Hibiscus coccineus - scarlet hibiscus, Texas star (18 cm pot)

Genus of over 200 species of herbaceous annuals and perennials, deciduous and evergreen, widely distributed in warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions, where they live in various habitats. Hibiscus coccineus is a herbaceous perennial up to 100-160 cm tall with little branched branches and palmate leaves 10-15 cm long. During the winter the herbaceous stems die and the roots and the collar remain vital, from which new shoots emerge in the following spring. When mature, the plant can form large tufts with numerous shoots. The flowers are red with 5 petals and reach 15 cm in diameter. The fruits are spherical capsules containing numerous small light brown seeds.

Pedoclimatic needs

It adapts to all types of soil, preferring fresh, fertile and humid ones, even stagnant and marshy ones. Prefers full sun exposure. Rustic species, it tolerates minimum temperatures reaching -8°/-10°C. Hibiscus coccineus is unfortunately not very widespread in cultivation, despite the elegant foliage and the beauty of the large red flowers in summer. It can be grown both in pots and in the ground in moist soil near waterways or lakes.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Hibiscus coccineus

Family: Malvaceae