Heart-leaf Hibiscus Hibiscus martianus

Heart-leaf Hibiscus is a native of Texas, where it can be found growing in canyons, along slopes, and hillsides in chaparrals, matorrals and thorn forests.   It is a heat-tolerant shrub that blooms crimson red in the summer through fall in full sun.  When grown in other locations that do not experience frost, it can be ever-blooming.  

Not a showy plant until it blooms, when it becomes one of nature's most spectacular bloomers.  

Two- to three-inch solitary flowers appear at the tips of the branches.  Pruning of the tips of the stems will provide a continued compact habit while also promoting more blooms. When pruning, keep in mind that flowers will blossom on new growth. During the hottest part of the season, when other plants may not look their best, these flowers will give color to your garden.  

In its native range, this hibiscus's flowers and fruits serve as a main food source for the caterpillar of the Yojoa Scrub-hairstreak butterfly (Strymon yojoa), which lays its eggs on the flowers. The Mallow Scrub-hairstreak (Strymon istapa) also feeds on this plant. Neither butterfly occurs in North Carolina.

Although adaptable to a variety of soils, good drainage is needed. If not provided, the plant can rot,  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Although adaptable to most soil conditions, when good drainage in not provided in heavy clay soil the plant will rot.