Chinese hibiscus is a woody perennial shrub of the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is native to Asia. This is a tropical, evergreen plant known for its bold flowers that can be up to 6 inches across with a showy central tube. The genus name, Hibiscus , is Latin for mallow, and the species epithet, r osa-sinensis , is Latin for “rose of China.” Plant in a location with full sun to partial shade and in rich, moist soil with good drainage. The roots should be kept moist. Chinese hibiscus appreciates high humidity and needs protection from wind and frost, but it is resistant to browsing by deer. It grows 4 to 10 feet high and 5 to 8 feet wide, so consider its space requirements when determining its planting location. Indoors, it requires a large container in a location that receives bright light. Chinese hibiscus has a medium growth rate and requires some maintenance and care. Prune back by about one-half the height in early spring to encourage a compact growth habit. Keep in mind that flowers will bloom on new growth. Chinese hibiscus is sensitive to environmental changes, so moving the plant can cause leaf and bud drops. Propagation is by stem cutting. Plant Chinese hibiscus in your butterfly garden or naturalized area. It can also be grown in a container and as a houseplant or conservatory plant. Plant multiples for use as a screen or hedge, or plant singularly as an accent plant. Its large funnel-shaped flowers bloom in summer and are an attractant for specialized bees and pollinators. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems, but watch for scale insects. VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifer s ," a plant identification course developed in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
High Organic Matter
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
Available space
12-24 feet
Mature size
Height: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in. | Width: 5 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
3 - Shrub (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Coarse
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical
Leaf margin
Dentate
Leaf feel
Glossy
Leaf size
3-6 inches long, 3-6 inches wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Simple lobed, dark green glossy leaves dentate margins with visible palmate venation. Some variation of leaf shape, underside of leaves are somewhat pale.
Flower color
Gold/Yellow; Pink; Red/Burgundy; White
Flower value
Edible; Showy
Flower form
Solitary
Flower shape
Funnel
Flower size
3-6 inches
Flower detail
Purple, blues, pinks, white single or double lasting only one day but appearing seasonally. In the center is a unique androgynafore pistol and stamens are fused together in a showy central tube. Narrow leaved caylx surround the flowers.
Bloom time
Fall; Spring; Summer
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Asia
Wildlife value
Flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Members of the genus Hibiscus support the following specialized bee: Ptilothrix bombiformis.