Tips
Weeds of the Month: Hibiscus
Did you know?
• There are two main types of hibiscus – tropical hibiscus,
native to Asia, and hardy hibiscus, native to Florida and
the southeastern U.S.
• There are about 35 species of hardy native hibiscus,
also called rosemallows.
• Native hibiscus are cold hardy, vigorous, and long
hibiscus.
rainbow of colors, in single or double forms, and often
Hummingbirds are attracted by hibiscus, as are many
and Gulf Fritillaries. Hibiscus range in size from low
feet or more in height. Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosasinensis)
is commonly sold in garden centers and seen in
the landscapes of southern and central Florida. They are
beautiful plants with dense foliage, reaching a height of
cold-tolerant. About 35 other species of Hibiscus that
are native to the Southeastern U.S. have tremendous
potential for our central Florida landscape. They are
feet tall and 4-8 feet wide. They emerge from the ground
in mid to late spring and bloom from late spring through
fall. A hard freeze kills the above-ground growth, but
below-ground stems overwinter and produce new shoots
the following spring. Some species require freezing to
release vigorous new growth, which makes them better
suited for north and central Florida than points farther
south. Hardy hibiscus prefer full sun or partial shade and
any soil that is not too dry.
Hardy native hibiscus are also known as rosemallows.
red, and their common names are often interchanged.
One hibiscus native to Florida, Hibiscus coccineus, is
clear soft pink. Confederate rose, Hibiscus mutabilis,
feet high in freeze-free areas, and to 6-8 feet where
summer, producing 6-8-inch blooms that open white
and fade to pink. One of the more interesting features
of this species is that white, light pink, and dark pink
plant. Crimsoneyed rosemallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
and several other species have been used in breeding
programs resulting in hybrids that produce spectacular
pink, and red. Look for these wonderful hardy hibiscus
in native plant nurseries and independent garden
centers. The big box stores tend to stock only tropical
hibiscus.
For answers to your gardening questions, contact the
Hernando County Extension Service at 352-754-4433,
(extension.hernandocounty.us). Master Gardeners are
Saturday from 9:00 am until noon, weather permitting.
Sources: Hardy Hibiscus for Florida
Photos from University of FL (E.
B y K a t h l e e n S h i e l d s ,
Silverthorn Resident and Florida Master Gardener
(With information provided by the University of
Florida and Hernando County Extension Service)
Silverthorn, Traditions Newsletter pg. 23
/(extension.hernandocounty.us