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Plant profile

Hibiscus

Quick facts

Botanical name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. In SAF's language of flowers, hibiscus means delicate beauty.

Hibiscus at a glance

Meaning
delicate beauty
Colors
  • Red
  • Pink
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • White
  • Purple
Vase life
Grown as a plant, not usually sold cut (individual flowers last about a day).
Season
Summer peak, spring through fall.
Also called
Chinese hibiscus, Tropical hibiscus

About hibiscuses

A tropical shrub with bold trumpet flowers up to 6 inches across, each lasting only a day or two but produced steadily. Grown as a flowering potted or patio plant; the flowers are edible.

Caring for hibiscuses

Also called: Chinese hibiscus, Tropical hibiscus. A tropical shrub with bold trumpet flowers up to 6 inches across, each lasting only a day or two but produced steadily. Grown as a flowering potted or patio plant; the flowers are edible.

Full sun to bright light, rich moist well-drained soil, high humidity, no frost; prune by about half in early spring; avoid moving the plant, which drops buds.

Questions about hibiscuses

What does the hibiscus mean?

In the traditional language of flowers, the hibiscus stands for "delicate beauty".

What colors do hibiscuses come in?

Hibiscuses come in red, pink, yellow, orange, white and purple.

How do you care for hibiscuses?

Full sun to bright light, rich moist well-drained soil, high humidity, no frost; prune by about half in early spring; avoid moving the plant, which drops buds.

Where can I buy hibiscuses?

From a local SAF member florist. Enter the recipient's ZIP code on this page to find florists near them.