31 Types Of Hibiscus | Different Varieties Of Hibiscus
Hibiscus offers a stunning array of flowers, attracting butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden! Here are the best Types of Hibiscus you can grow!
With over 200 species to choose from, hibiscus flowers offer an incredible array of colors, sizes, and shapes to captivate any gardener’s imagination. The vibrant trumpet-shaped blooms and dark green foliage are a striking combination that has made them a popular choice among flower enthusiasts. From the smallest to the largest varieties, each species boasts its unique characteristics, making it a delight to discover new types of hibiscus to cultivate in your own garden.
Check out our article on different types of Clematis here!
Types of Hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers can be broadly categorized into three main types, each with its unique characteristics and growing conditions. Tropical hibiscus, native to Hawaii, thrive in warm climates and are renowned for their vibrant, shiny blooms. In contrast, perennial hibiscus enter a dormant phase during winters before flowering again in the spring. They are not capable of surviving occasional cold snaps.
The hardy variety, on the other hand, is well-suited to colder climates and produces large, wide flowers in shades of white, pink, and red.
Best Hibiscus Varieties
China Rose
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, commonly referred to as the china rose or blackening plant, is a ubiquitous shrub native to Asia. Its striking blooms, which can range in color from vibrant reds to soft oranges, pinks, and yellows, are not only visually stunning but also hold a unique cultural significance in tropical regions. In fact, the flowers of this species have been traditionally used for shoe polishing, earning it its colloquial name.
With its diverse palette of single and double-petaled blossoms, H. rosa-sinensis is an attractive addition to any garden or floral arrangement.
Rock Hibiscus
Originating from Mexico and the United States, Hibiscus denudatus is a fascinating shrub that thrives in rugged environments by clinging to rocky surfaces. One of its most distinctive features is the thin, triangular gray foliage that sets it apart. But it’s the flowers that truly showcase this plant’s beauty – they unfurl in a stunning range of colors, spanning from pure white to deep purples and vibrant pinks, often blooming in shaded areas.
Flower of an Hour
The botanical name of this stunning flower variety is Hibiscus trionum, also commonly referred to by the same name. This plant has a remarkable ability to grow up to 4-5 feet in height and produces beautiful flowers that range from cream to yellow hues. The ‘Flower of an Hour’ can be a fantastic addition to any space, making it a popular choice for decorative purposes.
Blue Bird
Standing out among the Hibiscus family, Hibiscus syriacus ‘Blue Bird’ boasts a striking blue hue that’s impossible to ignore. Its vibrant flowers are not only visually stunning but also add an undeniable charm to any outdoor space where they’re planted. This variety thrives in full sun and can grow up to 3-4 feet tall, making it an excellent choice for gardeners looking to make a statement with their blooms.
Rose of Sharon
Hibiscus syriacus, also known as Rose of Sharon, is a stunning perennial that produces vibrant flowers from late summer to mid-fall. Its blooms come in a kaleidoscope of colors including purple, white, and violet hues. The shrub itself can grow up to 5-15 feet tall, sporting sharp, oval-shaped leaves.
Interestingly, proper pruning techniques can actually encourage the plant to produce even larger, more showy flowers, making it a popular choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet high-reward addition to their outdoor spaces.
Abelmosk
The botanical name for this plant is Abelmoschus moschatus, an annual variety native to India that can grow up to 5-6 feet tall. Its vibrant flowers boast bright yellow-lime green petals with dark centers, while the leaves display a similar pattern. Notably, the flowers emit a musk-like fragrance, and the seeds can be added to coffee for an unique flavor. As Abelmosk is considered a weed in many regions, it’s recommended that you cultivate it in pots to keep it under control.
Interestingly, both the leaves and shoots are edible and can be consumed as a vegetable.
Giant Rose Mallow
Hibiscus ‘Giant Rose Mallow’ boasts a striking appearance, with blooms that transition from pink to white and boast a dark red center, set against copper-purple foliage that glistens with a glossy sheen. The flowers appear in succession throughout the summer months until the onset of fall’s frost. This variety of hibiscus excels when planted in full sun and moist soil conditions.
Rose Mallow
The Hibiscus moscheutos, a perennial shrub that can reach heights of 3-8 feet, boasts a striking multicolored display. Its flowers unfurl in shades ranging from pure white to deep rose, often featuring a maroon center and measuring around 10-12 inches in width. The plant’s dark green foliage provides a lush backdrop for its vibrant blooms, which typically bloom from summer to fall.
Flower of an Hour
Hibiscus trionum, with its impressive height range of 4-5 feet, showcases vibrant yellow flowers that can’t help but catch the eye. Not only are these blooms a stunning addition to any garden, but they’re also often utilized for decorative purposes. For those seeking to elevate their outdoor space’s aesthetic appeal, Hibiscus trionum is an excellent choice.
Checkered Hibiscus
Hibiscus moscheutos, also known as checkered hibiscus, is a member of the Malvaceae family, characterized by its stunning flowers that come in a range of colors including pink, white, red, and cream-toned hues. The plant produces strikingly beautiful blooms that can grow up to 4-5 inches in width. It thrives best in well-drained soil and prefers partial shade to full sun.
Black Dragon
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Black Dragon’ boasts a striking deep burgundy hue that deviates slightly from true black, setting it apart from other varieties. This impressive bloom has earned the esteemed title of ‘The Hibiscus of the Year’ from the American Hibiscus Society. When mature, Black Dragon hibiscus plants can reach heights of 3-6 feet, thriving in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade.
Cherry Cheesecake
Hibiscus ‘Cherry Cheesecake’ boasts a stunning appearance, featuring creamy-white petals with magenta stripes and a striking dark red center. The robust petals have a ruffled texture that allows them to withstand harsh winds, making this variety particularly resilient. When grown in full sun to partial shade, Cherry Cheesecake hibiscus can reach heights of 4-5 feet, earning it a spot among the top-performing types of hibiscus you can cultivate.
Hawaiian Hibiscus
The Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hawaiian Hibiscus’) holds a special significance as it is the official state flower of Hawaii. One of its most striking features is the rapid growth and long-lasting blooms, which are characterized by large, vibrant petals. This ornamental flower is known for its prolific flowering period, which spans from spring to early summer, with occasional bursts of color throughout the remainder of the year.
Roselle
The botanical name of this species is Hibiscus sabdariffa, which boasts a unique appearance characterized by white to crimson flowers featuring a distinctive red spot on each petal. Not only are these blooms visually striking, but they also possess culinary and medicinal value. In fact, the edible flowers can be used to create herbal drinks, concoct medicines, or add flavor to various dishes.
Confederate Rose
Hibiscus mutabilis, also referred to as the Confederate rose or Dixie rose mallow, is a unique species characterized by its double flowers, which bloom from summer through fall. Notably, these blossoms start out in shades of pink and white before gradually transforming into a deep red hue. This striking plant thrives in well-drained soil and can tolerate partial to full shade conditions.
Scarlet Rosemallow
Hibiscus Coccineus, also referred to as Scarlet Rosemallow or Texas Star Hibiscus, is a woody perennial that stands out for its striking appearance. This variety can reach heights of up to 6-7 feet tall and boasts vibrant red flowers measuring 3-4 inches in diameter. Notably, it thrives in full sun, making it an excellent choice for gardens and landscapes seeking bold, eye-catching displays.
Kenaf
Hibiscus cannabinus, commonly known as Kenaf, belongs to the Malvaceae family of plants. Its striking feature is the single, red flower that measures around 3-4 inches in width. Notably, this plant variety is prized for its fiber, which is often utilized in the production of jute. To thrive, Kenaf requires well-drained soil and a location that receives ample sunlight.
Sea Hibiscus
Hibiscus tiliaceus, also known as the sea and coast hibiscus, boasts vibrant yellow blooms adorned with fine hairs on flexible stems. Its heart-shaped, dark green leaves are a notable feature. This versatile plant has gained popularity in Asian cultures, particularly in Taiwan, where it’s often cultivated as a bonsai.
Luna Red
Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Luna Red’ is a compact and bushy cultivar that boasts striking five-petaled blooms accompanied by vibrant green foliage. Notably, this variety thrives in well-drained and fertile soil conditions, producing show-stopping flowers measuring 6-8 inches in diameter. A characteristic of Hibiscus luna red is its deciduous nature, where it goes dormant during the winter months before reblossoming in the summer, making it an attractive addition to any garden or outdoor space.
Mango Liqueur
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Mango Liqueur’ boasts an impressive display of vibrant, ruffled flowers measuring 6-8 inches across, showcasing a stunning combination of orange and gold hues on robustly growing bushes that can reach heights of 10-12 feet. The plant’s parentage is rooted in the crossing of ‘Muffin Man’ and ‘Crème de Cacao’, resulting in a showy specimen often employed in the realm of party decorations and wedding celebrations.
Beach Beauty
The botanical name of this stunning hybrid hibiscus is ‘Beach Beauty’, which boasts an impressive array of large, 6-8 inch wide flowers. These showstoppers feature a striking combination of golden yellow, white, and candy pink hues, with a bright red eye adding a pop of contrast. As the blooms unfold, they reveal orange tints along their edges. This vibrant variety can grow up to an impressive 15-20 feet tall, making it a standout addition to any garden or outdoor space.
Exuberance
The ‘Exuberance’ hibiscus, a hybrid of ‘Saffron’ and ‘Fireball’, boasts an impressive display of multicolored blooms. These vibrant flowers can reach up to 7-9 inches in width, showcasing a kaleidoscope of orange, red, yellow, and pink hues. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this shrub is an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a show-stopping addition to their landscape.
Secret Heart
The botanical name ‘Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Secret heart” refers to a unique hybrid, born from the cross-pollination of two other varieties: ‘Rocket’s Red Glare’ and ‘Creme de Cacao’. As this plant grows, it showcases its vibrant beauty through flowers that change colors depending on the climate. In cooler temperatures, ‘Secret heart’ blooms in shades of pink and red, while in warmer weather, its petals unfold to reveal a stunning blue hue.
To ensure optimal growth, this lovely hibiscus requires alkaline soil conditions.
Sex on the Beach
Hibiscus ‘Sex on the Beach’ boasts an impressive display of vibrant, 6-8 inch wide flowers that radiate tropical flair. The star-shaped, bright orange center is surrounded by deep yellow outer edges, creating a striking visual effect. This stunning hibiscus thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it an ideal choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance yet high-impact addition to their outdoor spaces.
Aphrodite
Hibiscus syriacus ‘Aphrodite’ boasts an impressive display of botanical beauty, featuring large, rich pink blooms adorned with vibrant yellow centers. The striking fuchsia-hued flowers are perfectly complemented by the plant’s velvety dark green foliage. This stunning specimen is a mid to late summer bloomer, reaching heights of 3-5 feet in conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade.
Luna Pink Swirl
Hibiscus moscheutos ‘Luna Pink Swirl’ is a hardy perennial that boasts stunning large flowers featuring swirling patterns of pink and white hues with vibrant red centers. Reaching heights of 5-7 feet tall and producing blooms that span 6-8 inches in width, this variety of hibiscus is a showstopper in any garden. To thrive, ‘Luna Pink Swirl’ requires well-drained soil that’s rich in moisture and fertility, making it an ideal choice for gardens with similar conditions.
Blue River II
Hibiscus ‘Blue River II’ is a standout variety that thrives from mid-summer to early fall, showcasing its vibrant blooms for a brief but spectacular display of around one day. This showstopper can grow up to 12-14 feet tall, making it an eye-catching addition to any outdoor space. For optimal flowering, be sure to plant ‘Blue River II’ in full sun and nourish it with rich organic soil.
Lord Baltimore
The Hibiscus ‘Lord Baltimore’ is a herbaceous perennial that boasts an impressive height of 4-5 feet. Its most striking feature, however, are the large, bright red flowers it produces, measuring up to 8-10 inches in diameter. Accompanying these vibrant blooms are glossy green leaves with ruffled edges, adding a touch of elegance to its overall appearance. The plant’s flowering period spans from mid-summer to early fall.
Bedazzled
The ‘Bedazzled’ hibiscus, botanical name Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Bedazzled’, is a double-hued flower that results from the cross-pollination between ‘Tis Huge’ and ‘Standing Ovation’. This unique variety produces 6-8 inch wide ruffled blooms with a deep orange hue that remains vibrant even in the intense summer sun, never losing its rich coloration.
Among other notable Coleus varieties, this standout hibiscus is definitely worth considering for any gardening enthusiast seeking to add some tropical flair to their outdoor space.
Cranberry Hibiscus
The botanical name for this striking specimen is Hibiscus acetosella. Its most distinguishing feature is its vibrant foliage, which boasts an array of copper and burgundy hues that evoke the rich tones of a maple tree’s leaves. Meanwhile, the plant produces showy funnel-shaped flowers in shades of yellow and red, adding to its overall visual appeal.
Hibiscus Tricolor
The Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Tricolor’ boasts a unique characteristic – its leaves display a stunning variegation, combining shades of pink, white, and green in a beautiful palette. This ornamental plant produces large, showy flowers with a deep red hue, accompanied by canary yellow anthers that add to the overall vibrancy. A grafted variety, it can be grown in outdoor pots and containers, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add some tropical flair to their garden or indoor space.
