Hibiscus coccineus
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- hi-BIS-kus kok-SIN-ee-us
- Description
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Hibiscus coccineus or Hibiscus coccinea is a vigorous, sturdy, erect, woody-based perennial that typically grows 3-6' tall and features showy, hollyhock-like, 5-petaled, bright scarlet red flowers (3-5" diameter) borne in the upper leaf axils of the plant over a long, mid-summer to early fall bloom period.
Flowers of red hibiscus are very large and striking, up to 6 in.wide. The large, bold leaves add to the striking effect. It can be used in wet areas, such as beside ponds or in boggy areas. This plant is slightly salt tolerant.
It is a large plant for the rear of the perennial border, mixed border or courtyard. Also effective when grouped in moist locations such as along the edge of a pond or stream. This plant is susceptible to damage from deer.
Sometimes commonly called swamp hibiscus because it is native to marshes and swamps in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida.
Seasons of Interest:Blooms: Summer Nut/Fruit/Seed: Fall
Insects, Diseases, or Other Plant Problems: It has some susceptibility to blight, canker, rust, leaf spots, aphids, scale, whiteflies, and Japanese beetle. Taller plants may need staking.
- Cultivars:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Hibiscus
- Species:
- coccineus
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Distribution:
- Alabama, Georgia, Florida
- Wildlife Value:
- Its flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis.
- Play Value:
- Wildlife Enhancement
- Dimensions:
- Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 6 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herb
- Native Plant
- Perennial
- Wildflower
- Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Medium
- Maintenance:
- Low
- 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 Drainage:
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Piedmont
- Usda Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5b, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Red/Burgundy
- Flower Value To Gardener:
- Showy
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Summer
- Flower Shape:
- Radial
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Size:
- 3-6 inches
- Flower Description:
- Showy center staminal column
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Leaves:
- Leaf Characteristics:
- Deciduous
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
- Leaf Margin:
- Serrate
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Width:
- 3-6 inches
- Leaf Description:
- Deep green, finely toothed
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Pond
- Riparian
- Landscape Theme:
- Butterfly Garden
- Native Garden
- Pollinator Garden
- Rain Garden
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Border
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Butterflies
- Hummingbirds
- Pollinators
- Specialized Bees
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Salt
- Wet Soil
- Similar plants:
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Monarda didyma
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Hibiscus moscheutos
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Oenothera fruticosa
- Hibiscus coccineus has some common insect problems:
- Aphids Found on Flowers and Foliage
- Whiteflies Found on Flowers and Foliage
- Japanese Beetle
- Hibiscus coccineus has some other problems:
- White-Tailed Deer
