Hibiscus mutabilis
Confederate rose
A large spreading shrub or small tree, with stems covered in soft, star-shaped hairs and rich green toothed foliage. Funnel-shaped white or pink flowers appear from spring to autumn
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Pink White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Pink White | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Under glass grow in a loam-based potting compost (JI No.2) in bright filtered light, providing moderate humidity and good ventilation. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 13-18°C in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pruning group 9 little or no regular pruning evergreen shrubs
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
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.