About
Hibiscus _ rosa-sinensis, the Chinese hibiscus or tropical hibiscus, is a compact, evergreen shrub with ovate to lance-shaped, glossy, dark-green leaves. Flower colour is extremely variable in cultivation � from crimson to orange, yellow and white � single, five-petalled flowers 10 cm across with yellow-anthered red stamens produced from summer to autumn. The most widely grown tropical ornamental shrub in the world.
About the genus
Hibiscus are deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals or perennials with simple or palmately lobed leaves and large, funnel-shaped, five-petalled flowers over a long season. They encompass everything from hardy border perennials to tropical trees and the economically important kenaf and roselle.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toVanuatu
Care notes
CultivationMay be grown outdoors in mild, frost-free areas, or in large containers that can be moved indoors over winter. Outdoors, grow in neutral to slightly acidic soil in full sun, and mulch well over winter. Hibiscus need long, hot summers to flower well. Indoors, grow in bright filtered light with moderate humidity and good ventilation. See Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 9 little or no regular pruning evergreen shrubs
PropagationPropagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews