Queen of the Tropics
A tropical hibiscus can add beauty to your yard
Known for its exotic-looking blooms, tropical hibiscus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, has earned the nickname “Queen of the Tropics”. With over 200 varieties and a myriad of brilliantly colored blooms to choose from, you can create your own tropical paradise by planting several different tropical hibiscuses in your yard. Although the blooms look exotic, this evergreen plant is tough and withstands our hot weather well, even blooming during summer.
Hibiscus varieties can be categorized into three main types: tropical, perennial and shrub. Tropical hibiscus is no shrinking violet and produces large blossoms awash in brilliant shades of white, pink, red, orange, purple or yellow. Its blooms are short-lived, lasting only a day or two.
It is best to plant a tropical hibiscus in the fall or early spring. It prefers full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Plants grown in too much shade will become tall and leggy and will produce fewer flowers. It can be grown as a single shrub that grows 5-6 feet tall and wide or planted five feet apart to form a hedge that can be pruned any size you wish.
Tropical hibiscus has an interesting history. In 1753, Carl Linnaeus gave it the scientific name ‘Hibiscus rosa-sinensis’ which means “rose of China” since the hibiscus originated in tropical Asia. In fact, it is called “shoe flower” in Asia where its petals are used to polish shoes.
Perennial hibiscus, Hibiscus moscheutos, is commonly called rose mallow and grows in zones 5-9b. The plant is 3-6 feet tall and wide and has large blooms 6-9 inches across that have earned it the nickname “dinner plate hibiscus”. From spring through fall, it produces flowers in shades of red, pink, lavender or white.
As its name implies, perennial hibiscus is not evergreen and drops its leaves in winter. Before it leafs out in spring, prune its branches leaving them 3-5 inches tall. The plant will grow new branches from its roots, not from the pruned branches.
Shrub hibiscus, Hibiscus syriacus, is commonly called Rose of Sharon and grows in zones 5-8. Its blooms can be single or double and come in shades of pink, purple or white. Growing up to 12 feet tall and 5-6 feet wide, it is often grown along a fence to provide privacy
to a yard. According to the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Rose of Sharon is toxic to pets if ingested.
Hawaii’s state flower, Hibiscus brachenridgei, is a hibiscus variety native to Hawaii. Like Hawaii’s bright sunshine, its blooms are yellow with red veining in the center. In Hawaii, a hibiscus flower is traditionally worn by a married woman behind her left ear and behind the right ear of a single woman.
The hibiscus variety used to make the popular Mexican beverage called Agua de Jamaica is yet another variety, Hibiscus sabdariffa. It has flowers in shades of white to yellow with a red center. Its common name is Roselle, and it grows up to seven feet tall and wide. Although it is not a tropical hibiscus, it does grow in zones 9-10. Its dried calyxes are sold at most Mexican markets as “Flor de Jamaica” and are boiled in water with piloncillo, Mexican brown sugar, to make Agua de Jamaica. Red Zinger tea also contains dried Roselle calyxes.
Seeds for the Roselle variety can be purchased online and planted between March and May. Most nurseries carry tropical hibiscus plants which can be planted once the weather cools.
If you are looking for an evergreen shrub with colorful flowers to brighten your yard, consider planting a tropical hibiscus.
Happy gardening. ■