Hibiscus Identification & Care: Tropical, Hardy & Confederate Rose

The hibiscus genus (Hibiscus) belongs to the diverse Malvaceae family, which includes cotton, okra, and kenaf. Gardeners commonly encounter three types, each with different needs.

Tropical Hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis)

Identification: Flowers in red, orange, or yellow with long, prominent stamens. Frost-tender; must come indoors for winter in zones below 9.

Overwintering: Trim back by ¼, place in bright light, water sparingly. Leaf drop is normal. Return outdoors in April; prune again in September for better indoor shape next year.

Confederate Rose (H. mutabilis)

Rooting Cuttings: Cut 12-inch stems, strip lower leaves, place in water in a sunny window. Roots appear in weeks. Pot up when roots reach 2 inches; grow as houseplant until spring.

Hardy Hibiscus

• Rose of Sharon (H. syriacus) – Fully hardy, self-seeds aggressively. Improved cultivars: 'Diana', 'Aphrodite', 'Minerva' (sterile, well-behaved).
• Swamp Mallow (H. moscheutos) – Hardy, large flowers.
• Scarlet Hibiscus (H. coccineum) – Hardy, striking red blooms.

Scarlet Hibiscus
tropical hibiscus
swamp hibiscus
Rose of Sharon hibiscus
Confederate rose hibiscus
Turk's cap hibiscus