Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Red Semi-Double' (Red Double Hibiscus)
Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia
Botanical name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Common name: Red Double Hibiscus
Cultivar: Red Semi-Double
Family: Malvaceae
The Hibiscus request frequent deep watering, but good drainage. It is sensitive to root rot if the ground stays soaked. Check regularly for aphids and mealy bugs, and fertilize.The flowers last only a day or two, but they are produced in abundance most of the year. More pictures of different varieties: Hibiscus page and Catalog of Fancy varieties
Read more about hibiscus:
Hibiscus growing tips: The Tips of Hibiscus Flowers
Most useful Hibiscus plants
Hibiscus: TopTropicals' first plant
Catalog of Fancy Hibiscus varieties
Hibiscus Varieties Gallery
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Red Semi-Double' (Red Semi-Double Hibiscus) is a tropical variety distinguished by its vivid red blooms that are partly double, revealing a bright central column of stamens framed by softly ruffled petals. Each flower measures about 4 inches across and glows with a deep scarlet tone that remains rich and consistent even in full sunlight. The blooms appear in generous succession through the warm season, standing out vividly against the glossy dark-green foliage. The plant forms a compact, rounded shrub that maintains an elegant balance between strong growth and continuous flowering.
This variety performs well in tropical and subtropical climates and can bloom nearly year-round in frost-free conditions. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with regular watering and monthly feeding during the growing season. Well suited for garden borders, patio containers, or accent plantings, 'Red Semi-Double' combines reliable performance with timeless tropical beauty. Plants grow best in USDA Zones 9-11 and need protection from frost, with minimum tolerance down to about 35F. It is often referred to as H. Althea, H. Amplissimus (referring to double flower), and Double Rose of Sharon. This variety is also known under names: Red Hot, President, Red Dragon, Super Red.
Related cultivars: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Red Semi-Double' (Red Double Hibiscus)
Similar plants: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Red Semi-Double' (Red Double 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)
This variety is one of the most dependable and easy-to-grow tropical hibiscus types. It flowers freely through the warm months and can bloom almost year-round in frost-free climates. Like most hibiscus, each individual bloom lasts only a day, but new buds open daily, keeping the shrub in near-constant color.
Double Red grows into a dense, rounded shrub about 4-6 ft tall and 3-4 ft wide. It's ideal for hedges, accents, or large containers on patios and pool decks. Plants perform best in full sun with regular watering and rich, well-drained soil. Feed monthly during the growing season to encourage continuous flowering.
This time-tested hibiscus is a true garden classic, combining vivid color, strong growth, and reliable performance. Its full, double blooms and intense red tone make it one of the most popular hibiscus varieties ever introduced.
In TopTropicals garden this variety showed pretty strong cold tolerance (at least to light freeze) similar to cold hardy H. syriacus. It is often referred to as H. Althea, H. Amplissimus (referring to double flower), and Double Rose of Sharon. This variety is also known under names: Red Hot, President, Red Dragon, Super Red.
Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE Megaflor - Bloom Nutrition Booster