Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- hih-BIS-kus RO-zah sih-NEN-sis
- Description
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Chinese hibiscus is a large shrub that is a member of the Malvaceae (mallow) family. It is native to Asia. It grows 4 to 10 feet high and 5 to 8 feet wide, so consider its space requirements when determining its planting location. This is a tropical, evergreen plant known for its bold flowers that can be up to 6 inches across with a showy central tube. The genus name Hibiscus is Latin for mallow and the species names rosa sinensis are Latin for rose and Chinese.
Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade and in rich moist soil with good drainage. The roots should be kept moist. Chinese hibiscus appreciates high humidity and protection from wind and frost but it is resistant to browsing by deer. Individual plants 12 to 24 feet apart outdoors or indoors in a large container in a location that receives bright light. It has a medium growth rate and requires some maintenance and care. Prune back by about one half the height in early spring to encourage a compact growth habit. Keep in mind that flowers will bloom on new growth. Chinese hibiscus is sensitive to environmental changes so moving the plant can cause leaf and bud drops. Propagation occurs through stem cutting.
Plant in your butterfly garden or naturalized area. It can also be grown in a container and as a houseplant. Plant multiples for use as a screen or hedge, or plant singularly as an accent plant. Its large funnel-shaped flowers bloom in summer and are an attractant for specialized bees and pollinators.
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Extension Master Gardener℠ Demonstration Garden, Durham Co.
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Hibiscus
- Species:
- rosa
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Asia
- Wildlife Value:
- Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis.
- Dimensions:
- Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Houseplant
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Coarse
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- High Organic Matter
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 12-24 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Pink
- Red/Burgundy
- White
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Solitary
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Edible
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Spring
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Funnel
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Purple, blues, pinks, white single or double lasting only one day but appearing seasonally. In the center is a unique androgynafore pistol and stamens are fused together in a showy central tube. Narrow leaved caylx surround the flowers.
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Feel:
- Glossy
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Elliptical
- Leaf Margin:
- Dentate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Length:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Simple lobed, dark green glossy leaves dentate margins with visible palmate venation. Some variation of leaf shape, underside of leaves are somewhat pale.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Houseplants
- Naturalized Area
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Edible Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Hedge
- Screen/Privacy
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Pollinators
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
