Overview
Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Hibiscus, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include shrub borders, specimen planting and hedging.
About
Hibiscus acetosella, the cranberry hibiscus or African rosemallow, is a flowering plant of the family Malvaceae. The epithet acetosella is of Latin origin and is a diminutive of the Latin name for sorrel which comes from the sour taste experienced when eating the young leaves of both plants.
About the genus
Hibiscus is a genus of common flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. The genus is quite large, comprising several hundred species that are native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Hibiscus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Shrub borders, specimen planting, hedging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield'
- Propagation
- Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, glasshouse whitefly
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield'?
Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' need?
Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' hardy in the UK?
Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield'?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Hibiscus genus
- Hibiscus 'Copenhagen'
- Hibiscus 'Mahogany Splendor'
- Hibiscus acetosella 'Haight Ashbury'
- Hibiscus arnottianus
- Hibiscus calyphyllusRock's hibiscus
- Hibiscus clayi
- Hibiscus coccineusAmerican scarlet rose mallow
- Hibiscus hamabo
