The hibiscus is a showy tropical flower with large, trumpet-shaped blooms and a prominent central column of stamens. From garden shrubs to the flower worn behind the ear in the tropics, it’s a symbol of warmth and paradise.
Hibiscus at a glance
- Botanical name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
- Family: Malvaceae
- Bloom season: summer (year-round in the tropics)
- Symbolism: delicate beauty and femininity
About the hibiscus
Hibiscus flowers are famous for their size and color, opening for only a day or two but appearing in constant succession through the season. The genus includes tender tropical types, hardy perennials, the shrubby rose of Sharon, and roselle, whose calyces are used to make the tart red hibiscus tea.
Hibiscus meaning and symbolism
The hibiscus symbolizes delicate beauty, femininity, and hospitality. The yellow hibiscus is the flower of Hawaii, and the rose of Sharon is the national flower of South Korea.
Types of hibiscus
Popular varieties worth knowing:
- Tropical hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis) — glossy leaves and vivid blooms
- Hardy hibiscus / rose mallow (H. moscheutos) — dinner-plate flowers, cold-hardy
- Rose of Sharon (H. syriacus) — a hardy flowering shrub
- Roselle (H. sabdariffa) — grown for hibiscus tea
How to grow and care for hibiscus
A few essentials keep this flower thriving:
- Give full sun and warmth; tropical types need protection from frost
- Water regularly and feed during the growing season
- Use rich, well-drained soil
- Prune to shape and encourage blooms
- Grow tropical hibiscus in containers to move indoors in winter
Hibiscus FAQs
Is hibiscus a perennial?
It depends on the type. Hardy hibiscus and rose of Sharon are perennials that return each year, while tropical hibiscus is tender and grown as a houseplant or annual in cold climates.
Can you make tea from hibiscus?
Yes. Hibiscus tea is made from the dried calyces of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa), producing a tart, ruby-red drink rich in vitamin C.
How long do hibiscus flowers last?
Each hibiscus bloom usually lasts only a day or two, but a healthy plant produces a steady succession of new flowers throughout its season.
Explore more
Browse more flower profiles, learn about flower meanings, or find your birth flower.