Overview
Hibiscus coccineus is a bushy shrubs in the genus Hibiscus, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Hibiscus coccineus 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 coccineus, the scarlet rosemallow, is a hardy Hibiscus species, also known as Texas star, brilliant hibiscus and scarlet hibiscus. The plant is found in swamps, marshes and ditches on the coastal plain of the Southeastern United States. It is native from Southeastern Virginia south to Florida, then west to Louisiana. Despite its common name Texas star, the plant is not found naturally in Texas. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam soil. In UK gardens it is hardy in most of the UK (RHS H5). Suggested uses include shrub borders, specimen planting and hedging. It tolerates neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing aspects. Plant out after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hibiscus coccineus
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 coccineus 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 coccineus
- 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 coccineus?
Hibiscus coccineus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hibiscus coccineus need?
Hibiscus coccineus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Hibiscus coccineus hardy in the UK?
Hibiscus coccineus 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 coccineus?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Hibiscus genus
- Hibiscus 'Copenhagen'
- Hibiscus 'Mahogany Splendor'
- Hibiscus acetosella 'Haight Ashbury'
- Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield'
- Hibiscus arnottianus
- Hibiscus calyphyllusRock's hibiscus
- Hibiscus clayi
- Hibiscus hamabo
