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The List Fiend ™Lists & Lists… ™ Hibiscus Species, Varieties, and Cultivars ™
A Community Garden of Hibiscus Enthusiasts' Suggestions

Arranged By Categories In Alphabetized Lists

To the confusion of many people around the globe, there are numerous species, varieties, and cultivars labeled under the HIBISCUS name. However, the word HIBISCUS is most often associated with the renowned tropical species, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, for which there are over 5,000 registered cultivars.

Please use these lists with the precaution that they represent only one guide to the enjoyment of HIBISCUS plants, particularly, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Growing conditions, uses, local availability, and personal preferences for HIBISCUS differ dramatically throughout the world. As such, caveat emptor, individual opinions and experiences can vary widely!!!

(Last updated: May 8, 1999)

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The List Fiend's ™... List For Using These Hibiscus Lists

This special Introductory Page provides some helpful hints for using this Lists & Lists…™ web site. For instance, it contains a brief taxonomic discussion about the Malvaceae plant family, and its genus, Hibiscus. You will find your pre-reading of this material to be time well-spent... before you scavenge the ol' Fiend's ™ handiwork below!

 

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A Hyperlink List of Contents

Varieties and Cultivars of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.:

{A Tropical Member of the Malvaceae Plant Family in the Genus, Hibiscus}

{Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. — (Pronounced: hi- biss' cuss ro' za- sii- nen' siss). Also, China Rose, China-Rose, Rose of China, Rose-of-China, Chinese Hibiscus, Shoe Black Plant, Shoe Flower, Blacking Plant, Sehem-pariti, Hibiscus, Hawaiian Hibiscus, Hawaiian Flower, Hibiscus chinensis, Tropical Hibiscus, or Queen of the Tropics. Other languages: Hibiskukset, Chinese roos, Schoensmeerplant, Rose de chine, Chinesischer Roseneibisch, Ibisco, Rosa della Cina, Rosa de China, Hibisco, Cayena, Clavel Japonés, Bussoge, Ch'Ih Chin, Chu Chin, Feuilles Choublak, Gumamela, Khatmah Siniyah, Ru Sang, Bunga raya, Cayena, Cin Gulu, Fu Sang, Jih Chi, or Woro-wari}

Definitions

Garden-Variety Cultivars

Hybrid-Grafted Cultivars

Other H. rosa-sinensis Lists

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Other Malvaceae & Hibiscus Species & Varieties:

{Selected Non-tropical & Tropical Members of the Malvaceae Plant Family — With Hibiscus Appearance/Characteristics}

Definitions

Selected Members of the Malvaceae Family: Hibiscus Genus

Selected Members of the Malvaceae Family: Non-Hibiscus Genuses

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Varieties and Cultivars of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.

{A Tropical Member of the Malvaceae Plant Family in the genus, Hibiscus}

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Pronounced: hi- biss' cuss ro' za- sii- nen' siss.)

{Also, China Rose, China-Rose, Rose of China, Rose-of-China, Chinese Hibiscus, Shoe Black Plant, Shoe Flower, Blacking Plant, Sehem-pariti, Hibiscus, Hawaiian Hibiscus, Hawaiian Flower, Hibiscus chinensis, Tropical Hibiscus, or Queen of the Tropics. Other languages: Hibiskukset, Chinese roos, Schoensmeerplant, Rose de Chine, Chinesischer Roseneibisch, Ibisco, Rosa della Cina; Rosa de China, Hibisco, Cayena, Clavel Japonés; Rosa-da-Chinal, Bussoge, Ch'Ih Chin, Chu Chin, Feuilles Choublak, Gumamela, Khatmah Siniyah, Ru Sang, Bunga raya, Cayena, Cin Gulu, Fu Sang, Jih Chi, or Woro-war}

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. is a complex member of the genus, Hibiscus, within the Malvaceae plant family (which includes okra, cotton, and hollyhock). As currently defined by taxonomy,

" H. rosa-sinensis is, in reality, a highly polymorphic group composed of complex hybrids and their derivatives. While its hybrid origin and the subsequent range of color and form which may be produced from one cross heighten the interest in hybridizing as a garden hobby, it also suggests to the taxonomist that it should now be referred to as Hibiscus x rosa-sinensis to represent properly its hybrid nature."

{Source: The Hibiscus Handbook, Third Edition; publication of the American Hibiscus Society Charitable Trust; ©1990 American Hibiscus Society, P.O. Box 321540, Cocoa Beach, FL 32932; p. 31.}

There are a tremendous number of variations in both single and double forms extant. Although there are no known original examples in the wild, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. is considered to have originated in the Indian Ocean area. All of its variants are tropical or semi-tropical, and H. rosa sinensis can be found today throughout the warmer parts of the world. Reproduction of hybridized plants is primarily through cuttings, air-layering, or cell tissue cultures since the seed of H. rosa-sinensis usually produce progeny that display different characteristics from their parents.

Single blooms typically have five petals with a 'staminal' tube bearing 60-70 stamens that surround the style and five stigma pads. The basic flower also consists of a five cell ovary, five teeth on the calyx, and five to ten bracts. The full and crested doubles are identical but have extra petals in addition to the basic five. A few of the basic types have a slight scent — most of them closely related to Hibiscus arronottianus {a genetically compatible, native Hawaiian species}. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers are somewhat unique in that they do not require water and usually last only one day during the warmer months (A few cultivars bloom, however, two or even three days.) Bloom sizes commonly vary from 3" to 8" with even larger sizes appearing on some hybrids. Color combinations and flower forms are extraordinarily mixed in an almost endless variation of shade and petal arrangement. (Black and a true blue are the only hues not currently available in the hibiscus world)

Plant growth structures of different H. rosa-sinensis cultivars can range from sprawling and semi-prostrate to tall and upright. Heights can vary from about three feet to twenty-five feet. Widths are proportionately smaller. For beach locations, salt tolerance is fair.

In the landscape, these tender plants are considered suitable only for near-tropical climates. Within the United States, outdoor plantings of H. rosa-sinensis are recommended for USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) zones 9b-11, or Sunset zones (USA) 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, & 19-26 These climate zones generally exist only in South and Central Florida, other portions of the U.S. Gulf Coast, California, and Hawaii. Of course, in pots and with appropriate winter protection, these plants may be grown anywhere one has the will and resources to do so!

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Garden-Variety Cultivars

Hibiscus labeled as Garden-Variety are vigorous enough to be grown on-their-own-root. Garden-Varieties (botanically, cultivars not varieties) are typically easier to maintain and propagate, and they are thus much more common than Hybrid-Grafted hibiscus. Many of these shrubs are particularly suited for landscape plantings.

Garden-Variety hibiscus are also used in bonsai. Typically, bonsai utilizes the older cultivars with small leaves, small branches, and compact growth characteristics. A certain few Garden-Varieties bloom on older (two-four year) wood -- a good trait if one desires flowering bonsai. (For untested possibilities, see the list of Best Garden-Variety Candidates For Pots & Window Culture.)

It should be noted that some hibiscus plants fall into a middle range in which grafting onto stronger rootstock is sometimes used to improve vitality and bloom performance, but is not absolutely necessary. When appropriate, a grafting optional notation appears in the description of a variety or cultivar.

 

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Beginner's Sampling of Garden-Variety Cultivars:

Beginners often seek attractive, well-balanced hibiscus plants that are easy to maintain, tolerant of mistakes, and enjoyable to share with friends.

 

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Experienced Hobbyist's Sampling of Garden-Variety Cultivars:

Experienced Hobbyists usually are looking for greater novelty and challenge from their hibiscus. Cultivars suitable for hybridizing would be one example. However, these experienced growers still desire strong production and easy maintenance from their plants.

 

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Sampling of Best Garden-Variety Candidates For Landscape Planting:

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is one of the most popular and widely used shrubs in USDA zones 9b-11 and other near-tropical and tropical climates. Landscape uses for hibiscus include foundation plantings, espaliers, informal hedges and screens, or specimen bushes. Salt tolerance is fair.

Growth habit, growth size, environmental suitability, flower form, and flower color usually determine choices for varieties and cultivars. Hibiscus selected for this landscape list are vigorous and tend to be noted less for their single, spectacular flowers than their overall appearance, ease-of-maintenance, and bloom quantity throughout the year.

 

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Best Garden-Variety Candidates For Pots & Window Culture:

{Typically, slower growing, smaller flower varieties}

This list is for enthusiasts (whimsically called Pot Shufflers) who often must labor very hard at plant survival and maintenance. Their difficult goal is to select hibiscus that are most likely to provide enjoyment while economizing personal time, space, and money. Typically, Garden-Varieties are the most frequent first experiences for non-tropical gardeners. As these people get more serious about a Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hobby, they move to the usually less hardy, but more dramatic, hybrid bloomers.

Pot Shufflers must grow tropical Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in pots that are typically placed outside in summer and in a home or greenhouse during the winter months. These special climate conditions require very hardy, well-behaved, free blooming plants. Sudden, extreme changes in micro-climate (such as temperature, humidity, moisture, and nutrients) can expose a plant to torturous conditions. Thus, Pot Shufflers can experience problems with plant performance such as fungi, insects, and other challenges that the tropical gardener never encounters.

 

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Best Of The Rest… Garden-Variety Cultivars:

This list contains an expanded selection of Garden-Variety hibiscus that might fit into any of the Garden-Variety Lists & Lists... ™ categories or none. All are plants of note that have found favor with various individuals/groups over different times and climates. In addition, they exhibit some unusual characteristic(s) that makes them treasured specimens.

 

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Best Of The Rest… Garden-Variety Cultivars:

This list contains an expanded selection of Garden-Variety hibiscus that might fit into any of the Garden-Variety Lists & Lists... ™ categories or none. All are plants of note that have found favor with various individuals/groups over different times and climates. In addition, they exhibit some unusual characteristic(s) that makes them treasured specimens.

 

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Garden-Variety Cultivars Frequently Sold By U.S.A. Mass Merchants:

Many florists and United States mass merchants (e.g., Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe's, Target, K-Mart) sell low cost, quick turn plants of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in many of their markets. Frequently,these bushy, full-pot hibiscus have two-five rootings planted inside which is done to create the impression of a hibiscus that would normally be one-two years old... if it were a single cutting. (Such plants should be enjoyed in a single planting, as purchased, and only divided into separate hibiscus after six-twelve months of ownership.)

Retail consumers typically purchase small 8 inch pots, large 3-5 gallon containers, hanging baskets, large single stemmed standards, etc. through mass-market vendors. These Garden-Variety (or own root) hibiscus are sold to be used as indoor specimens, annual plantings, or patio containers. Often, it is common for many of these plants to be unidentified as to cultivar (or, worse, mis-named). The hibiscus list below is intended to help the public identify these pretty, but mysterious plants.

It should be noted that plants sold in climates suitable for year-round hibiscus cultivation (USDA zones 9-b to 11) tend to include a greater selection, including some Grafted-Hybrids. These hibiscus are more likely to be properly labeled and grown, particularily since they are likely to come from local growers familiar with local conditions and customs.

***** Cautionary Note: Many people want an inexpensive, convenient, pretty hibiscus for a few weeks of enjoyment. The plants sold through many mass merchants and florists serve this purpose well.

However, serious hibiscus enthusiasts should purchase these mass-production hibiscus plants with caution. As standard procedure, wholesale nurseries often treat these shrubs during early development with special chemicals (e.g., growth regulators: Chlormequat, Cycocel, B-Nine, etc.). Such chemicals restrict bush growth — without diminishing flowering wood.

The wholesale nursery is thus able to produce what is often sold as a dwarf, table-top, or florist-grade hibiscus. However, the long term effect of such cultivation practices is either pre-mature death or an extended period of very erratic growth as the hibiscus tries to re-stabilize itself as a balanced botanical organism.

These specially-treated hibiscus are compact, green, and bloom-covered, and they will indeed provide dramatic performance for the first month or two of ownership. Unfortunately, these quick turn techniques (e.g., use of growth regulators: Chlormequat, Cycocel, B-Nine, etc.) can also irreparably damage these hibiscus plants for extended use. (Please also note that grafting onto these unstable plants is not recommended for at least one to two years after purchase.)

No doubt many potential hibiscus enthusiasts become discouraged as their exciting new plant(s) gradually loses vigor and appearance — despite their best efforts.

For the true hibiscus enthusiast with a long term perspective, many hibiscus bushes raised for mass market sale do not usually produce an uneventful or cheap plant care experience. Caveat emptor! *****

 

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Garden-Variety Hibiscus With A Slight Scent:

Unlike the older rose cultivars (various Rosa Spp. of the Rosaceae family), Hibiscus rosa-sinensis flowers do not match their wonderful color and form with a strong, beautiful fragrance. Probably (as with later rose hybrids), the scent has been lost in today's cultivars of Hibiscus x rosa-sinensis due to its long, extensive history of hybridization.

Only one genetically compatible species (Hibiscus arronottianus) is known to have an aroma. Originating on the volcanic slopes of the Hawaiian Islands, H. arronottiannus has a very pleasant scent for the first day of its two day bloom cycle. A few garden-variety cultivars of H. rosa sinensis, probably with a close parentage to H. arronottiannus, possess a slight perfume immediately after opening.

 

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Garden-Variety Hibiscus Commonly Used As Rootstock:

Many years of trial and error have established the plants below as excellent rootstock for weaker Hibiscus rosa-sinensis scion. Typically, these hardy, vigorous plants have strong root systems. They are also of ancient origin, or even, separate but closely related species.

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Hybrid-Grafted Cultivars

Hibiscus cultivars, labeled as Hybrid-Grafted, have weak root or plant characteristics. A graft of hybrid scion to a sturdy, proven rootstock can minimize those problems that otherwise might make a plant non-viable. In fact, many modern hybrids are a slightly more sensitive to fungi, insects, and bacterial/viral diseases, than the older Hybrid-Grafted or the Garden-Variety cultivars.

Some hibiscus plants fall into a middle range where grafting onto stronger rootstock is not necessary. However, a graft to sturdy understock can still improve vitality and bloom performance, but is not absolutely necessary. When appropriate, a grafting optional notation appears in the description of a cultivar.

 

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Beginner's Sampling of Hybrid-Grafted Cultivars:

Beginners often seek attractive, well-balanced hibiscus plants that are easy to maintain, tolerant of mistakes, and enjoyable to share with friends.

 

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Experienced Hobbyist's Sampling of Hybrid-Grafted Cultivars:

Experienced Hobbyists usually are looking for greater variance and challenge from their hibiscus. Examples would be cultivars suitable for hybridizing or showing at A.H.S. events. However, these experienced growers still desire strong production and easy maintenance from their plants.

 

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Collectors' Sampling of Hybrid-Grafted Cultivars:

Serious Collectors typically want one of everything, particularly, the odd, unusual, and rare. Hibiscus examples that might attract a collector's interest include the biggest, best, smallest, strangest, and wildest-colored bloom (for example, browns and greens).

 

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Best Hybrid-Grafted Candidates For Pots & Window Culture:

{Typically, slower growing, smaller flower varieties}

This list is for enthusiasts (whimsically called Pot Shufflers) who often must labor very hard at plant survival and maintenance. Their difficult goal is to select hibiscus that are most likely to provide enjoyment while economizing personal time, space, and money. Typically, Garden-Varieties are the most frequent first experiences of non-tropical gardeners. As these people get more serious about a Hibiscus rosa-sinensis hobby, they move to the usually less hardy, but more dramatic, hybrid bloomers.

Pot Shufflers must grow tropical Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in pots that are typically placed outside in summer and in a home or greenhouse during the winter months. These special climate conditions require very hardy, well-behaved, free blooming plants. Sudden, extreme changes in micro-climate (such as temperature, humidity, moisture, and nutrients) can expose a plant to torturous conditions. Pot Shufflers can thus experience problems with plant performance, fungi, insects and other challenges that the tropical gardener never encounters.

 

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Best Of The Rest… Hybrid-Grafted Cultivars:

This list contains an expansive smorgasbord of hibiscus hybrids that might fit into any of the Hybrid-Grafted Lists & Lists ...™ categories or none. All are plants that have found favor with various individuals or groups in different times or climates. These hybrids may also exhibit some unusual characteristic(s) that makes them especially prized.