Overview
Hibiscus hirtus is a bushy shrubs in the genus Hibiscus, part of the Malvaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 1 metres tall. Hibiscus hirtus 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 hirtus, commonly known as the lesser mallow, is a species of Hibiscus found in India. It is a perennial deciduous shrub with a maximum height of about 1 meter.
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. Member species are renowned for their large, showy flowers and those species are commonly known simply as "hibiscus", or less widely known as rose mallow.
Wikipedia contributors, "Hibiscus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Hibiscus
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 hirtus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 1 metres
- Suggested uses
- Shrub borders, specimen planting, hedging
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Hibiscus hirtus
- 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 hirtus?
Hibiscus hirtus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Hibiscus hirtus need?
Hibiscus hirtus grows best in loam soil. It prefers neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Hibiscus hirtus grow?
Hibiscus hirtus reaches a height of 1 metres.
Is Hibiscus hirtus hardy in the UK?
Hibiscus hirtus 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 hirtus?
Semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Hibiscus genus
- Hibiscus Little Prince ('Lillprinc'PBR)
- Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield'Cranberry Hibiscus
- Hibiscus moscheutos 'Galaxy'Rose Mallow
- Hibiscus moscheutos Southern Belle GroupRose Mallow
- Hibiscus x rosa-sinensis 'Cancun Pink'Hibiscus
- Hibiscus x rosa-sinensis 'Gerald Derr'Hibiscus
- Hibiscus x rosa-sinensis 'Mary Wallace'Hibiscus
- Hibiscus 'Cherry Brandy'