Hibiscus Flowers

Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus flowers grow in warm tropical areas.  There are many varieties.  Some of the flowers are quite large and others are average.  In North America, the most popular Hibiscus is the Rose of Sharon.  Worldwide the Chinese Hibiscus is the most popular.

Rose of Sharon
The Rose of Sharon is a very tall growing shrub (8-10’ tall).  The flowers are large like roses, but it is a great plant because it has no thorns.  It is popular enough that you can find it at almost any nursery. 

It’s main selling point is the sheer number of flowers.  It blooms like crazy.  However, it is a late bloomer; like many of us.  It blooms in late summer.

It is heat and drought tolerant.   

The flower colors are white, green, red, lavender, pink, or blue.  The most popular color sold is pink.      

It makes a good privacy hedge.  You just have to know how to keep it trimmed.

Chinese Hibiscus 
The flowers are large and red.  They look feathery in appearance, but are firm to touch.  Chinese Hibiscus are not cold hardy like the Rose of Sharon.  They should be planted in full sun with good drainage.

This plant is probably the most popular plant in the tropics.  It is the national flower of Malaysia and the state flower of Hawaii.

It has many variations. Some hibiscus are low growing, while others grow over 20 feet tall.  A double hibiscus will have more flowers and they will be smaller.  Most people prefer a singular hibiscus because they like the larger flower.  

For further information on hibiscus, please visit http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheets/hgic1179.htm