Chinese hibiscus is a small flowering tree. Its fragrant flowers are well known the world over, leading to many cultivated variants. Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia and is featured on Malaysian coins. Although the Latin name, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, means “the rose of China,” it is not related to true roses.
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Perennial
Lifespan
Shrub
Plant Type
Spring, Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
Spring, Summer, Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
Harvest Time
1 m to 5 m
Plant Height
1.5 m to 3 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
4 cm to 18 cm
Flower Size
Green
Fruit Color
White, Yellow, Pink, Orange, Red, Gold
Flower Color
Green, Red
Stem Color
Non-dormant
Dormancy
Evergreen
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Summer
Growth Season
Moderate
Growth Rate
On This Page
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Distribution
Culture
Quickly Identify
Care Guide
FAQs
Common Diseases
Images of Chinese hibiscus
Distribution of Chinese hibiscus
Distribution Map
Chinese hibiscus is thought to be native to tropical parts of Asia, though this plant is no longer found in the wild, and its original habitat is obscure. Instead, it has been cultivated worldwide as an ornamental and a houseplant, and has naturalized in most tropical and subtropical regions.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Disturbed sites
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Northern
Sorthern
Flowering
Fruiting
Culture
Environmental Protection Value
It can absorb ultraviolet rays.
Economic Value
Indian people use Chinese hibiscus to polish leather shoes, and Indonesia calls it the "The Shoe Flower".
Garden Use
Chinese hibiscus is an evergreen shrub or tree commonly found in tropical gardens. It is prized for its glossy foliage and numerous, exotic-looking flowers. The multiple blooms and rich foliage makes it suitable for hedging, as a stand-alone plant, or as an annual screen. Chinese hibiscus is often a feature ornamental of Pollinator gardens. Plant with Blue Waterfall or Wild Indigo for strong color contrast.
The appearance of the hibiscus is enthusiastic and bold, but it has a unique flower heart, which is formed by the smaller stamens connected and wrapped around the large stamens. The structure is quite delicate, just like the delicate heart under the boldness. It is said that the local girls put it behind their left ear to indicate "I hope to have a lover" and behind their right ear to express "I already have a lover". So what about behind both ears? Maybe they want to say "I have a lover, but I hope for another".
Name Story
Dixie rosemallow: It used to be one of the most common flowers in the southeastern part of the United States, and Dixie is the informal name of the land in this area. Hence, it is known by most people as the Dixie rosemallow.
Shoeblack plant||Shoe-flower: The most attractive part of the plant is its large trumpet-shaped flowers petals which are very distinct. Once blended, its petals produce a delicate yet inconsistent black syrup. Resourceful people have discovered that its black juice can serve the special purpose of shoe polishing. This is how it came to be called the shoe black plant or shoe-flower.
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Quickly Identify Chinese hibiscus
1
Vigorous shrub, 4 to 10 feet (1.2 to 3 meters) tall and 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 meters) wide.
2
Large, showy flowers up to 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter with multi-layered bright-colored petals.
3
Exquisite array of flower colors - purple, blue, pink, white - single or double-petaled, lasting one day.
4
Prominent central tube formed by fused pistil and stamens, encircled by narrow-leaved calyx.
5
Simple, lobed dark green glossy leaves with dentate margins and prominent palmate venation, 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 cm) long.
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Water:
Chinese hibiscus originates from tropical regions and thrives in high humidity. It requires watering every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to dry slightly. Best grown outdoors, chinese hibiscus flourishes with ample sunlight and benefits from rain during its active growing season.
Fertilize:
Chinese hibiscus thrives with balanced fertilizers high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, applied monthly in spring/summer and less frequently in fall/winter. Use water-soluble formulas, adjusting for plant size. Always water thoroughly post-fertilization for optimal nutrient absorption and to prevent root burn.
Pruning:
Chinese hibiscus is a flowering shrub known for its large blossoms. Prune dead or weak stems and shape the plant in late spring after flowering to enhance growth and blooms. Sharp tools are advised for clean cuts, and up to one-third can be removed for rejuvenation.
Propagation:
Chinese hibiscus, a vibrant tropical shrub from the Malvaceae family, is best propagated through stem cuttings. Use healthy, non-flowering shoots, a few inches long, in well-draining soil. Maintain moisture and provide indirect light, allowing several weeks for root establishment.
Repotting:
Repot chinese hibiscus every 2-3 years in spring to promote growth. Use a pot one size larger for root development. After repotting, maintain consistent moisture and shield from direct sunlight for a week to support recovery. Ensure these steps for optimal health and vigor.
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