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Hamabo Hibiscus Hibiscus hamabo

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
hy-BIS-kus ham-AY-boh
Description

Hamabo hibiscus is a small, broadleaf evergreen tree or large shrub native to China, Korea, and Japan and in the Malvaceae (mallow) family. It grows 6 to 15 feet in height and 10 to 15 feet wide and has flowers that last from mid-spring through the first frost.   

Plant in full sun to partial shade and in an area with good drainage. Prune to maintain a dense habit. Flowers appear on new growth from late spring to mid-fall, with blooms turning orange as they age. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, pollinators, and butterflies. It is more cold tolerant than other hibiscus, and like Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is resistant to salt, and drought tolerant once established.

Its small stature works as flowering tree for a courtyard or patio gardens.  Its showy flowers, which have a mild fragrance, bring light and interest to a cottage garden.  Plant Hamabo hibiscus in small groups in the middle or back of a border planting, or use as a hedge or screen.  Their salt tolerance makes them a good choice for a coastal location.  In cooler climates, they do well planted in large containers where they can be brought inside over the winter. This plant is susceptible to damage from deer. 

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.  Moth larvae can bore into the fruit.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#deciduous#small tree#drought tolerant#yellow flowers#deciduous shrub#salt tolerant#cottage garden#salt spray tolerant#large shrub#deer browsing plant#large flowers#frost tolerant#hairy leaves#screening#courtyard garden#flowers late spring#evergreen shrub#flowers midsummer#deciduous tree#flowers early summer#flowers late summer#border back#fall color yellow#border middle#small group plantings#fall color red#flowers early fall#flowers mid-fall#tropical feel#self-fertile#container plant#coastal plant#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#showy flowers#deciduous#small tree#drought tolerant#yellow flowers#deciduous shrub#salt tolerant#cottage garden#salt spray tolerant#large shrub#deer browsing plant#large flowers#frost tolerant#hairy leaves#screening#courtyard garden#flowers late spring#evergreen shrub#flowers midsummer#deciduous tree#flowers early summer#flowers late summer#border back#fall color yellow#border middle#small group plantings#fall color red#flowers early fall#flowers mid-fall#tropical feel#self-fertile#container plant#coastal plant#hedge
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hibiscus
    Species:
    hamabo
    Family:
    Malvaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    China, Korea, Japan
    Wildlife Value:
    Hummingbirds, birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Colorful
    Fragrance
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Multi-trunked
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • 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 pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Wet
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Schizocarp
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Brown, non-ornamental 1/2" capsule or schizocarp
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Orange
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Trumpet
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    3-6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Large (2"-4") solitary pale yellow trumpet shaped flowers with overlapping petals, red center, occasionally found in axillary clusters or cymes. Appear from late spring to mid-fall. As blooms age they tend to turn orange.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Soft
    Deciduous Leaf Fall Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Obovate
    Orbicular
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Dusty green ovate simple alternate leaves with sparsely lobed margins 1 1/2" -3" long pubescent, cordate base, and acute tips. Petioles are 1/2"-1" long pubesent, stiff. Fall color is yellow to red.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Brown
    Dark Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Fissured
    Bark Description:
    Gray-brown bark with vertical fissures
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Patio
    Small Space
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rain Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Hedge
    Screen/Privacy
    Small groups
    Small Tree
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Moths
    Pollinators
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Salt