This shrub to small tree is erect with a woody trunk and spreading branches that form a rounded habit. The mid-green lobed leaves are semi deciduous and the white, pink to red funnel-shaped flowers are single or double, appearing during autumn.

Hardiness zones 8 to 10

Hibiscus mutabilis is naturally found from south-east China to Japan and east Asia growing in woodlands on the coast and inland.

It prefers a well drained moderately fertile moist sandy to light clay loam with a pH range from 6.0 to 7.0 and grows in an open sunny to semi shaded wind protected position and is frost hardy but drought tender.

Cotton Rose is grown for its large colourful flowers and a bushy habit. It is planted in small gardens along mixed shrub borders for screening or as a background filler plant. It is suitable for coastal and inland regions establishing in 2 to 3 year and is moderately long lived. The shrub is also grown in large containers or as a lawn specimen adding a tropical effect. ID 116

Hibiscus (hi-BIS-kus) mutabilis (mew-TAH-bi-lis)

Malvaceae (mal-VAY-see-ee)
Cotton, Mallows and Hollyhocks