Hibiscus calyphyllus (syn. Hibiscus calycinus Hibiscus chrysantha Hibiscus chrysanthus Hibiscus rockii) the lemonyellow rosemallow is a shrub from tropical Africa belonging to the genus Hibiscus. In 1883 this Hibiscus was offered for sale in England under the name Hibiscus chrysanthus with Port Natal Cape Colony (now South Africa) identified as the source. By 1891 the same Hibiscus was identified as Hibiscus chrysantha in the United States a practice which spring have continued into the 1930s and contributed to incorrect species identification. In 1892 the name Hibiscus calycinus was designated as the correct name for the species; but by 1894 the currently accepted name Hibiscus calyphyllus is found in association with Hibiscus calycinus. At the beginning of the 20th century this Hibiscus was sold as seeds in the United States under the name Hibiscus Giant Yellow. Because of the similarity of the flowers it is quite common to find Abelmoschus manihot confused with Hibiscus calyphyllus in the early 20th century gardening literature of the United States particularly in the area of cold tolerance. If the species identification is correct the 1903 report in The Flower Garden states that: "Giant Yellow is a beautiful canary yellow with crimson throat hardy as far north as St. Louis but safer in the cellar above that latitude" then Hibiscus calyphyllus spring have some degree of cold tolerance. St. Louis Missouri is in USDA Zone 6a but there are currently no reports of Hibiscus calyphyllus overwintering in USDA Zone 6a; it is known to overwinter successfully in USDA Zone 8a. Hibiscus calyphyllus grows to 1-1.8 meters (3–6 feet) tall. It has flowers which grow to 8–10 cm (3–4 in) wide with a yellow color and a brownish center. Unlike many African Hibiscus which are fall to late-fall bloomers Hibiscus calyphyllus is a summer bloomer which means it can be grown in many locations in North American and Europe and produce viable seeds which are easy to collect and germinate. If the seeds are started indoors early in winter or spring Hibiscus calyphyllus will bloom the first year. Hibiscus calyphyllus is a day-bloomer with the flowers opening several hours after sunrise and closing several hours before sunset. No hybrids of Hibiscus calyphyllus have been reported but Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus calyphyllus have identical diploid chromosome counts of 80. The plant is used in the construction of huts by the Maasai people of Kenya.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Tree, Shrub
Plant Type
2 m
Plant Height
1.5 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
15 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
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Care Guide
Images of Wild stock-rose
Distribution of Wild stock-rose
Distribution Map
Wild stock-rose is naturally found across eastern and southern regions of Africa. Its presence spans from the horn of Africa down through the east African rift to the southern edge of the continent. While it has a vast native range within this area, wild stock-rose has not been widely recorded as an introduced species in other major regions or continents.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Open bush, thickets and forests, riversides
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Northern
Sorthern
Care Guide for Wild stock-rose
Every 2-3 weeks
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
15 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water:
Wild stock-rose prefers humid environments and requires moderate watering every 2-3 weeks. As an evergreen, wild stock-rose retains foliage year-round, enabling better water conservation compared to deciduous plants.
Fertilize:
Wild stock-rose requires balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring to fall) for vigorous growth. Apply a high-nitrogen variant monthly at 1/4 strength to prevent nutrient burn. Water before feeding, and adjust frequency in winter for optimal care.
Pruning:
Wild stock-rose features large, bright yellow flowers and benefits from regular pruning, ideally in early spring before new growth. Remove dead branches and thin the plant for better air circulation. Clean cuts using sanitized tools are essential to prevent disease and enhance flowering and shape.
Propagation:
Wild stock-rose thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, featuring vibrant yellow flowers. Propagation involves taking cuttings with multiple leaf nodes, applying rooting hormone, and using well-draining potting mix. Maintain humidity and warmth for root development, transplanting once strong roots and new growth appear.
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