Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Chinese Hibiscus

Family: Malvaceae
Zone: 9-10                              Average Size: 6’H x 4’W

Identification:

-Simple leaf, ovate and coarsely toothed margin, glossy green
-Large showy flowers, 4 inches in diameter and greater, prominent stamen and carpel projecting from the corolla
-Light gray bark on stems

Note:   Although not fully hardy except along the warm southern coast, the Chinese Hibiscus can be planted as an annual and makes a showy addition to the summer garden. A small 1-gallon plant will grow quickly into a small shrub and bloom prolifically. The showy flowers come in a variety of colors including white, pink, orange, yellow and red. Extensive breeding has also produced many variations.

Campus Location: Julian C. Miller Hall, west next to loading dock