Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Hibiscus rosa‑sinensis is the tropical hibiscus prized for bold flowers and glossy leaves.
It is frost tender and grows outdoors year‑round only in warm zones.
In most regions it performs best in containers that winter indoors.
Bloom runs from late spring to fall and can be nearly year‑round in frost‑free areas.
Shrubs are 4 to 10 feet tall and respond well to light pruning.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: Tropical hibiscus (evergreen shrub or houseplant)
- Height × spread: 4-10 ft (1.2-3.0 m) × 5-8 ft (1.5-2.4 m)
- Bloom window: late spring to fall. Year‑round in frost‑free zones
- Color & flower form: Wide color range. Single or double. 4 to 8 inch flowers
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: zones 10 to 11. grown as annual or container elsewhere
- Breeder / Year / Origin: unknown. unknown. Asia tropics
- Cut‑flower notes: Showy but short‑lived. Best for same‑day displays
- Pet safety: unknown . varies by source
How it differs
- Not winter hardy in most of North America.
- Longest potential bloom season in warm climates.
- Needs high light and steady feeding for best flowering.
- Best grown in containers outside frost‑free areas.
Strengths
- Extraordinary diversity of colors and forms.
- Good response to pruning for compact shape.
- Attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
- Thrives in heat with regular water.
Care in one minute
- Provide full sun outdoors and bright light indoors in winter.
- Use well‑drained potting mix and keep soil evenly moist.
- Feed during active growth with a balanced or hibiscus fertilizer.
- Prune lightly after flushes to shape and encourage new growth.
- Move indoors before nights drop below 55°F (13°C).
Watch‑outs
- Cold snaps trigger leaf yellowing and drop.
- Whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites may build up.
- Chlorosis in alkaline or poorly drained soils.
Best uses (tags)
containers, patios, tropical effect, specimen, seasonal color
Provenance note
Often treated as a hybrid complex of Asian origin. Widely bred for ornamental use.
References
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder – Hibiscus rosa‑sinensis
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions – Hibiscus
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox – Hibiscus rosa‑sinensis
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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