Tropical hibiscus Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Malvaceae family. It grows 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about 3 °C (37 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
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Tropical hibiscus at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Mature height | 1.5–3 m (4.9–10 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Cold hardiness | About 3 °C (37 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 26–43 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: flowers |
| Common in gardens of | 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇮🇳 India, 🇪🇬 Egypt, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇨🇴 Colombia |
Is Tropical hibiscus toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is listed as non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Tropical hibiscus
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
See Tropical hibiscus in a botanical garden
It grows in these sample gardens, which you can walk through in 3D:
- Longwood Gardens (6 plants)
- Na ʻĀina Kai Botanical Gardens (12 plants)
- Thai tropical garden (8 plants)
Questions about Tropical hibiscus
- How far apart should I plant Tropical hibiscus?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Tropical hibiscus need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Tropical hibiscus need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Tropical hibiscus?
- It tolerates about 3 °C (37 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Tropical hibiscus flower?
- From about April for 26–43 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Tropical hibiscus poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is listed as non-toxic to people, cats and dogs.
- What grows well with Tropical hibiscus?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Tropical hibiscus. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-cultivar values; varieties differ.
- Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) differs and is mildly toxic to pets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Okra Abelmoschus esculentus
- Hollyhock Alcea rosea
- Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus
- Small-leaved lime (linden) Tilia cordata
- Cacao Theobroma cacao
- Durian Durio zibethinus
- Red silk-cotton tree (kapok) Bombax ceiba
- African baobab Adansonia digitata