in bloom
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Hibiscus mutabilis
Deciduous shrub or small tree
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Deciduous shrub or small tree
- Height × spread: 10-12 ft (3.0-3.7 m) × 8-10 ft (2.4-3.0 m)
- Bloom window: late summer to fall
- Color & flower form: White to pink to deep rose in one day. Single or double
- Fragrance: 0 to 1 trace
- USDA hardiness: zones 7 to 9
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown. unknown. China and Taiwan
- Cut‑flower notes: Showy but short‑lived blooms. Not a reliable cut
- Pet safety: unknown . varies by source
How it differs
- Distinct color‑changing flowers.
- Taller and woodier than most hardy hibiscus.
- Late‑season display when many shrubs fade.
- Easy from cuttings for quick establishment.
Strengths
- Striking flowers and fast growth.
- Heat tolerant and low routine care.
- Good screen or backdrop in mild zones.
- Attracts pollinators.
Care in one minute
Provide full sun and fertile, well‑drained soil with steady moisture.
Water during dry weather to support growth and bloom.
Mulch the root zone. Keep mulch off stems.
Prune in winter after bloom to shape and renew wood.
Watch‑outs
- Not hardy in colder regions. Dieback in severe winters.
- Young shoots are frost tender.
- Can outgrow small spaces if unpruned.
Best uses (tags)
Provenance note
Native to southern China and Taiwan. Cultivated for centuries and common in the American South.
References
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox – Hibiscus mutabilis
- Kew Science – Plants of the World Online – Hibiscus mutabilis
- Royal Horticultural Society – Hibiscus mutabilis
