Hibiscus: Tropical And Perennial
 (Read 500+ times)
By Glory Lennon
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Though you might not know the Hibiscus by name you, no doubt, have seen it on those supremely colorful Hawaiian print shirts that sell prodigiously in tourist shops. The genus Hibiscus, however, consists of several species some annual, some perennial plants, others deciduous or evergreen shrubs. Almost all are known to have showy flowers but the plants themselves can be vastly different. Let us take a look at all the Hibiscus, tropical and perennial.
Hibiscus Moscheutos
This is the very hardy perennial better known as Rose-Mallow or Marsh-Mallow. Often found growing wild in swampy areas. Self-sow readily and not bothered by deer or any other insect or disease. Can grow to 6 feet tall which makes them perfect for a hedge or at the back of a border. Cultivars Lady Baltimore (pink) and Lord Baltimore (red) grow to 4 feet high. The flowers, a mix of reds, pinks and whites, at nearly a foot across are the biggest of all the Hibiscus.
Hibiscus Mutabilis.
This is the Confederate Rose, called such because of its prevalence at one time in the confederate states. This is a deciduous shrub which can grow quite tall, 15-18 feet high if allowed to do so, in zones 9 and 10. Looks better and produces more blossoms if maintained smaller. Flowers are 4-6 inches across and change color as they mature. They start off white or pink and end a deep red by nightfall. Only hardy to zone 7 where it behaves more like a perennial.
Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis.
The Chinese or Tropical Hibiscus is famous for their brightly colored flowers. Hardy only to zone 10 without protection. Good as a houseplant and mostly grown as such for northern regions. Up to 15 feet tall in warmest areas. Too many cultivars to name all being vastly different in leaf and flower, single or double form, size and shape. Each flower lasts for one day. Foliage is deep green and glossy. Good rich, well draining soil required and full sun for best blooming.
Hibiscus Syriacus.
The deciduous shrub commonly called Rose-of-Sharon or the Althea shrub. Hardy to zone 5, grows 10-12 feet tall in a compact, upright manner when young getting fuller and more open as it ages if not continually pruned. Flowers, looking somewhat like hollyhocks, come in single, semi-double and double form and are 2-3 inches wide. Likes protection from the wind. Late to break dormancy in coldest regions. Easily pruned into tree shapes.
Hibiscus Acetosella.
Red Leaf Hibiscus is grown for its foliage more so than the red and yellow flowers. Mostly grown from seeds as annuals since it’s only fully hardy in zone 11 where it is a shrubby evergreen perennial used for hedges. Foliage is a deep purple-red color.
Hibiscus Schizopetalus.
Japanese Lantern is an evergreen shrub growing as tall as 9 feet but mostly grown in hanging baskets and as greenhouse plants. Only hardy in zones 8-11. Branches in weeping form hold frilly, 2 inch wide pink to red flowers on long stalks. Stamens protrude and petals are pulled back for a dramatic look.
Hibiscus Sabdariffa.
Jamaica Flower is the only Hibiscus grown as a food source. Annual plants grown from seeds, 4-5 feet tall. The fleshy red base of the flower is used for sauce, drinks, jelly, tea and is used and tasting somewhat like cranberries or red currant. Requires long hot summers for harvest. Works and a narrow, temporary hedge.
Now you have the lowdown on the Hibiscus. Surely with all these Hibiscus from which to choose you can find one suitable for your landscape needs. Any one of these would make a great addition to any garden indoor or out.
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Author Bio Box: Glory Lennon
 For amusing short stories visit http://www.helium.com/users/32782. For an intriguing novelette-in-progress visit: http://www.myspace.com/glorygarden.
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