October, 1999
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis1
Edward F. Gilman2
Introduction
General Information
1. This document is Fact Sheet FPS-254, one of a series of the Environmental Horticulture Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food
and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: October, 1999 Please visit the EDIS Web site at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
2. Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University
of Florida, Gainesville, 32611.
The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer authorized to provide research, educational
information and other services only to individuals and institutions that function without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap, or national origin.
For information on obtaining other extension publications, contact your county Cooperative Extension Service office. Florida Cooperative
Extension Service / Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences / University of Florida / Christine Taylor Waddill, Dean
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis -- Tropical Hibiscus Page 2
Foliage
Trunk and Branches
Leaf arrangement: alternate
Leaf type: simple Trunk/bark/branches: not particularly showy; typically multi-
Leaf margin: serrate trunked or clumping stems
Leaf shape: ovate Current year stem/twig color: reddish
Leaf venation: palmate Current year stem/twig thickness: medium
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: 4 to 8 inches
Leaf color: variegated
Fall color: no fall color change Culture
Fall characteristic: not showy
Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun
Flower Soil tolerances: clay; sand; acidic; slightly alkaline; loam
Drought tolerance: moderate
Flower color: orange; red; yellow; pink; salmon Soil salt tolerances: poor
Flower characteristic: year-round flowering Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches
Fruit
Other
Fruit shape: oval
Fruit length: less than .5 inch Roots: usually not a problem
Fruit cover: dry or hard Winter interest: no special winter interest
Fruit color: unknown Outstanding plant: plant has outstanding ornamental features
Fruit characteristic: inconspicuous and not showy and could be planted more
October 1999
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis -- Tropical Hibiscus Page 3
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive Flowers may be infected with blight caused by Botrytis
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests cinerea .
If leaf spots are seen, pick off and destroy the infected
leaves.
October 1999