Cranberry Hibiscus in Zone 8a & 8b
Hibiscus acetosella
When to plant cranberry hibiscus in zone 8b
Zones 8a and 8b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Start indoors: Start indoors from seed, then transplant outside. Cranberry Hibiscus needs a head start most zones can't give it by direct-sowing alone.
| Start indoors | Feb 4–Feb 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Apr 1–Apr 8 |
| Estimated bloom | Jul 10–Jul 17 (~100 days after transplanting) |
Spacing: about 4 square feet per plant (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 3.5-6 ft.
Cranberry hibiscus, also called false roselle, is grown for its deep burgundy foliage rather than for its actual hibiscus flowers, prized in floral arrangements as a dramatic, colorful cut foliage.
How cranberry hibiscus fits zone 8's season
Zone 8b's frost-free window runs about 230 days, from March 25 to November 10. Cranberry Hibiscus needs about 100 days from transplant to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Cranberry Hibiscus.
Where to buy cranberry hibiscus seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing cranberry hibiscus" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 8b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →
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Growing Cranberry Hibiscus in USDA zone 8b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a bloom.
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