Hibiscus Varieties

In Victorian flower language, the Hibiscus represented delicate beauty. It was sometimes given to signal that the giver thought the recipient was beautiful.

• Flower Size: 3 to 6 inches in diameter^[4].
• Colors: Red, pink, orange, yellow, white, and multi-colored varieties.
• Blooming Season: Year-round in tropical climates.
• Height: 3-15 feet tall, depending on variety and growing conditions.

While its exact origins are debated, it is likely from Southeast Asia, though some authorities point to Vanuatu in Oceania or various other tropical regions.

• In Hawaii, women wear the flower behind their ear to indicate relationship status: left ear if taken, right ear if single.
• In some cultures, the flowers are edible and often used in teas and salads.
• It’s the national flower of Malaysia.
• Despite its name, the Chinese Hibiscus is not used to make the common hibiscus tea. That’s usually made from Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as Roselle.

• Flower Size: 2-4 inches in diameter.
• Colors: White, pink, red, purple, blue, and bicolor varieties.
• Blooming Season: Mid-summer to early fall.
• Height: 8-12 feet tall, 4-10 feet wide^[5].

Despite its name, it’s native to eastern Asia, particularly China and India.

• It’s the national flower of South Korea, known as “Mugunghwa”.
• The flowers only last for a day, but the plant produces them in abundance.
• In the language of flowers, it represents “consumed by love”.
• Despite its common name, Rose of Sharon isn’t related to roses at all.
• It’s a member of the Mallow family, along with other hibiscus species.

• Flower Size: 3 to 6 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Vibrant scarlet red.
• Blooming Season: Mid-summer to early fall.
• Height: 4-8 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide.

Southeastern United States, particularly in wetland areas and along stream banks.

• The leaves are palmate and can be mistaken for marijuana, earning it the nickname “Swamp Mallow. “.
• Native Americans used the fibers from the stem to make cordage.
• It’s a favorite of Hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Despite its tropical appearance, it’s hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
• The plant is deer-resistant, making it a great choice for gardens in rural areas.

• Flower Size: 6-8 inches in diameter.
• Colors: White, pink, or red, often with a crimson eye.
• Blooming Season: Mid-summer to early fall.
• Height: 3-7 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide.

Wetlands, marshes, and stream banks across eastern and southeastern United States.

• Also known as “Dinner Plate Hibiscus” due to its large flower size.
• The flowers only last for a day, but new blooms appear daily over several weeks.
• Native Americans used the plant’s fibers to make thread and rope.
• It’s the parent of many hardy hibiscus hybrids popular in gardens today.
• The plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
• Swamp Rose-mallow flowering plant is listed as ‘Species of Special Concern’ under the ‘Species under Risk Act’ in Canada^[7].

• Flower Size: 4-6 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Flowers open white or pink, changing to deep pink or red by evening^[8].
• Blooming Season: Late summer to fall.
• Height: 6-15 feet tall, 6-10 feet wide.

Native to southern China but widely cultivated in warm regions worldwide.

• Despite its name, it’s not a true rose but a member of the hibiscus family.
• The flowers can change color multiple times in a single day.
• In cooler climates, it can be grown as an annual or in containers.
• Some varieties produce double or semi-double flowers.
• The plant has been cultivated in the southern United States since the 1800s.
• It’s sometimes called the “Cotton Rose” because its flower buds resemble cotton bolls.

• Flower Size: 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Yellow with a dark red center, changing to orange-red as the day progresses.
• Blooming Season: Year-round in tropical climates.
• Height: 12 to 25 feet tall, with a similar spread.

Coastal areas of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, including tropical Asia, Oceania, and parts of East Africa.

• Its wood is resistant to termites and is used in construction in many Pacific islands.
• The bark fibers are traditionally used to make ropes, mats, and grass skirts.
• It’s salt-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for seaside gardens.
• The leaves are heart-shaped and can be up to 8 inches wide.
• In Hawaii, it’s known as “Hau” and is used in traditional lei-making.
• The flowers open in the morning and usually fall by nightfall, replaced by new blooms the next day.

• Flower Size: 3-5 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Typically, pink or white, sometimes with a darker center.
• Blooming Season: Mid-summer to early fall.
• Height: 6-10 feet tall, 4-6 feet wide.

Native to central and southern China.

• The species name “paramutabilis” means “nearly changeable, ” referring to its flowers that may change color slightly as they age.
• It’s less common in cultivation than its relative, Hibiscus syriacus.
• The flowers are often described as having a silky texture.
• In its native habitat, it’s found in forests and thickets^[10].
• Like many hibiscus species, its flowers are attractive to pollinators.
• It’s sometimes called the “Chinese Hibiscus, ” though this name is more commonly used for Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.

• Flower Size: 4-6 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Pure white with a striking red staminal column.
• Blooming Season: Year-round in tropical climates, heaviest in spring and summer.
• Height: 10-30 feet tall, 20-25 feet wide.

Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly Oahu and Molokai.

• It’s one of the few naturally white-flowered hibiscus species.
• The flowers are known for their sweet, Jasmine-like fragrance. The Hawaiian White Hibiscus is one of the Fragrant Flowers in the genus Hibiscus.
• In Hawaiian culture, it’s considered a symbol of royalty and is used in lei-making.
• There are several subspecies, each native to different Hawaiian Islands.
• It’s listed as a threatened species due to Habitat Loss and competition from invasive plants^[12].
• The red staminal column can extend up to 4 inches beyond the petals, adding to its unique appearance.

• Flower Size: 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Pale yellow to pink with a dark red center.
• Blooming Season: Late summer to fall.
• Height: 3-8 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide.

Believed to be native to West Africa but now cultivated worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions.

• The fleshy calyx (not the flower) makes the popular “hibiscus tea. “.
• Rich in Vitamin C, it’s used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
• In the Caribbean, it’s a key ingredient in the festive drink “sorrel” (Christmas drink^[13]).
• The leaves are edible and used in salads or cooked like spinach.
• It’s an annual in most regions but can be perennial in frost-free areas.
• In some cultures, it’s believed to have properties that lower blood pressure.
• The plant has traditional medicinal uses and is known for its health benefits, including antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties^[14].

• Flower Size: 2-3 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Deep burgundy to almost black.
• Blooming Season: Late summer to fall.
• Height: 3-6 feet tall^[15], 2-4 feet wide.
• Foliage: Deep red to purple, Maple-like leaves.

Native to tropical and southern Africa.

• Often grown more for its colorful foliage than its flowers.
• The leaves are edible and have a tart, lemony flavor.
• It can be used as a natural pH indicator due to pigments in its leaves.
• Often mistaken for Japanese maple due to its leaf shape^[16].
• In some regions, it’s used as a hedgeplant.
• The flowers, while small, are attractive to pollinators.

• Flower Size: 2-3 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Usually red or pink, sometimes with white or yellow variations.
• Blooming Season: Year-round in tropical climates, heaviest in summer.
• Height: 6-12 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide.
• Flower Shape: Pendulous with deeply fringed, recurved petals.

Native to tropical East Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania.

• The species name “schizopetalus” means “split petal” in Latin.
• Its unique flower shape is believed to be an adaptation to attract sunbirds for pollination.
• Often used in hanging baskets due to its pendulous flowers.
• It can be trained as a small tree or espalier reaching 6-9 feet in height^[18].
• Popular in tropical and subtropical regions for its year-round blooming potential.

• Flower Size: 2-3 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Typically, bright red, but can also be orange or yellow.
• Blooming Season: Year-round in its native habitat.
• Height: 6-15 feet tall, 3-6 feet wide.
• Leaves: Dark green, glossy, and elongated.

Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, particularly found on Kauai, Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (Big Island).

• It’s one of the few naturally red-flowered hibiscus species native to Hawaii^[20].
• In Hawaiian culture, it’s considered sacred and was used in lei-making for royalty.
• The flowers are nectar-rich and attract native Hawaiian honeycreepers.
• It’s listed as a threatened species due to habitat loss and competition from invasive plants.
• There are several subspecies, each adapted to different ecological niches on the islands.
• Unlike many cultivated hibiscuses, its flowers tend to stay open for several days.

• Flower Size: 6-12 inches in diameter, among the largest in the genus.
• Colors: Pale pink to white, often with a deep red or purple center.
• Blooming Season: Late summer to early fall.
• Height: 4-8 feet tall, 3-5 feet wide.
• Leaves: Large, velvety, and often lobed.

Southeastern United States, particularly in wetlands and coastal areas from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas.

• Its scientific name, “grandiflorus” means “large-flowered” in Latin^[21].
• Despite its common name, it’s not related to cotton plants.
• The flowers only last for a day, but the plant produces them in abundance.
• It’s a favorite nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Native Americans used the fibers from the stem to make cordage.
• In the wild, it often grows alongside cypress trees in swamps.

• Flower Size: 2-3 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Bright red to deep crimson.
• Blooming Season: Year-round in tropical climates, heaviest in summer.
• Height: 3-6 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide.
• Leaves: Dark green, glossy, and ovate.

Endemic to Reunion Island and Mauritius in the Mascarene Islands.

• Named after French botanist Jean-Baptiste Bory de Saint-Vincent^[22].
• It’s considered a rare species in its native habitat due to habitat loss.
• The flowers are attractive to sunbirds, important pollinators in its native ecosystem.
• Its compact size makes it suitable for container gardening.
• In cultivation, it’s sometimes used as a parent plant for developing new hibiscus hybrids.
• The species is part of conservation efforts on Reunion Island and Mauritius.

• Flower Size: 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Typically pink to lavender, sometimes with a darker center.
• Blooming Season: Year-around
• Height: 6-10 feet tall, 2-4 feet wide.
• Leaves: Heart-shaped, resembling linden tree leaves, hence the common name.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, from Florida and the Caribbean to parts of South America. It is specifically indigenous to Hawaii, found on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Maui, and Hawaiʻi islands.

• This flower has several Hawaiian names, including ʻAkiahala, ʻAkiohala, Aloalo, Hau hele, and Hau hele wai.
• It’s often found growing near water in its native habitats.
• The plant is long-lived, surviving for more than 5 years.
• While not as widely cultivated as some hibiscus species, it’s valued in native plant gardens.
• The plant can tolerate brief periods of flooding, making it suitable for rain gardens.
• An interesting pollination fact: carpenter bees visiting the flowers can become covered in purple pollen, making them appear purple when they fly out.

• Flower Size: 4-6 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Bright yellow with a maroon center.
• Blooming Season: Spring to early summer, but can bloom year-round in ideal conditions.
• Height: 10-15 feet tall, 8-12 feet wide.
• Leaves: Light green, deeply lobed, and coarsely toothed.

Endemic to dry forests and shrublands on all main Hawaiian Islands, but now extremely rare in the wild.

• It’s the official state flower of Hawaii, chosen for its yellow color, which represents royalty in Hawaiian culture.
• The species is federally listed as endangered due to habitat loss and invasive species.
• Its Hawaiian name, “Ma’o hau hele” means “green traveling hibiscus. “.
• The flowers only last one day but are produced in abundance during blooming season.
• In ancient Hawaii, the bark was used to make cordage^[25].
• It’s one of the few yellow-flowered species of Hibiscus native to Hawaii.

• Flower Size: 3-5 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Pale pink to white with a dark red center.
• Blooming Season: Late spring to early fall.
• Height: 3-6 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide.
• Leaves: Deeply lobed, reminiscent of okra leaves.

Southeastern United States, from South Carolina to Florida and west to Louisiana, typically in pine flatwoods and wet prairies.

• The species name “aculeatus” means “prickly, ” referring to the plant’s bristly stems.
• Its roots were used medicinally by Native Americans, hence the name “Comfort Root”.
• The flowers open in the morning and typically last only one day.
• It’s a larval host plant for the Gray Hairstreak butterfly^[27].
• Despite its prickly nature, it’s deer-resistant, making it valuable in areas with high deer populations.
• In the wild, it often grows alongside wiregrass and longleaf pines in fire-dependent ecosystems.

• Flower Size: 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Lavender to purple, occasionally white or pink.
• Blooming Season: All year in suitable climates.
• Height: 6-10 feet tall, 4-8 feet wide.
• Leaves: Deeply lobed, grayish-green, giving a soft, velvety appearance.

Western and South Australia, typically in coastal and sub-coastal areas.

• Despite its common name, “Blue Hibiscus, ” its flowers are more accurately described as lavender or purple.
• It’s sometimes called “Swan River Hibiscus” after the Swan River in Western Australia.
• The flowers close at night and on overcast days.
• It’s a popular choice for hedges and screens in its native Australia.
• The plant is attractive to bees and butterflies.
• Unlike many hibiscus species, it’s quite tolerant of coastal conditions, including salt spray.

• Flower Size: 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Flowers open yellow in the morning, changing to orange and finally deep red by evening^[30].
• Blooming Season: Year-round in tropical climates, with peak flowering in summer.
• Height: Can grow up to 80 feet tall in ideal conditions.
• Leaves: Large, heart-shaped, dark green leaves.

Caribbean islands, particularly Jamaica, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, are typically found in moist forests at mid to high elevations.

• The wood of Mahoe is highly prized for its beautiful blue-green color and is used in fine furniture and musical instruments^[31].
• It’s the national tree of Jamaica and appears on the country’s coat of arms.
• The flowers change color throughout the day, a characteristic known as ephemeral.
• The inner bark was traditionally used to make rope.
• In optimal conditions, Mahoe can grow quite rapidly, up to 6 feet per year.
• Despite being a tree, it’s closely related to shrubby hibiscus species and shares many floral characteristics.

• Flower Size: 1-2 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Pale yellow or white petals with a dark purple center.
• Blooming Season: Summer to early fall.
• Height: 1-2 feet tall, with a similar spread.
• Leaves: Deeply lobed, giving a lacy appearance.

Originally from Africa and temperate parts of Asia, it is now naturalized in many parts of the world.

• The species name “trionum” comes from the Greek word for “three, ” referring to the three-lobed capsule that forms after the flower fades.
• Its flowers typically open in the morning and close by afternoon, hence the name “Flower-of-an-hour. “.
• The inflated calyx that surrounds the developing seed pod resembles a paper lantern.
• In some cultures, the leaves are used as a vegetable.
• It’s considered a weed in some agricultural settings due to its prolific self-seeding.
• The plant has naturalized on every continent except Antarctica, demonstrating its adaptability.

• Flower Size: 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Cream or yellow with a dark maroon center.
• Blooming Season: Late summer to fall.
• Height: Can grow up to 12-18 feet tall in a single growing season.
• Leaves: Deeply lobed, resembling those of cannabis (hence the species name “cannabinus”).

Believed to be native to southern Asia but has been cultivated in Africa for millennia.

• Kenaf can produce 3-5 times more fiber per acre than pine trees^[34].
• The fiber is used in making rope, twine, coarse cloth, and paper^[35].
• Its leaves and seeds are edible and used in some cuisines.
• The plant is often used in phytoremediation to remove toxins from soil.
• In some countries, it’s being explored as a potential biofuel crop.
• Despite its industrial uses, Kenaf still produces attractive hibiscus-like flowers.

• Flower Size: 4-7 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Usually pink or white, often with a red center or veining.
• Blooming Season: Mid to late summer.
• Height: 4-8 feet tall, with a spread of 2-4 feet.
• Leaves: Broad, ovate to lanceolate, sometimes with shallow lobes.

Eastern North America^[36], from Ontario and Quebec south to Florida and west to Texas, is typically found in marshes, swamps, and riverbanks. Also found in California, Utah, and New Mexico.

• Often confused with Hibiscus moscheutos, it was once considered a variety of that species.
• The flowers are hermaphroditic^[37], containing both male and female parts.
• Native Americans used the plant’s fibers to make cord and thread.
• Its large flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and various pollinators.
• The plant is deer-resistant, making it valuable in areas with high deer populations.
• In some regions, it’s used in wetland restoration projects due to its ability to stabilize shorelines.

• Flower Size: 2-4 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Usually yellow with a dark red or maroon center, occasionally pink or white.
• Blooming Season: Spring to summer, can bloom year-round in tropical climates.
• Height: 3-10 feet tall, with a similar spread.
• Leaves: Highly variable, from simple to deeply lobed, often with serrated edges.

Widely distributed across Africa, Asia, Australia, and parts of South America, typically found in swamps, marshes, and along watercourses.

• The species name “diversifolius” refers to its diverse leaf shapes, which can vary even on the same plant^[39].
• Its prickly stems serve as a defense against herbivores in its native habitats.
• The plant has been used in traditional medicine in various cultures.
• It’s sometimes used in wetland restoration projects due to its ability to stabilize soil.
• The flowers are short-lived, typically lasting only a day, but are produced in abundance.
• In some regions, it’s considered an invasive species due to its rapid growth and adaptability.

• Flower Size: 2-3 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Bright pink to red.
• Blooming Season: Primarily in summer, but can flower year-round in ideal conditions.
• Height: Typically grows as a shrub 3-6 feet tall.
• Leaves: Simple, ovate to lanceolate, with serrated edges.

Endemic to Mauritius and found on steep slopes of the mountains Corps de Garde and Le Morne Brabant on Mauritius, with two additional plants on Rodrigues.

• At one point, only two plants were known to exist in the wild.
• Intensive conservation efforts have increased its numbers, but it remains critically endangered.
• The species is considered a flagship for conservation efforts on Rodrigues Island.
• Its flowers are believed to be pollinated by the Rodrigues fody, an endemic Bird Species.
• The flowers are 7-10 cm in diameter with bright pink to carmine red petals.
• Despite its rarity, it has been successfully propagated and is sometimes available to specialist collectors.
• Andy Warhol made prints titled “Flowers” of the mandrinette in 1970, based on a photograph by Patricia Caulfield^[41].

• Flower Size: 4-6 inches in diameter.
• Colors: Typically, deep red or crimson, sometimes with a darker center.
• Blooming Season: Year-round in tropical climates, summer to fall in temperate regions.
• Height: 6-10 feet tall when grown outdoors, smaller when container-grown.
• Leaves: Dark green, glossy, ovate to lanceolate.

It doesn’t have a natural habitat as a cultivar, but it’s widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

• Despite its common name, it’s not native to Venezuela but is a cultivar of the Chinese Hibiscus.
• The flowers are edible and sometimes used in salads or as a garnish^[42].
• In tropical regions, it’s often used as a hedge plant due to its dense growth habit.
• The plant is widely used in traditional medicine in various cultures.
• Its vibrant red flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies^[43].
• In the language of flowers, the red Hibiscus symbolizes passionate love.