Hibiscus, a diverse genus in the Malvaceae family, includes over 200 species of herbs, shrubs, and small trees native to warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions worldwide. Renowned for their large, trumpet-shaped flowers, hibiscus plants are cultivated as ornamentals, used in culinary and medicinal applications, and hold cultural significance, such as being national flowers of Haiti, Malaysia, and South Korea.
Hibiscus are identified by their trumpet-shaped flowers, typically 2–8 inches wide, with five or more petals and a prominent staminal column. Colors range from white to red, often with contrasting centers. Leaves are ovate to lobed, smooth or hairy, and alternate. Growth habits vary from annuals to perennials, shrubs to small trees, 2–30 feet tall. Most prefer full sun, well-drained, organic-rich soil, and regular moisture, though some tolerate drought or wet conditions. Flowers last one day but bloom profusely. Pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies are attracted; some are deer-resistant.
ibiscus support ecosystems by attracting pollinators and serving as larval hosts (e.g., gray hairstreak). Native species like Hibiscus moscheutos aid wetland restoration. Culturally, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is Malaysia’s national flower, and Hibiscus syriacus is South Korea’s. Roselle calyces are used in teas high in vitamin C, and kenaf provides fiber for paper. Overharvesting and habitat loss threaten species like Hibiscus fragilis. Invasive potential (e.g., Hibiscus syriacus in the U.S.) requires careful management.
Types of Hibiscus Varieties
Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Native Area: Likely East Asia (China, India), though widely cultivated and naturalized in tropical regions.
Flowers: Large, 4–8 inches wide, single or double, in red, pink, yellow, orange, white, or multicolored hues with a prominent staminal column. Blooms year-round in warm climates, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen shrub or small tree, 8–16 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Glossy, dark green, ovate leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, and regular watering. Sensitive to frost, often grown as a houseplant or annual in cooler zones. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Used in hedges, containers, or as a specimen plant.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Native Area: China, Korea, and Japan, naturalized in parts of North America.
Flowers: 2–3 inches wide, single or double, in white, pink, purple, or blue, with a red or maroon center. Blooms late summer to fall, each lasting one day.
Characteristics: Deciduous shrub, 8–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide, hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Lobed, medium green leaves. Thrives in full sun to partial shade, well-drained, loamy soil, and tolerates drought once established. Can be invasive in some U.S. regions. Prune in late winter for shape. Attracts pollinators; deer-resistant.
Swamp Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
Native Area: Southeastern U.S., from Florida to Minnesota, in marshes and wetlands.
Flowers: Massive, 6–8 inches wide, white, pink, or red with a crimson center, blooming mid-summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Hardy perennial, 3–7 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide, in USDA zones 4–9. Large, heart-shaped, velvety green leaves. Prefers full sun, moist to wet, organic-rich soil, ideal for rain gardens or ponds. Dies back in winter, regrowing in spring. Attracts butterflies and bees; deer-resistant. Hybrids like ‘Berry Awesome’ enhance flower size.
Scarlet Rose Mallow (Hibiscus coccineus)
Native Area: Southeastern U.S., from Florida to Louisiana, in swamps and marshes.
Flowers: Vibrant red, 6–8 inches wide, star-shaped with narrow petals, blooming mid to late summer, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial, 4–8 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide, in USDA zones 6–9. Palmately lobed leaves resemble cannabis. Thrives in full sun to partial shade, wet to moist soils, but tolerates drier conditions. Dies back in winter. Used in wetland gardens or as a specimen. Attracts hummingbirds; larval host for butterflies.
Hawaiian Yellow Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei)
Native Area: Endemic to Hawaii, found in dry forests and shrublands.
Flowers: Bright yellow, 4–6 inches wide, with a red or maroon center, blooming year-round in warm climates, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Endangered shrub, 3–15 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Ovate, toothed leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, sandy soil, and moderate water. Used in leis and as Hawaii’s state flower. Sensitive to overwatering. Attracts native Hawaiian honeycreepers. Conservation efforts are critical due to habitat loss.
Hawaiian White Hibiscus (Hibiscus arnottianus)
Native Area: Endemic to Oahu and Molokai, Hawaii, in montane forests.
Flowers: Fragrant, white, 4–6 inches wide, with a red staminal column, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen shrub or small tree, 10–30 feet tall, 10–20 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Glossy, ovate leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, moist soil, and high humidity. Grown as an ornamental or container plant. Attracts pollinators. Rare in the wild, it symbolizes Hawaiian biodiversity.
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Native Area: Likely West Africa or India, now cultivated in tropical regions globally.
Flowers: Pale pink or yellow, 3–4 inches wide, with deep red calyces, blooming late summer, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Annual or short-lived perennial, 4–7 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Lobed, green leaves with red veins. Prefers full sun, well-drained, fertile soil, and regular watering. Calyces used for tart teas (e.g., sorrel, agua de jamaica). Tolerates heat but not frost. Grown for culinary and ornamental use.
Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus)
Native Area: Coastal Asia, Pacific Islands, and Australia, naturalized in tropical regions.
Flowers: Yellow with a red center, 3–5 inches wide, turning orange-red by day’s end, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen shrub or tree, 12–25 feet tall, 10–20 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Heart-shaped, glossy green leaves. Thrives in full sun, moist to wet soils, and tolerates salt. Invasive in southern Florida. Used for rope from bark and as a coastal hedge. Attracts pollinators.
Halberd-Leaved Rose Mallow (Hibiscus laevis)
Native Area: Central and eastern U.S., from Texas to Pennsylvania, in wetlands.
Flowers: White or pink, 4–6 inches wide, with a maroon throat, blooming late spring to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial, 4–6 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide, in USDA zones 4–9. Three-lobed, halberd-shaped leaves. Prefers full sun, wet to moist soils, ideal for bog gardens. Dies back in winter. Attracts butterflies; larval host for gray hairstreak. Low-maintenance native plant.
Woolly Rose Mallow (Hibiscus lasiocarpos)
Native Area: Southern and eastern U.S., from Texas to Illinois, in marshes.
Flowers: White or pale pink, 4–6 inches wide, with a crimson center, blooming mid-summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial, 4–6 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide, in USDA zones 5–9. Velvety, heart-shaped leaves. Thrives in full sun, wet soils, and tolerates flooding. Used in wetland restoration. Attracts bees and butterflies. Dies back in winter, regrowing vigorously.
Comfortroot (Hibiscus aculeatus)
Native Area: Southeastern U.S., from Florida to Texas, in wetlands and pinelands.
Flowers: Cream to yellow, fading to pink, 3–5 inches wide, with a red center, blooming late spring to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial, 3–6 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide, in USDA zones 7–9. Lobed, prickly leaves. Prefers full sun, moist to wet soils, and tolerates poor drainage. Rarely cultivated but ideal for native gardens. Attracts pollinators. Dies back in winter.
Cotton Rose Mallow (Hibiscus mutabilis)
Native Area: China and Taiwan, naturalized in parts of the southeastern U.S.
Flowers: 4–6 inches wide, white or pink in morning, turning deep pink by evening, single or double, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Deciduous shrub, 6–15 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide, in USDA zones 7–9. Broad, lobed, hairy leaves. Thrives in full sun to partial shade, loamy, well-drained soil. Tolerates heat and humidity. Used as a specimen or hedge. Attracts butterflies.
Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)
Native Area: Southern Asia, widely cultivated in Africa and India.
Flowers: Cream or yellow, 3–4 inches wide, with a maroon center, blooming late summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Annual, 6–18 feet tall, 3–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 8–11. Deeply lobed, cannabis-like leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, fertile soil. Grown for fiber (rope, paper) and edible leaves/seeds. Tolerates heat and drought. Used in phytoremediation.
Hawaiian Red Hibiscus (Hibiscus kokio)
Native Area: Endemic to Hawaii, in forests and valleys across multiple islands.
Flowers: Bright red, 2–4 inches wide, nectar-rich, blooming year-round, lasting several days (unusual for hibiscus).
Characteristics: Threatened shrub, 6–15 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Ovate, toothed leaves. Prefers full sun to partial shade, well-drained soil. Sacred in Hawaiian culture, used in royal leis. Attracts honeycreepers. Conservation needed due to invasive species.
Fringed Hibiscus (Hibiscus schizopetalus)
Native Area: East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique), naturalized in Madagascar.
Flowers: Pendant, red, 2–3 inches wide, with frilly, recurved petals and long stamens, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen shrub, 6–10 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Glossy, ovate leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, acidic soil. Grown as a container plant or hedge in frost-prone areas. Attracts hummingbirds. Known as Japanese lantern.
Cranberry Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella)
Native Area: Central and East Africa, naturalized in tropical regions.
Flowers: Small, pink or red, 2–3 inches wide, with a dark center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Annual or perennial, 3–6 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Deep red, palmate leaves, edible and tart. Prefers full sun, well-drained, moist soil. Grown for ornamental foliage and edible leaves in salads. Tolerates heat but not frost.
Blue Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii)
Native Area: Western Australia, reclassified from Hibiscus but closely related.
Flowers: Lilac or blue, 3–5 inches wide, with a yellow center, blooming spring to summer, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen shrub, 4–6 feet tall and wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Lobed, slightly hairy leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, sandy soil, and tolerates drought. Ideal for water-wise gardens. Attracts bees. Prune to maintain shape.
Mandrinette (Hibiscus fragilis)
Native Area: Mauritius, in upland forests.
Flowers: Pink or red, 3–4 inches wide, with a darker center, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Critically endangered shrub, 6–10 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Ovate, smooth leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, moist soil. Rare in cultivation, grown for conservation. Attracts pollinators. Habitat loss threatens survival.
Desert Rose Mallow (Hibiscus coulteri)
Native Area: Southwestern U.S. (Arizona, New Mexico) and northern Mexico, in deserts.
Flowers: Pale yellow or white, 2–3 inches wide, with a red or purple center, blooming year-round with water, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial shrub, 2–4 feet tall and wide, in USDA zones 7–10. Small, lobed, gray-green leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, rocky soils, and tolerates drought. Ideal for xeriscaping. Attracts bees and butterflies. Low-maintenance.
Luna Red (Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Luna Red’)
Native Area: Cultivar of U.S. native Hibiscus moscheutos, developed for gardens.
Flowers: Deep red, 6–8 inches wide, with a darker center, blooming mid-summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Compact perennial, 2–3 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide, in USDA zones 4–9. Broad, green leaves. Prefers full sun, moist to wet soils, and tolerates heat. Ideal for small gardens or containers. Attracts pollinators; deer-resistant. Dies back in winter.
Rock Hibiscus (Hibiscus denudatus)
Native Area: Southwestern U.S. (Arizona, Nevada, California) and northern Mexico, in desert washes and rocky slopes.
Flowers: Pale pink to white, 1–2 inches wide, with a yellow center, blooming spring to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial shrub, 2–4 feet tall and wide, in USDA zones 8–10. Small, oval, gray-green leaves, often sparse. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, sandy or rocky soils, highly drought-tolerant. Ideal for xeriscaping or rock gardens. Attracts bees and butterflies. Low-maintenance, with a compact, airy growth habit.
Sleepy Hibiscus (Hibiscus furcellatus)
Native Area: Caribbean (Jamaica, Cuba), Central America, and Hawaii (naturalized), in wetlands and disturbed areas.
Flowers: Pink to lavender, 4–6 inches wide, with a darker pink center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial or annual, 3–6 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Broad, lobed, green leaves with toothed edges. Prefers full sun, moist to wet soils, tolerating flooding. Used in tropical gardens or as a hedge. Attracts hummingbirds. Can be weedy in some regions.
Coral Hibiscus (Hibiscus schimperianus)
Native Area: East Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya), in grasslands and woodlands.
Flowers: Coral-pink, 2–3 inches wide, with a darker pink throat, blooming year-round in warm climates, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Shrub, 4–8 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Ovate, toothed, green leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, loamy soils, and tolerates moderate drought. Rarely cultivated but valued for vibrant blooms. Attracts pollinators. Sensitive to frost.
Native Rosella (Hibiscus heterophyllus)
Native Area: Eastern Australia, from Queensland to New South Wales, in rainforests and open woodlands.
Flowers: White, pink, or yellow, 4–6 inches wide, with a red or purple center, blooming spring to summer, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen shrub or small tree, 6–20 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Glossy, ovate to lobed leaves. Prefers full sun to partial shade, well-drained, fertile soils. Used as a hedge or specimen. Attracts birds and butterflies. Tolerates light frost.
Okra Hibiscus (Hibiscus esculentus)
Native Area: Likely Africa (Ethiopia or Sudan), now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions.
Flowers: Pale yellow, 2–3 inches wide, with a maroon center, blooming summer, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Annual, 3–6 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Large, palmate, green leaves. Grown for edible pods (okra). Prefers full sun, well-drained, fertile soils, and regular watering. Tolerates heat but not frost. Flowers attract bees; pods used in cuisine.
Giant Rose Mallow (Hibiscus grandiflorus)
Native Area: Southeastern U.S., from Florida to Louisiana, in coastal marshes.
Flowers: Pale pink, 6–10 inches wide, with a red center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial, 6–10 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 6–9. Velvety, heart-shaped, gray-green leaves. Thrives in full sun, wet to moist soils, ideal for wetland gardens. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Dies back in winter, regrowing vigorously.
Maple-Leaved Hibiscus (Hibiscus diversifolius)
Native Area: Tropical Africa, Asia, and Pacific Islands, in coastal wetlands and disturbed areas.
Flowers: Yellow or pink, 2–4 inches wide, with a dark red center, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Shrub or subshrub, 3–6 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Lobed, maple-like leaves. Prefers full sun, moist to wet soils, and tolerates salt. Can be invasive in coastal areas. Used in tropical gardens. Attracts pollinators.
Island Hibiscus (Hibiscus insularis)
Native Area: Endemic to Phillip Island, Australia, in coastal scrublands.
Flowers: Pale yellow-green, 2–3 inches wide, with a purple center, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Critically endangered shrub, 3–6 feet tall and wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Small, ovate, leathery leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, sandy soils, and tolerates salt. Grown for conservation or coastal gardens. Attracts bees. Limited to ~40 wild plants.
Shrubby Hibiscus (Hibiscus divaricatus)
Native Area: Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, in forests and savannas.
Flowers: Yellow, 4–6 inches wide, with a red or purple throat, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen shrub, 6–12 feet tall, 4–8 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Spiny, ovate leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, fertile soils, and regular watering. Used as a hedge or specimen in tropical gardens. Attracts butterflies. Sensitive to frost.
Texas Star Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus ‘Texas Star’)
Native Area: Cultivar of U.S. native Hibiscus coccineus, developed for gardens.
Flowers: Bright red, 6–8 inches wide, star-shaped with narrow petals, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial, 4–8 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide, in USDA zones 6–9. Palmately lobed, green leaves. Thrives in full sun, moist to wet soils, and tolerates clay. Ideal for rain gardens or borders. Attracts hummingbirds. Dies back in winter.
False Roselle (Hibiscus trionum)
Native Area: Mediterranean and Central Asia, naturalized in North America and Australia.
Flowers: Pale yellow or white, 1–2 inches wide, with a dark purple center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Annual or short-lived perennial, 1–3 feet tall, 1–2 feet wide, in USDA zones 8–10. Lobed, green leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained soils, and tolerates drought. Can be weedy in disturbed areas. Grown for ornamental blooms. Attracts bees.
Native White Hibiscus (Hibiscus genevii)
Native Area: Endemic to Mauritius, in upland forests.
Flowers: White, 3–4 inches wide, with a pink or red center, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Endangered shrub, 6–10 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Ovate, toothed leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, moist soils. Rare in cultivation, grown for conservation. Attracts pollinators. Threatened by habitat loss.
Marsh Hibiscus (Hibiscus striatus)
Native Area: Central and South America, from Mexico to Brazil, in wetlands.
Flowers: Pink or lavender, 3–5 inches wide, with a darker throat, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial shrub, 4–8 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Broad, ovate, green leaves. Prefers full sun, wet to moist soils, and tolerates flooding. Used in tropical wetland gardens. Attracts butterflies. Can spread aggressively.
Starry Hibiscus (Hibiscus stellatus)
Native Area: Southern Africa (South Africa, Namibia), in grasslands and woodlands.
Flowers: Pale pink or white, 2–3 inches wide, star-shaped with a red center, blooming spring to summer, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Shrub, 3–6 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Small, ovate, green leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, sandy soils, and tolerates drought. Grown for unique blooms in rock gardens. Attracts bees. Sensitive to overwatering.
Sunset Hibiscus (Hibiscus manihot)
Native Area: Tropical Asia, from India to Indonesia, naturalized in Pacific Islands.
Flowers: Bright yellow, 4–6 inches wide, with a dark red center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Annual or perennial, 3–8 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Large, palmate, green leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, fertile soils. Grown for edible leaves and ornamental blooms. Tolerates heat. Attracts pollinators.
Lipstick Hibiscus (Hibiscus phoeniceus)
Native Area: Brazil and Bolivia, in forests and savannas.
Flowers: Bright red, 3–4 inches wide, with a darker throat, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Shrub, 4–8 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Ovate, glossy green leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, moist soils. Used as a hedge or specimen in tropical gardens. Attracts hummingbirds. Sensitive to cold.
Water Hibiscus (Hibiscus elatus)
Native Area: Caribbean (Cuba, Jamaica), in coastal forests.
Flowers: Red or orange, 4–6 inches wide, with a yellow center, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen tree, 15–25 feet tall, 10–15 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Large, ovate, glossy leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, moist soils, and tolerates salt. Used for timber and ornamental planting. Attracts birds. Rare in cultivation.
Midnight Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Midnight Marvel’)
Native Area: Cultivar of U.S. native Hibiscus moscheutos, bred for gardens.
Flowers: Deep red, 8–10 inches wide, with a darker center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial, 4–5 feet tall, 4–5 feet wide, in USDA zones 4–9. Dark purple, maple-like leaves. Thrives in full sun, moist to wet soils. Ideal for borders or containers. Attracts pollinators; deer-resistant. Dies back in winter.
African Rose Mallow (Hibiscus geraniodes)
Native Area: Southern Africa (South Africa), in grasslands and rocky slopes.
Flowers: Bright pink, 2–3 inches wide, with a darker center, blooming spring to summer, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Low shrub, 1–3 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Small, lobed, fuzzy leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, sandy soils, and tolerates drought. Ideal for rock gardens. Attracts bees. Compact and drought-tolerant.
Confederate Rose (Hibiscus mutabilis ‘Rubra’)
Native Area: Cultivar of China-native Hibiscus mutabilis, bred for gardens.
Flowers: Deep pink to red, 4–6 inches wide, darkening with age, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Deciduous shrub, 6–15 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide, in USDA zones 7–9. Broad, lobed, green leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, loamy soils, and tolerates heat. Used as a specimen or hedge. Attracts butterflies. Prune in spring.
Velvet Hibiscus (Hibiscus pedunculatus)
Native Area: Southern Africa (South Africa, Mozambique), in grasslands and woodlands.
Flowers: Bright pink to magenta, 2–3 inches wide, with a darker pink center, blooming spring to summer, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Low shrub, 2–4 feet tall and wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Small, ovate, velvety leaves with toothed edges. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, sandy soils, and tolerates drought. Ideal for rock gardens or borders. Attracts bees and butterflies. Compact growth makes it suitable for small spaces. Sensitive to overwatering.
Brazilian Rose (Hibiscus pernambucensis)
Native Area: Coastal Brazil, in sandy dunes and wetlands.
Flowers: Yellow, 3–5 inches wide, with a red or purple center, blooming year-round in warm climates, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen shrub, 6–10 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Broad, ovate, glossy green leaves. Prefers full sun, moist to well-drained soils, and tolerates salt spray. Used in coastal gardens or as a hedge. Attracts hummingbirds. Can be invasive in tropical regions. Tolerates light frost.
Checkered Hibiscus (Hibiscus calyphyllus)
Native Area: East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) to South Africa, in savannas and forest edges.
Flowers: Sulphur yellow, 3–4 inches wide, with a dark maroon or black center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Shrub, 3–6 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Broad, lobed, slightly hairy leaves. Thrives in full sun to partial shade, well-drained, loamy soils, and moderate water. Grown for striking blooms in tropical gardens. Attracts pollinators. Sensitive to cold but tolerates heat.
Pink Versicolor Hibiscus (Hibiscus versicolor)
Native Area: West Africa (Nigeria, Cameroon), in forests and riverbanks.
Flowers: Pink with yellow streaks, 3–5 inches wide, with a red throat, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen shrub, 6–12 feet tall, 4–8 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Ovate, glossy green leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, fertile soils, and regular watering. Used as a specimen or hedge in tropical landscapes. Attracts butterflies. Rarely cultivated; sensitive to frost.
Heart-Leaved Hibiscus (Hibiscus cordifolius)
Native Area: Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka), in forests and disturbed areas.
Flowers: Red or orange, 2–3 inches wide, with a yellow center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Shrub, 4–8 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Heart-shaped, green leaves with serrated edges. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, moist soils, and tolerates humidity. Used in tropical gardens or for erosion control. Attracts pollinators. Can be weedy in some areas.
Fireball Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Fireball’)
Native Area: Cultivar of U.S. native Hibiscus moscheutos, bred for ornamental gardens.
Flowers: Bright red, 8–10 inches wide, with a darker red center, blooming mid-summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial, 3–4 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide, in USDA zones 4–9. Deep burgundy, lobed leaves. Thrives in full sun, moist to wet soils, ideal for rain gardens or borders. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; deer-resistant. Dies back in winter, regrowing in spring.
Native Yellow Hibiscus (Hibiscus panduriformis)
Native Area: Northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, in woodlands and coastal areas.
Flowers: Pale yellow, 2–3 inches wide, with a maroon center, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Shrub, 4–8 feet tall, 3–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Ovate, toothed, green leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, sandy soils, and tolerates salt. Used in coastal or tropical gardens. Attracts bees. Tolerates drought but sensitive to frost.
Spiked Hibiscus (Hibiscus hispidissimus)
Native Area: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Philippines), in forests and clearings.
Flowers: Yellow, 3–4 inches wide, with a red or purple center, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Shrub, 4–10 feet tall, 3–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Ovate, spiny, green leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, moist soils, and high humidity. Grown for unique foliage in tropical gardens. Attracts pollinators. Spiny stems require careful handling.
Crimson Hibiscus (Hibiscus radiatus)
Native Area: South Asia (India, Sri Lanka), naturalized in Southeast Asia.
Flowers: Deep red or purple, 3–5 inches wide, with a darker center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Shrub or small tree, 6–15 feet tall, 4–8 feet wide, in USDA zones 9–11. Deeply lobed, serrated leaves, edible in curries. Prefers full sun, well-drained, fertile soils. Grown for ornamental and culinary use. Attracts butterflies. Tolerates heat but not frost.
Coastal Hibiscus (Hibiscus hamabo)
Native Area: Coastal Japan, Korea, and China, in salt marshes.
Flowers: Yellow, 3–5 inches wide, with a red center, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Deciduous shrub, 6–10 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 7–9. Broad, lobed, green leaves. Thrives in full sun, moist to wet soils, and tolerates salt. Used in coastal or wetland gardens. Attracts pollinators; deer-resistant. Dies back in winter.
Dwarf Hibiscus (Hibiscus liliflorus)
Native Area: Mauritius and Réunion, in lowland forests.
Flowers: Red or pink, 2–3 inches wide, with a yellow center, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Endangered shrub, 3–6 feet tall, 2–4 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Small, ovate, glossy leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, moist soils. Grown for conservation or compact gardens. Attracts pollinators. Threatened by habitat destruction.
Painted Lady Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Painted Lady’)
Native Area: Cultivar of U.S. native Hibiscus moscheutos, bred for gardens.
Flowers: Pink, 6–8 inches wide, with a red center and darker veins, blooming summer to fall, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Perennial, 4–6 feet tall, 3–4 feet wide, in USDA zones 4–9. Broad, green leaves. Thrives in full sun, moist to wet soils, ideal for borders or ponds. Attracts butterflies; deer-resistant. Dies back in winter, regrowing in spring.
Tropical White Hibiscus (Hibiscus storckii)
Native Area: Fiji and Tonga, in coastal forests.
Flowers: White, 3–4 inches wide, with a pink or red center, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Endangered shrub, 6–10 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Ovate, glossy green leaves. Prefers full sun, well-drained, moist soils, and tolerates salt. Grown for conservation or tropical gardens. Attracts birds. Rare due to habitat loss.
Mahoe (Hibiscus elatus var. elatus)
Native Area: Cuba and Jamaica, in coastal and montane forests.
Flowers: Orange to red, 4–6 inches wide, with a yellow throat, blooming year-round, lasting one day.
Characteristics: Evergreen tree, 20–30 feet tall, 10–15 feet wide, in USDA zones 10–11. Large, ovate, glossy leaves. Thrives in full sun, well-drained, fertile soils, and tolerates salt. Used for timber (canoes) and ornamental planting. Attracts hummingbirds. Slow-growing.