Hibiscus cannabinus
Ambari hemp
Fast-growing, upright, almost unbranched annual or short-lived, woody-based perennial about 3.5m tall, with fine, spiny-stems bearing long-stalked dark green leaves, the upper leaves palmately lobed and those lower down on the stem unlobed. Funnel-shaped, pale yellow, occasionally purple-red flowers with crimson-red centres, produced singley or in racemes from summer to autumn
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow Purple Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Yellow Purple Red | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Hibiscus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals or perennials, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and large, funnel-shaped flowers over a long flowering season
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Outdoors grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Long, hot summers are needed for good flowering. Can be grown in a container and overwintered in a conservatory or warm greenhouse
Propagation
Propagate by seed (sown indoors) in spring, or propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Bedding
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Pruning group 1 if necessary, no pruning need if grown as an annual
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews
Get involved
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