Plant field guide
Hibiscus (Tropical)
Spectacular tropical shrub producing enormous, brilliantly colored blooms daily throughout summer. Container-grown specimens are popular patio plants in temperate climates. Individual flowers last one day but new blooms open continuously.
Growing requirements
- Scientific name
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Sun
- full sun
- Water
- moderate
- Height
- 36 in (91 cm) – 120 in (305 cm)
- Spread
- 36 in (91 cm) – 72 in (183 cm)
- Spacing
- 36 in (91 cm)
- Hardiness zones & minimum temperature
- USDA 9–11; average annual extreme minimum from 20°F (-6.7°C). Hardiness does not predict local frost dates.
- Difficulty
- moderate
Planting & seasonal timing
Northern Hemisphere planting months: not yet verified in our database.
Northern Hemisphere pruning months: March, April.
For the Southern Hemisphere, these seasonal windows shift approximately six months. Check your local frost forecast, soil temperature, and species requirements; calendar months are not a guarantee of planting safety.
Bring indoors before frost — cannot tolerate freezing. Prune hard in spring (cut back by 1/3 to 1/2) to encourage bushy new growth. Heavy feeders — fertilize regularly for maximum bloom. High demand for water in containers.
Pruning
Cut back by 1/3 to 1/2 in early spring before new growth starts. Pinch stem tips in summer to encourage branching.
Fertilizer
High-phosphorus liquid fertilizer
Every 2 weeks during growing season
Mulch
3 inches mulch for in-ground planting in warm climates.