Plant encyclopedia›Chinese hibiscus

Chinese hibiscus

Also known as: blacking plant; China rose; Chinese rose mallow; garden hibiscus; Hawaian hibiscus; Malabar rose; rose of China; shoe flower; shoe-black; shoe-black plant

A compact evergreen shrub with ovate to broadly lance-shaped glossy dark green leaves. Single 5-petalled flowers 10cm across with yellow anthered red stamens are produced from the leaf axils from summer to autumn, though in cultivation semi-double and double forms are available. Flower colour is also very variable in cultivation ranging from crimson to orange, yellow or white

Scientific classification

Species: Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Genus: Hibiscus
Family: Malvaceae

Information to be completed
Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse · Shrubs
Plant type: 1-1.5 metres
Height: 0.5-1 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

Chinese hibiscus pictures

Distribution of Chinese hibiscus

Distribution map

Vanuatu

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Information to be completed

Quick identification of Chinese hibiscus

Information to be completed

Chinese hibiscus care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Prune lightly as needed to remove unwanted shoots and keep the shrub in shape. Prune in mid- to late spring.

Propagation

Propagate by seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in spring or propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Growing

Under glass grow in a loam-based potting compost (JI No.2) in bright filtered light, providing moderate humidity and good ventilation. Water freely during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly. Water sparingly in winter

More growing and care information →