Red Hibiscus Hibiscus acetosella

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Red Hibiscus:

Hibiscus coccineus

Previously known as:

Hibiscus eetveldeanus

Phonetic Spelling

hy-BIS-kus a-sey-toe-SELL-ah

Description

Cranberry hibiscus is a tender perennial sub-shrub in the Malvaceae (mallow) family native to tropical eastern Africa. While flowers might be the first thought when you hear the name hibiscus, the deep purple red foliage is what makes this shrub stand out.

Rapidly growing to a height of 3 to 5 feet and 2 1/2 feet wide, cranberry hibiscus requires full sun and will perform best in average to moist but not wet soil. Its growth habit is somewhat sparse and leggy, so plant densely or pinch back tips to encourage fuller growth. Hibiscus can be pruned, but keep in mind that flowers will appear on new growth. Cut it back to the ground before winter. While it may not survive year-round outdoors, it can be overwintered as a houseplant. It grows easily from seed or can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the fall and rooted in water or soil.

Plant in a cottage garden, mass plant in the back of a border, use as an annual specimen plant, in containers, or use as a seasonal hedge. Some pinching back may be necessary if grown in a container to maintain bushiness and size. Intersperse this plant with others that have lime green or silver leaves, or with ornamental grasses for some contrast and interest in the landscape.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious 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:

Cultivars / Varieties:

'Haight Ashbury’ (US PPAF)
leaves resemble marjiuana
‘Jungle Red’
deeply dissected palmate leaves
'Mahogony Splendor'
'Maple Sugar’ (US PP16,286)
burgundy black leaves
‘Panama Bronze’ (PPAF)
deeply dissected purple-bronze
‘Panama Red’ (PPAF)
deeply dissected bright red leaves and flowers
'Red Shield'
most common, deep burgandy

'Haight Ashbury’ (US PPAF), ‘Jungle Red’, 'Mahogony Splendor', 'Maple Sugar’ (US PP16,286), ‘Panama Bronze’ (PPAF), ‘Panama Red’ (PPAF), 'Red Shield'

Tags:

#full sun tolerant #maroon #specimen #purple leaves #red flowers #red leaves #nectar plant #showy leaves #winter interest #fall interest #cottage garden #interesting leaves #specialized bees #fast growing #summer flowers #crimson leaves #border planting #flowers late summer #border back #flowers early fall #flowers early winter #flowers late fall #bee friendly #flowers mid-fall #tropical feel #container plant #hedge #wildlife friendly

Hibiscus acetosella — Forest and Kim Starr CC BY 2.0