Hibiscus Varieties - How Many Kinds Of Hibiscus Are There

There are over 200 different species of hibiscus plants in the world, and each variety differs in size, shape, and color.

How do I know what kind of hibiscus I have?

You need to know which one you have. Unfortunately, garden centers, nurseries and home improvement centers lump all hibiscus together. If your hibiscus has glossy deep green leaves, 3-6" flowers of red, pink, orange, yellow, double or single flowers, it is probably a TROPICAL hibiscus.

What kind of hibiscus are there?

Some of the main categories of hibiscus include:

Native hibiscus. ...
Hardy hibiscus. ...
Tropical hibiscus. ...
Perennial hibiscus. ...
Annual hibiscus.

How many different colors of hibiscus are there?

Tropical hibiscus flowers typically grow 4-6 inches across in shades of orange, yellow, red, pink, and multicolor. Purple and white forms are less common. Their petals are often quite ruffled and many feature an eye of a contrasting color.

What is the tallest hibiscus?

The tallest is Hibiscus moscheutos, sometimes called the common rose mallow or swamp rose mallow, which can grow as tall as 8 feet, as wide as 5 feet, and produces single hollyhock-type flowers.

Does Hibiscus like sun or shade?

Where to Plant Hibiscus. All hibiscus plants grow best in full sun. Tropical hibiscus needs moist but well-drained soil. Perennial hibiscus grows best in moist soil that never completely dries out (this type can handle a bit more water than tropical hibiscus).

Are any hibiscus poisonous?

In most cases, hibiscus is non-toxic for pets, but the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a type of hibiscus that can be harmful to your furry friend. ... For cats both blossoms and stems of this hibiscus are poisonous.

Which hibiscus are not edible?

Cranberry Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella)

Its calyx is not edible but it is one of the best variety. Its leaves are lemony which can make lovely salads. Cranberry leaves retain its color even when it is cooked.

Does hibiscus stay green all year?

Although tropical hibiscus shrubs do lose leaves, they remain green all year and produce new growth as old leaves fall off and die. They only grow outside in warm climates where winters are mild and cold spells are brief and the temperature never gets below freezing.

What is the center of a hibiscus flower called?

The pistil usually is located in the center of the flower and is made up of three parts: the stigma, style, and ovary. The stigma is the sticky knob at the top of the pistil. It is attached to the long, tubelike structure called the style. The style leads to the ovary that contains the female egg cells called ovules.

Which hibiscus is good for hair?

Benefits of Hibiscus Oil for Your Hair. Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a popular remedy for hair growth, promoted by herbal healers. Proponents claim that hibiscus can also help: stop hair loss.

Does hibiscus change color?

Apparently many hibiscus varieties are known to change colours in accordance with temperature and daylight changes. ... Carotenoids, the yellow, orange and red spectrum, are the most stable pigment and their flowers tend to hold their colours even through the hottest days.

How do I keep my hibiscus blooming?

How to Keep My Hibiscus Blooming

Re-pot your hibiscus in January or February of every other year. ...
Cut the plant back by 1/3 to 1/2 in very early spring. ...
Place the plant outdoors in late April in a location that receives full sun all day or at least for six hours. ...
Fertilize the hibiscus every two weeks.

How much room does a hibiscus need?

The hibiscus species that die back each year can be spaced 2 to 3 feet apart. Consider the potential height and width (up to 12 feet and 10 feet, respectively) of a mature Rose of Sharon before planting.

How long do hibiscus plants live?

How long do tropical hibiscus plants live? A. Some of the older garden varieties have been known to live for 50 years or more. Some of the newer hybrids may have lifespans of 5-10 years.

How long do hibiscus flowers last?

The hibiscus flower only lasts a day, although many new hybrids have been bred which now last longer, even up to three days. Try not to think of this as a bad thing, many plants bloom only once a year for two or three weeks and then you have to wait a whole year for a repeat performance.

Does hibiscus like coffee grounds?

Hibiscus plants may benefit from coffee grounds being used as fertilizer. ... These elements or nutrients are beneficial to a plant's growth. Used coffee grounds are really best if added to compost, where they can break down further and then be dug into your beds.

Should you deadhead hibiscus?

Deadheading, the process of removing fading flowers, can improve the appearance of the plant and prevent reseeding. According to information about hibiscus flowers, deadheading hibiscus is not a necessary part of hibiscus flower care.

Is Hibiscus fast growing?

Tropical hibiscus are fast growers, reaching 7 to 12 feet tall in just two or three years and blooming throughout the year. Due to its rapid growth rate, Chinese hibiscus responds well to pruning for shape in late winter, lending it to espalier or use in hedges.

Can hibiscus kill cats?

The ASPCA advises that hibiscus is toxic to dogs, cats and horses. However, it is still among the plants toxic to cats, dogs and horses, and will cause them to experience vomiting, diarrhea and depression if ingested. ...

Can I eat my hibiscus flowers?

Summary Hibiscus flowers are large, colorful blossoms that grow in warm climates. The flowers can be eaten raw but are often used to make herbal tea. Some research suggests that hibiscus may have a positive impact on cholesterol and blood pressure.

Can you make hibiscus tea from any hibiscus flower?

Hot hibiscus tea can be brewed using your favorite hibiscus tea bags or loose-leaf dried hibiscus flowers. Dried flowers can be purchased at your local grocery store, health food stores and online or you can use hibiscus flowers from your own garden.