant perennials thrive along salted streets or sidewalks too!

Of course, you can give this desirable plant as a gift! Beginners love them for their ease of care, and experienced gardeners can't get enough of the unique colorway. The maple-shaped leaves look beautiful, even when Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus isn't in bloom. They'll add an atmospheric visual impact to your borders, beds, and containers!

Pale Pink Blooms 8- Inches Across
Features Dark Red Eye & Dark Pink Veining
Starts Blooming in Midsummer - Lasts Through Fall!
Incredibly Dark Foliage & Compact, Upright Shape
Long-Lasting Nectar for Pollinators & Hummingbirds
Low Hedges, Specimens, Containers & Mass Plantings

#ProPlantTips for Care:

Provide full sun or partial shade for your Hardy Hibiscus. They'll flower best with more sun, but perform in at least four hours of sunlight. If possible, plant them in well-drained soil that quickly dries out after rainfall. Luckily, thank your Starry Night for their adaptability to occasionally wet and dry soils. Consistent watering will keep your plant stress-free. Apply a 3-4 inch layer of mulch over the top of the roots...pulling them back away from the roots.

As flowers are done, remove them for a more manicured look, then in early spring, trim down all the stems to the ground. Watch for the new growth to come up from the roots. Please be patient, as they are one of the last plants to start growing in spring.

Full Sun & Partial Shade
Widely Adaptable Moisture Needs
Well-Drained Soil
Deadhead After Flowers Fade
Dies To The Ground Each Winter - Prune Early Spring
Carefree Perennial - Very Cold-Hardy & Heat-Tolerant

How many stars are in the Milky Way? Not as many as there are flowers on a Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus! Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus is in fierce demand all across the country so order yours today at Nature Hills Nursery!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus grow well in zone 4 winters?

Yes, Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus thrives in USDA Zone 4 winters despite its tropical appearance. This hardy perennial can handle frigid temperatures while maintaining its performance from zones 4-9. Plant it in fall to establish roots before winter.

How much sun does Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus need?

Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus thrives in full sun to partial shade. This adaptable perennial performs well across zones 4-9, producing dinner plate-sized blooms throughout summer. For best flowering, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily when you shop at Nature Hills.

What type of soil is best for planting Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus?

Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus thrives in well-draining, fertile soil with consistent moisture. This Zone 4-9 perennial adapts to various soil types but performs best in slightly acidic to neutral pH. Amend heavy clay with compost to improve drainage before planting.

How often should I water Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus?

Water Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus deeply 1-2 times per week during active growing season. These Zone 4-9 perennials need consistent moisture but well-draining soil to support their dinner plate-sized blooms from summer through fall. Check soil moisture regularly, especially for container plants.

What fertilizer is recommended for Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus?

A balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer applied in early spring supports Starry Night's prolific dinner plate-sized blooms from Zone 4-9. Feed monthly during the growing season for best flowering performance. Find quality fertilizers alongside your Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus at naturehills.com.

Why does Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus emerge so late in spring?

Hardy hibiscus are naturally late emergers, often not showing growth until soil temperatures consistently reach 60-65°F. This herbaceous perennial dies back completely in winter zones 4-9, so new shoots must develop from the root system each spring. Be patient and avoid overwatering while waiting for emergence in late spring to early summer.

How do I prune or cut back Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus in spring?

Cut Hardy Hibiscus stems down to 6-8 inches above ground level in early spring before new growth emerges. Since this herbaceous perennial dies back completely in winter, you're removing last year's dead growth. Wait until soil warms and you see new shoots sprouting from the base before pruning.

Is Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus deer resistant?

Hardy Hibiscus varieties like Starry Night are generally deer resistant due to their coarse texture and less palatable foliage. The dark purple leaves may be even less appealing to deer than standard green varieties. Plant in full sun locations where this 3-4 foot perennial can establish well for best natural protection.

What pests affect Starry Night Hardy Hibiscus, like aphids or thrips?

Hardy Hibiscus can attract aphids, Japanese beetles, and spider mites during the growing season. The large dinner plate-sized blooms and dark foliage may also draw thrips in hot climates like Zone 9. Monitor regularly and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil at first sign of infestation.