5 Minute Friday: Planting Hibiscus 'Lunar Eclipse' – A Stunning Addition for UK Gardens

Hi there, and welcome to today’s 5 Minute Friday blog! This week, I’m planting Hibiscus 'Walberton’s® Lunar® Eclipse' into a container—and I’m really excited about this one. Hibiscus can sometimes be seen as a bit tropical, but this variety is perfect for the UK garden. It’s hardy, easy to care for, and those huge blooms will bring a real wow factor to your patio or border.

Let’s take a closer look at why I think this plant deserves a spot in your garden.

🌸 Why I Love Hibiscus 'Lunar Eclipse'

Hibiscus 'Lunar Eclipse' is a real showstopper. It has big, creamy-white flowers with a bold red eye in the centre that just grabs your attention. The flowers are massive—up to 18 cm across—and they keep coming from mid-summer right into autumn.

What I love most is that it’s hardy and reliable in the UK. This is a variety bred for our climate, so you don’t need a greenhouse or a tropical garden to enjoy it. It’s happy in a pot or the ground and will bring a real exotic feel to your space.

Here’s why I think you’ll love it:

• Hardy for UK gardens – no need to fuss, this plant can handle our winters.

• Spectacular blooms – huge flowers from July through to September.

• Low maintenance – just a little care, and it will reward you year after year.

• Great in containers or borders – perfect for patios, balconies, or a sunny spot in the garden.

🌿 Caring for Hibiscus 'Lunar Eclipse'

Here are my top tips for growing Hibiscus successfully in the UK:

• Light: Hibiscus loves a sunny spot—full sun is best to get the most flowers.

• Compost: Use a free-draining, fertile compost—something like John Innes No.3 mixed with a bit of grit works really well.

• Watering: Keep the compost moist but not soggy, especially in summer. Once established, it’s fairly drought-tolerant, but regular watering during dry spells will help it thrive.

• Feeding: A slow-release fertiliser in the compost is ideal, or a liquid feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.

• Winter care: This variety is hardy in the UK. In very cold areas or exposed spots, you can protect the pot with bubble wrap or fleece, but generally, it’s tough enough to stay out all year.

🪴 Step-by-Step: Planting Hibiscus in a Container

Let’s get planting! Here’s how I potted up my 'Lunar Eclipse' for a stunning summer display.

What you’ll need:

• A large container with drainage holes (at least 40 cm wide)

• Free-draining, fertile compost (John Innes No.3 + grit is a good mix)

• A slow-release fertiliser (optional, if not already in your compost)

• Mulch (optional – bark or gravel can help retain moisture)

How I did it:

1. Prep the container
   I filled my pot about three-quarters full with compost, leaving room for the plant and extra compost around it.

2. Remove the plant
   Gently squeeze the pot, tip it upside down, and ease the plant out. If the roots are a bit tight, I’ll loosen them up slightly to encourage new growth.

3. Position the plant
   I placed the Hibiscus in the centre of the pot, making sure it’s at the same level it was in its original pot.

4. Backfill and firm
   I filled in around the plant with more compost, gently firming it in place.

5. Water well
   A thorough soak is important—water slowly, let it sink in, and repeat until it’s running out of the base.

6. Top it off
   I sometimes add a layer of mulch on top to help retain moisture—especially useful in hot weather.

🌸 Enjoy the Show

I’m looking forward to seeing these big, bold blooms popping out later in the summer. If you’ve never tried growing Hibiscus in the UK, give 'Lunar Eclipse' a go—it’s an easy, rewarding plant that brings a real touch of the tropics to your patio or garden.

Let me know how you get on, or if you have any questions, feel free to ask! 🌿