Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Chinese hibiscus
A compact evergreen shrub with ovate to broadly lance-shaped glossy dark green leaves. Single 5-petalled flowers 10cm across with yellow anthered red stamens are produced from the leaf axils from summer to autumn, though in cultivation semi-double and double forms are available. Flower colour is also very variable in cultivation ranging from crimson to orange, yellow or white
Other common names
blacking plantChina rose
see moreChinese rose mallow
garden hibiscus
Hawaian hibiscus
Malabar rose
rose of China
shoe flower
shoe-black
shoe-black plant
Synonyms
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Rose of China'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical 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
- Plant range
- Vanuatu
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 at 13-18°C (55-64°F) 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
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