Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (China Rose, Rose of China, Rose Mallow, Rose of Sharon, Chinese Hibiscus)
Botanical Information
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
| Species | rosa-sinensis |
| Category | Tropicals, Woody |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Tropical Asia and China. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Tea can be made from the flowers and is enjoyed around the world both hot and iced. The tea is known for its red colour, tart flavour, and vitamin C content. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9 - 11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c - H4 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -10 - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 14 - 50 |
| Height | 1.2 - 3 m |
| Spread | 1.5 - 2.4 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Broadleaf evergreen shrub grown for its large, showy flowers. |
| ID Characteristic | Large and distinct flowers. |
| Shape | Typically a dense, 'shrubby' form. |
| Landscape | Excellent as specimens, hedges or screens. In areas where not winter hardy, plants are excellent in containers that may be brought indoors in autumn or grown as houseplants. |
| Cultivation | Best grown in full sun to partial shade with moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. Tolerant of deer. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. |
| Notable Specimens | Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Habitat | Tropical areas globally. |
| Leaf Description | The leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, often with a toothed or lobed margin. |
| Flower Description | The flowers are large, conspicuous, trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, and are 4 - 18 cm across. They bloom whenever the light levels are sufficient. |
| Fruit Description | The fruit is a dry five-lobed capsule, containing several seeds in each lobe, which are released when the capsule splits open at maturity. |
| Colour Description | Foliage is green. Flowers can be white, pink, red, orange, peach, yellow, or purple. |
| Texture Description | Leaves are glossy. |
Photographs
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Form.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Leaf.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Flower.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Red'.