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Similar but less problematic plants:
Hibiscus coccineus Hibiscus coccineus
Native alternative(s) for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis:
Hibiscus laevis Flowers
Hibiscus moscheutos Native habitat
Plants that fill a similar niche:
Hibiscus 'Fireball' Hibiscus 'Fireball'
Rhododendron atlanticum Rhododendron atlanticum
Thunbergia alata Form

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
hih-BIS-kus RO-zah sih-NEN-sis
Description

Chinese hibiscus is a large shrub that is a member of the Malvaceae (mallow) family. It is native to Asia. It grows 4 to 10 feet high and 5 to 8 feet wide, so consider its space requirements when determining its planting location. This is a tropical, evergreen plant known for its bold flowers that can be up to 6 inches across with a showy central tube.   The genus name Hibiscus is Latin for mallow and the species names rosa sinensis are Latin for rose and Chinese.

Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade and in rich moist soil with good drainage. The roots should be kept moist.  Chinese hibiscus appreciates high humidity and protection from wind and frost but it is resistant to browsing by deer. Individual plants 12 to 24 feet apart outdoors or indoors in a large container in a location that receives bright light. It has a medium growth rate and requires some maintenance and care. Prune back by about one half the height in early spring to encourage a compact growth habit. Keep in mind that flowers will bloom on new growth. Chinese hibiscus is sensitive to environmental changes so moving the plant can cause leaf and bud drops.  Propagation occurs through stem cutting.

Plant in your butterfly garden or naturalized area. It can also be grown in a container and as a houseplant. Plant multiples for use as a screen or hedge, or plant singularly as an accent plant. Its large funnel-shaped flowers bloom in summer and are an attractant for specialized bees and pollinators. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Extension Master Gardener℠ Demonstration Garden, Durham Co.
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#houseplant#interiorscape#tsc#specialized bees#deer resistant#glossy leaves#large flowers#pollinator plant#evergreen shrub#nectar plant summer#butterfly friendly#tsc-s#bee friendly#tropical feel#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#hummingbird friendly#showy flowers#houseplant#interiorscape#tsc#specialized bees#deer resistant#glossy leaves#large flowers#pollinator plant#evergreen shrub#nectar plant summer#butterfly friendly#tsc-s#bee friendly#tropical feel#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Hibiscus
    Species:
    rosa
    Family:
    Malvaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Asia
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Pink
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Edible
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Funnel
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    3-6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Purple, blues, pinks, white single or double lasting only one day but appearing seasonally. In the center is a unique androgynafore pistol and stamens are fused together in a showy central tube. Narrow leaved caylx surround the flowers.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Leaf Margin:
    Dentate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Simple lobed, dark green glossy leaves dentate margins with visible palmate venation. Some variation of leaf shape, underside of leaves are somewhat pale.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Naturalized Area
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Edible Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Hedge
    Screen/Privacy
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Pollinators
    Specialized Bees
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer