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Conservatory GreenhouseShrubs

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Chinese hibiscus

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

Other common names
blacking plant
China rose
see moreChinese rose mallow
garden hibiscus
Hawaian hibiscus
Malabar rose
rose of China
shoe flower
shoe-black
shoe-black plant
Synonyms
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Rose of China'
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Orange Red White Yellow Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1B
Botanical details
Family
Malvaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Hibiscus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs, trees, annuals or perennials, with simple or palmately lobed leaves and large, funnel-shaped flowers over a long flowering season

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Vanuatu

How to grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost 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

Propagation

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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Pruning group 9 little or no regular pruning evergreen shrubs

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse whitefly when grown under glass

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus (rarely) and powdery mildews

Get involved

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