Most useful Hibiscus plants

Grow your edible flower landscape in no time!

Who doesn't adore hibiscus flowers? We usually think of the fancy Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in all its colorful glory or the Exotic Garden Hibiscus. But guess what? There's a whole bunch of other hibiscus species out there that are not only drop-dead gorgeous but also surprisingly practical. They can jazz up your garden and your dinner plate! Today, we're dishing out a sneak peek at a few of these charming hibiscus varieties. These beauties aren't just a treat for your taste buds; they're also a gardener's dream. They practically grow themselves and are always wearing a smile!

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Karkade Sorrel
Hibiscus acetosella - African Cranberry Hibiscus
Hibiscus cannabinus (furcellatus) - Salad Hibiscus, Sleepy Hibiscus
Hibiscus mutabilis Cotton Candy - Mallow Hibiscus
Hibiscus variegated Snow Queen
Hibiscus schizopetalus - Coral Hibiscus

Tea or Salad Hibiscus

Hibiscus acetosella - African Cranberry Hibiscus. Leaves are acidic, rich of vitamin C, good for salads and teas.

Hibiscus cannabinus (furcellatus) - Salad Hibiscus, Sleepy Hibiscus. Vinous flowers open in the morning, and by 3-4 pm they convolve into a curious fico-like knot. Very similar to acetosella, only with green leaves, this edible hibiscus is great for salads, rich of vitamin C. Seeds, flowers, and leaves are also used for making delicious tea. Very fast growing, forms a large bush.

Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Karkade: the most delicious, fruity Jamaican Hibiscus tea. It makes our favorite Summer drink!

Hibiscus with a smile :)

Hibiscus variegated Snow Queen. Green foliage is dramatically splashed with bright white which provides striking contrast to the large red flowers. A festival of color!

Hibiscus mutabilis Cotton Candy - Mallow Hibiscus. Flowers open pure white and change color over a three-day period until they are deep pink and then as they die assume a dark "blue-pink" hue. The three distinct colors appear on the bush simultaneously as the blooms color cycle independent of one another. Quite large blossoms are up to 5 inches across!

Hibiscus schizopetalus - Coral Hibiscus. A weeping tree hibiscus, rare and hard to find and every gardener wants it! Grows rapidly and blooms freely. Flowers look like parachutes and can be recognized by the fringed and lacy petals which are bent backward.