This shrub has upright woody stems and branches that form an open or bushy rounded habit. It has glossy dark green ovate leaves and the funnel-shaped red to pink flowers appear solitary amongst the foliage from summer to autumn.  

Hardiness zones 10 to 12

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is naturally found from south China to Vietnam growing in woodlands and coastal thickets. It prefers a well drained fertile moist sandy to light clay soil that is tending acidic with a pH 6.2 and grows in a protected sunny position and is frost and drought tender. 

The Chinese Hibiscus is grown for its bushy habit and it s colourful flowers. It is planted in parks and gardens along borders for a tropical effect or for screening. It is also used around a water feature or swimming pool and establishes in 2 to 4 years and is moderately long lived. It may be trimmed to form an informal hedge and the flowers are used in floral arrangements. There are many cultivars available of varying height and flower colour and shape.

Hibiscus (hi-BIS-kus) rosa-sinensis (ro-sa-si-NEN-sis)

'Hibiscus': ancient Greek name for one of the species; 'rosa': rose; 'sinensis': of China.

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