How to Grow Lord Baltimore
Wikimedia Commons
Lord Baltimore
Hibiscus moscheutos 'Lord Baltimore'
shrubLord Baltimore is a stunning hardy hibiscus cultivar prized for its large, deep red flowers with prominent dark red veining and prominent stamens. It's a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub that produces prolific blooms throughout summer and fall. This tropical-looking perennial thrives in temperate climates and adds dramatic color to garden landscapes.
When should you plant Lord Baltimore in your zone?
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Example Lord Baltimore timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Lord Baltimore
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Lord Baltimore
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Lord Baltimore dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 5-9; hardy enough to survive zone 4 winters with winter protection
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Spring Emergence
4-6 weeksPlant emerges late in spring as deciduous shrub slowly leafs out from dormancy
Do not prune until growth appears to avoid winter damage; leave dead canes until new growth clearly begins
Vegetative Growth
8-12 weeksVigorous growth of stems and foliage; plant becomes a bushy shrub with glossy, elongated leaves
Water regularly and deeply; fertilize monthly with balanced or slightly higher phosphorus fertilizer; pinch back tips early in season to encourage branching
Flowering
12-16 weeks (mid-July through September/October)Large 4-6 inch diameter deep red flowers appear along branch tips; blooms have prominent dark red veining and dark center stamens
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming; maintain consistent moisture; weekly watering during heat; high potassium fertilizer promotes more blooms
Fall Transition
4-8 weeksFlowering continues but slows as temperatures cool; foliage may yellow and fall
Reduce watering gradually; cease fertilizing; deadhead until first frost; prepare winter protection for zones 4-5
Winter Dormancy
3-5 monthsPlant goes dormant and loses leaves; canes may appear dead but are protected underground
In zones 4-5, mulch heavily (8-12 inches) around base with leaves or straw; cut back dead canes in late winter/early spring only after new growth appears
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Hand-pick in early morning; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps
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Remove infested leaves; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap during active growth
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Increase humidity; spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe; improve air circulation
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Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage natural predators
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Remove with rubbing alcohol on cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap; improve air circulation
Uses
Cut Flowers & Arrangements
HouseholdThe large, exotic-looking deep red blooms are striking in floral arrangements and last several days when cut in early morning. The tropical appearance makes them ideal for special event décor. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeHibiscus flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies with their abundant nectar and large, accessible stamens. Planting Lord Baltimore supports pollinator populations throughout late summer and fall. [source]
Garden Ornament & Landscape Drama
CraftThe lush foliage and dramatic deep red flowers create a tropical garden feel in temperate climates. Excellent focal point or background shrub for mixed borders. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalHibiscus flowers have been used traditionally in herbal medicine and teas, though medicinal use is more common with H. sabdariffa. Some herbalists use hibiscus flowers for their potential antioxidant properties. [source]
Edible Flowers & Tea
CulinaryWhile primarily ornamental, hibiscus flowers are technically edible with a slightly tart flavor. Some gardeners use hibiscus flowers to create decorative teas or garnish desserts. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Lord Baltimore is an ornamental shrub grown for flowers, not for harvest. Deadhead spent blooms regularly throughout summer and fall to promote continuous flowering. Cut stems can be used in floral arrangements; harvest in early morning when flowers first open. Collect seed pods in fall if desired for propagation.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Lord Baltimore is named to honor Maryland's official state flower, the Black-eyed Susan, paired with the state colors. However, it was actually created as a cultivar for its superior heat and humidity tolerance in mid-Atlantic gardens.
- 🌱 Hardy hibiscus like Lord Baltimore are completely different from tropical hibiscus—they're deciduous shrubs that die back to the ground in winter and regrow from roots, making them true perennials in temperate zones rather than tender annuals.
- 🌱 A single Lord Baltimore flower can last only one day, but the plant produces new blooms continuously for months, with a mature shrub potentially displaying hundreds of flowers throughout the blooming season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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