Abelmoschus manihot
edible hibiscus
A tropical perennial normally grown as an annual in temperate areas, producing a large clump of five- or seven-fingered leaves. The flowers, in spires, open one at a time and are up to 15cm across, lemon yellow with a dark purple eye. They are followed by green, hairy seed pods
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Yellow | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Malvaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Abelmoschus are hairy annuals or perennials with large, usually palmately-lobed leaves and 5-petalled, hibiscus-like, flowers borne in the leaf axils or in terminal racemes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Start off under glass and plant out in a sunny, sheltered position with well-drained, fertile soil, after all frost risk has passed
Propagation
Propagate by seed, or by softwood cuttings in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Cut back stems as they finish flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs, snails, glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly
Diseases
Susceptible to powdery mildews
Get involved
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