Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with deep red petals and a yellow center stamen
Botanical name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Common names: Hibiscus, Chinese Rose, Japanese Rose, Tropical Hibiscus, Shoe Flower
Family: Malvaceae
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, commonly known as Chinese Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus, or Chinese Rose, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Malvaceae family. Its exact wild origin is uncertain, and the species is considered an ancient cultivated plant, probably derived from tropical Asian ancestors and spread throughout the tropics centuries ago. Plants typically grow 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) tall, occasionally larger, with glossy, toothed green leaves and a dense, branching habit. The large, showy flowers may be single, semi-double, or double and occur in an enormous range of colors, including red, pink, orange, yellow, white, and numerous multicolored combinations.
In warm climates, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis can flower almost continuously throughout the year, with individual blooms usually lasting only a day or two but being produced in rapid succession. It grows best in full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained soil with regular moisture and feeding during active growth. Pruning encourages branching and helps maintain a compact, floriferous plant. Hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, it may suffer significant dieback during freezes in Zone 9 and benefits from a sheltered location and cold protection. In cooler climates, Tropical Hibiscus is one of the most popular flowering houseplants and container plants, valued for bringing its spectacular tropical blooms indoors. Thousands of cultivars and complex hybrids have been developed, making it one of the most diverse and widely grown flowering shrubs in tropical and subtropical gardens as well as a favorite indoor ornamental.
Read more about hibiscus:
Hibiscus growing tips: The Tips of Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus: TopTropicals' first plant
Cultivars: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus)
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Apricot Brandy'' (Apricot Brandy Hibiscus )
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Aurora'' (Hibiscus Aurora)
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Celia'' (Double red hibiscus)
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Country Music'' (Hibiscus Country Music)
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Dark Star'' (Hibiscus Dark Star - Double Pink)
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Fiesta'' (Hibiscus Fiesta)
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Florida Sunset'' (Hibiscus Florida Sunset)
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Jane Cowel'' (Hibiscus Jane Cowel Double peach)
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Kinchens'' (Hibiscus Kinchens Yellow)
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ''Kona'' (Hibiscus Double Kona)
Similar plants: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus)
- Abelmoschus esculentus (Okra)
- Abelmoschus moschatus (Musk Mallow)
- Alyogyne hakeifolia (Red-centred Hibiscus)
- Alyogyne huegelii (Blue Hibiscus)
- Hibiscus acetosella (African Rosemallow)
- Hibiscus arnottianus (Hawaiian White Hibiscus)
- Hibiscus cannabinus (Kenaf)
- Hibiscus coccineus (Scarlet Hibiscus)
- Hibiscus El Capitolio Group ''Bloody Mary'' (Bloody Mary Hibiscus)
- Hibiscus El Capitolio Group ''Tequila Sunrise'' (Tequila Sunrise Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) tree loaded with red flowers growing on a sidewalk near the road.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower on tall stems with green oval leaves and buds.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) tree growing on sidewalk with pink flowers on thin brown bare branches
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) petal detail with yellow color and deep red center section.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with yellow and red flower growing inside a rustic cylindrical pot
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) yellow flower with deep red throat and long central orange style
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) yellow flower with large ruffled petals and prominent central orange stamen
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) red flower with yellow stamen and green leaves visible on stems
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) petal detail with yellow flower and dark red center.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) orange flower with a prominent central stamen and soft curved petal edges
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) yellow flower showing layered petals with orange center and green leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with yellow edges and a deep crimson center held by hand.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with deep red petals and a yellow stamen on green leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with lavender petals and a deep red center in a pot.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) orange and red flower with ruffled edges and a central stamen.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with pink and cream petals covered in tiny water droplets
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with wide red and yellow petals and distinct stamen
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pale pink flower with ruffled petals centered inside a dark round container.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with a vivid red flower, prominent stamen, and soft textured green leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) orange flower with a pink center sitting above thick green leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with vivid orange petals surrounding a red throat and yellow stamen
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with golden petals and deep red center above lush green foliage
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with ruffled orange petals and a small yellow center stamens section.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) red flower petals surround a long stamen with yellow pollen grains
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) lavender flower with ruffled edges sits upon a wooden surface.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with layered petals in shades of yellow, orange, and deep red center
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower with orange ruffled edges held in a hand.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) petal detail with a ruffled yellow flower and green leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) cream flower with layered petals and a center filled with yellow stamen.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) red flower with yellow stamen, held by hand near green leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) shows petals with red veins on white surfaces above green leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) red flower with prominent stamen among thick green foliage
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) orange flower with delicate ruffled edges and a long central stamen
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower with long central stamen and wide green leaves in background
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink yellow flower with prominent dark center, wavy petal edges, green leaves
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with layered petals radiating from a deep center toward golden yellow edges
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with layered petals in yellow and pink shades near deep green foliage.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) creamy white flower with wavy petal edges and yellow central stamen structure
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) red flower with ruffled edges and yellow center pollen, close up.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower with yellow center and red tip in a close up
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower with delicate ruffled petals and a deep maroon center.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower with yellow center resting on a wooden surface
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower petals reaching out from the woody brown branches.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) red flower with ruffled petals and a long yellow stamen reaching out.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pale pink flower with yellow center and distinct delicate ruffled rounded petals.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with two vibrant red flowers and green leaves in a dark pot.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with two peach flower heads nestled between healthy dark green foliage.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) orange-red flower open with long stamen next to pointy green buds.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) red flower with yellow center and wavy petals in dark container
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower with delicate petals and a long stamen extending outward.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) red flower with ruffled petals and prominent yellow stamen reaching outward
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with soft pink petals and deep maroon center near green leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with pink center and white edges on green foliage
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with soft pink petals and central yellow stamens in a pot.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink grey flower petals with yellow pollen dust stamen
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) red flower with wavy petals and long orange central stamen style
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) orange flower with ruffled petals and a prominent red center pistil
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower with ruffled petals and a prominent yellow central stamen structure.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) stamen and pistil detail with fuzzy red tips and orange dusting
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) magenta flower with ruffly edges and yellow stamen sits near green leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink flower with white markings and prominent central stamen surrounded by leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) pink and yellow flower with ruffled petals and a central stamen column
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with tan petals and a pink center.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with yellow petals and a deep red center on branches.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) flower with red and yellow petals extending from a central stamen.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with a multi-layered yellow flower and deep red throat near green leaves
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with ruffled white edges and a deep magenta center
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) with a yellow flower resting amongst serrated foliage in the sun
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus) plant with pink flower petals and deep green foliage in daylight
Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/hibiscus_rosa_sinensis.htm
If you're looking for a hibiscus that makes a statement, President Red delivers. This classic tropical hibiscus produces enormous, brilliant red flowers measuring 5 to 7 inches across, creating a spectacular display from spring through fall. The bold blooms stand out against glossy dark-green foliage, bringing instant tropical color to the garden.
Unlike many tropical hibiscus varieties, President Red has demonstrated impressive cold tolerance. During the historic Florida freeze of February 2026, established plants in our garden survived two nights at 25F and nearly two weeks of unusually cold weather (when all tropical hibiscus was killed by that cold), recovering and resuming growth when warmer temperatures returned. While protection is still recommended during severe freezes, this variety has proven tougher than many tropical hibiscus selections.
President Red is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with a dense, upright habit that can reach 6 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide when planted in the ground. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers often feature a deeper red eye and prominent red pistil, adding even more drama to each bloom.
Butterflies and hummingbirds are naturally attracted to the nectar-rich flowers, making this variety an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Whether planted as a specimen, hedge, flowering screen, or patio container plant, it quickly becomes a focal point wherever it grows.
President Red performs best in full sun, where it produces the heaviest bloom display. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during dry weather. Routine fertilization during the growing season encourages continuous flowering and lush growth.
With its giant scarlet blooms, vigorous growth, and surprising cold hardiness, Hibiscus President Red remains one of the most rewarding tropical flowering shrubs for warm-climate gardens.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster
Unlike many tropical hibiscus varieties, President Red has demonstrated impressive cold tolerance. During the historic Florida freeze of February 2026, established plants in our garden survived two nights at 25F and nearly two weeks of unusually cold weather (when all tropical hibiscus was killed by that cold), recovering and resuming growth when warmer temperatures returned. While protection is still recommended during severe freezes, this variety has proven tougher than many tropical hibiscus selections.
President Red is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with a dense, upright habit that can reach 6 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide when planted in the ground. Its large, trumpet-shaped flowers often feature a deeper red eye and prominent red pistil, adding even more drama to each bloom.
Butterflies and hummingbirds are naturally attracted to the nectar-rich flowers, making this variety an excellent choice for pollinator-friendly gardens. Whether planted as a specimen, hedge, flowering screen, or patio container plant, it quickly becomes a focal point wherever it grows.
President Red performs best in full sun, where it produces the heaviest bloom display. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during dry weather. Routine fertilization during the growing season encourages continuous flowering and lush growth.
With its giant scarlet blooms, vigorous growth, and surprising cold hardiness, Hibiscus President Red remains one of the most rewarding tropical flowering shrubs for warm-climate gardens.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot, large plant
In stock
$39.95
Sale $19.95