Hibiscus

Hibiscus trionum

Bladder Ketmia

Hibiscus trionum is an annual or biennial of the mallow family native to open, sunny ground across the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and into Central and South Asia. It is a full-sun plant that tolerates dry spells once established; water when the top inch of mix has dried, and let it approach dry between waterings rather than keeping it constantly damp. As a short-lived plant of disturbed, well-drained soils, it wants gritty, free-draining mix and resents sitting wet.

Hibiscus coccineus

Scarlet Rose-mallow

Hibiscus coccineus is a perennial in the mallow family that grows as a helophyte, a marsh plant rooted in consistently moist to wet ground. Give it strong light and keep the mix evenly moist, watering when the top inch begins to feel dry rather than letting it dry out fully. It tolerates wetter conditions than most houseplants, so err toward moist soil while still ensuring the pot drains.

Hibiscus laevis

Smooth Rose-mallow

Hibiscus laevis is a perennial of the mallow family and a helophyte — a marsh plant rooted in saturated ground at the water's edge. It wants steady moisture and full sun, so keep the mix consistently damp and water when the top inch begins to dry; this is one of the few plants that tolerates wet feet rather than rotting. Give it the brightest spot you have, as it flowers poorly in shade.

Hibiscus arnottianus

White Molokai Hibiscus

A flowering tree native to the Hawaiian islands, where it grows in open, sunny conditions. As a tree from the Malvaceae family it wants strong light and a steady but not soggy root zone — water when the top inch or two of mix has dried, then water deeply, allowing the surface to approach dryness again before the next watering. Provide a free-draining mix, as standing water at the roots invites rot.

Hibiscus taiwanensis

Taiwan Cotton Rose

A woody shrub or small tree from Taiwan, this Hibiscus is a sun-loving plant that wants several hours of bright, direct light to stay vigorous and flower. Water when the top inch or two of mix has dried, then water deeply; it tolerates a brief approach to dryness better than sitting soggy. As a larger woody plant it draws steadily during active growth, so check the soil more often in warm, bright conditions.