- Also called:
- tropical hibiscus, shoe-black plant, or China rose
- Related Topics:
- hibiscus
Chinese hibiscus
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Division: Angiosperm
- Order: Malvales
- Family: Malvaceae
- Genus: Hibiscus
See also list of plants in the family Malvaceae.
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What is the Chinese hibiscus?
The Chinese hibiscus, or Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, is a perennial hibiscus species in the mallow family (Malvaceae). It is the most common hibiscus species, typically grown as an ornamental hedge in tropical and subtropical areas. The Chinese hibiscus grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching 1.2–3 meters (4–10 feet) in height. Its flowers are funnel-shaped and typically red, though some cultivars have blooms that are pink, orange, yellow, or white.
The Chinese hibiscus is frost tender and thrives in warm temperatures above 10 °C (50 °F), full sun, and high humidity. It is the national flower of Malaysia, where it is known as bunga raya, meaning "great flower" or "celebratory flower".
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What does the Chinese hibiscus plant look like?
The Chinese hibiscus is a shrub or small tree, typically reaching 4 to 10 feet in height and 5 to 8 feet in width. Its leaves are a vibrant green, typically unlobed with serrated edges, and range from about 2 to 5 inches in length and 1 to 3 inches in width.
Its flowers are funnel-shaped, typically red, but can be pink, orange, yellow, or white. These flowers have 4 or 5 petals with showy stamens fused into a central tube. Although each flower lasts only a day, the plant blooms seasonally and attracts pollinators like hummingbirds.
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Where does the Chinese hibiscus naturally grow?
The origins of the Chinese hibiscus are uncertain. While some experts suggest it originated in Southeast Asia, others point to Vanuatu in Oceania, or other tropical regions. Today, no wild populations exist. This hibiscus species is now commonly grown worldwide as an ornamental hedge in tropical and subtropical climates.
The Chinese hibiscus is a shrub or small tree, typically 1.2–3 meters (4–10 feet) in height. It thrives in warm temperatures above 10 °C (50 °F), with high humidity and full sun. Its flowers are funnel-shaped and come in various colors, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds.
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How is the Chinese hibiscus used in gardens or landscaping?
The Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a popular choice as an ornamental hedge in tropical and subtropical climates. It grows as a shrub or small tree, reaching 4–10 feet in height and 5–8 feet in width.
Gardeners should apply fertilizer and water frequently enough to ensure that the plant’s roots stay evenly moist. The plant can be cut back by approximately half its height to maintain a compact shape. Chinese hibiscus thrives in full sun and well-drained, organically rich soil. Though it can grow in partial shade, this will result in fewer and smaller flowers. It can also be grown in containers and brought indoors to overwinter. The flowers attract pollinators, including hummingbirds.
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Why are the flowers of Chinese hibiscus significant in some cultures?
The Chinese hibiscus, or Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, holds cultural significance in some societies. In Malaysia, it is the national flower, known as bunga raya, meaning "great flower" or "celebratory flower". The red flowers are also associated with the Hindu goddess Kali. Additionally, the flowers are edible and used in teas, as a flavoring, and as a garnish.
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What care does a Chinese hibiscus plant require to thrive?
For a Chinese hibiscus to thrive, keep the temperature above 10 °C (50 °F). Temperatures below 1.7 °C (35 °F) can be fatal. The plant thrives in high humidity and full sun, though it tolerates partial shade with fewer flowers. Use well-draining soil rich in organic material, and fertilize and water regularly to keep the roots moist. Prune the plant to about half its height to keep its shape compact. Pests like aphids, thrips, spider mites, scales, whiteflies, and mealybugs can pose a threat, as can fungal diseases like powdery mildew and botrytis blight. Leaves and buds may drop due to water stress or temperature changes.
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Chinese hibiscus, (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), perennial species of hibiscus cultivated for its large brightly colored flowers. Chinese hibiscus is the most common species of hibiscus and is grown as an ornamental hedge in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The origins of Chinese hibiscus are disputed; it is likely from Southeast Asia, though some authorities point to Vanuatu in Oceania or various other tropical regions. No wild populations of the plant have been found in modern times.
Physical description
Chinese hibiscus is a shrub or small tree and grows to a height of 1.2–3 meters (4–10 feet) and a width of 1.5–2.4 meters (5–8 feet). Its simple evergreen leaves are usually unlobed and have serrated margins. Bright green in color, they are some 5–12 cm (2–5 inches) long and 3–8.5 cm (1–3 inches) wide. The plants are usually propagated by stem cuttings.
The flowers of the Chinese hibiscus are funnel-shaped and typically red in color, though some cultivars have pink, orange, yellow, or white blooms. The flowers have 4–5 petals, and the showy stamens (male structures) are fused into a central tube around the pistil (female structure). A green epicalyx (whorl of leaflike bracts) surrounds the base of the petals. The flowers may be single or double, depending on the hybrid or cultivar, and vary in size from 5 to 25 cm (2 to 10 inches) in diameter. Although a given flower lasts for only a single day, the plant blooms seasonally and attracts a variety of pollinators, including hummingbirds. Like other members of the genus, the pollen is characteristically spiny when viewed under a microscope. The fruit is a capsule.
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Cultivation
Chinese hibiscus is frost tender and requires warm temperatures, preferably above 10 °C (50 °F), in order to thrive. At temperatures below 1.7 °C (35 °F), it will be damaged and may die. It can also be grown outside in containers and brought inside to overwinter with less water and fertilization. Alternately, Chinese hibiscus can be grown as a houseplant and will bloom during the spring and summer.
The plant grows best in areas with high humidity and full sun. It will grow in partial shade but will have fewer and smaller flowers. It needs soil that is rich in organic material and that has good drainage. Gardeners should apply fertilizer and water frequently enough to ensure that the plant’s roots stay evenly moist. The plant can be cut back by approximately half its height to maintain a compact shape.
Insects and pests that may damage Chinese hibiscus include aphids, thrips, and spider mites, as well as scales, whiteflies, and mealybugs. Common diseases include powdery mildew and botrytis blight, a disease caused by fungi. Water stress, drastic temperatures changes, and other factors can cause the leaves of Chinese hibiscus to turn yellow and fall off. These conditions can also cause unopened buds to fall off.
Cultural significance and uses
Chinese hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia. In the Malay language, the plant is known as bunga raya, which means “great flower” or “celebratory flower.” The red flowers of the Chinese hibiscus are associated with the Hindu goddess Kali.
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The leaves of the Chinese hibiscus are edible and are sometimes eaten like spinach. The edible flowers are used in teas and as a flavoring and an attractive garnish. Researchers are studying extracts from Chinese hibiscus and other hibiscus species for potential anticancer effects and as potential treatments for diabetes.