By Kelly Miller
Hibiscus, or hibiscuses, are flowering plants best known for their grand, showy blooms. There are many types of hibiscus, including annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees. The Hibiscus genus includes hundreds of species that are native to many parts of the world, including North America.
Hibiscus for homes and gardens are most often classified in two groups: tropical hibiscus and hardy hibiscus. Tropical types of hibiscus are usually grown as outdoor annuals or as houseplants. Hardy hibiscus, meanwhile, are perennials that grow well outdoors in many parts of North America. There are also many native hibiscus species that make great additions to pollinator and wildlife gardens.
If you’re interested in growing different types of hibiscus, or learning more about the variety you already have, we’ve got tips. Here are the key facts on the types of hibiscuses and the species that are commonly grown in American gardens and homes.
Tropical Hibiscus
“Tropical hibiscus” usually refers to Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. It’s not the only hibiscus that comes from a tropical region, but it’s the most commonly grown hibiscus species.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a human-made hybrid species that was developed over 1,000 years ago in India or Southeast Asia. Over time, the species became popular and culturally important in many places. It’s a state or national flower in Malaysia, Mexico, Venezuela, and elsewhere. In Hawaii, tropical hibiscus breeding took off in the early 20th century, boosting the flower’s global diversity and popularity.
Like most tropical plants, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis requires lots of sun and water. It’s hardy as a perennial in USDA hardiness zones 10–12, but popular as an annual or a houseplant everywhere else. Tropical hibiscus are beautiful and easy potted plants, indoors or outdoors, as long as they have access to plenty of bright light.
Tropical hibiscus varieties are diverse, with some growing as tall as 16 feet (5 m). The species is known for exotic, extra-large flowers that come in many bright colors. Usually, individual hibiscus flowers only last for one day. Then, the flower falls off and is replaced by a new bud.
Hardy Types of Hibiscus
Hardy Hibiscus, Swamp Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos)
One of the most common and popular hardy hibiscuses is the Hibiscus moscheutos species. This is a shrub-like wetland plant that’s native to central and eastern North America. This species is commonly known by a number of different names, such as hardy hibiscus, swamp mallow, or rose swamp mallow.
Unfortunately, hibiscus common names can often lead to confusion, because Hibiscus moscheutos isn’t the only “hardy” hibiscus species. Specifically, hardy hibiscus refers to Hibiscus moscheutos cultivars that were developed to withstand colder temperatures than most types of hibiscus can handle.
Hardy hibiscus is sometimes grown as a houseplant. However, it thrives in full sun and grows best outdoors, either potted or in the ground. In the ground, in optimal conditions, mature plants can grow up to 8 feet (2.4 m) tall.
Similar to tropical hibiscus, hardy hibiscus blooms usually only last a day or two. Hardy hibiscus flowers aren’t quite as vibrant, and they occur with less frequency. However, the blooms are fabulously enormous, with some hybrids producing flowers that span up to 10” (25 cm) in diameter.
Hardy hibiscus is a perennial in hardiness zones 5–12. It thrives in open, sunny areas, where its showy flowers attract attention from bees and hummingbirds.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
Hibiscus syriacus, commonly known as rose of Sharon or Althea, is a deciduous flowering shrub that has gained popularity in landscapes around the world. Originating from East Asia, particularly China and India, it thrives in both garden beds and urban environments thanks to its resilience and adaptability.
The plant features showy blooms in shades of white, pink, red, lavender, or blue depending on the cultivar. The foliage consists of medium-green leaves that are ovate to diamond-shaped, adding texture even when the plant isn’t flowering. Hibiscus syriacus grows upright and multi-stemmed, usually reaching heights of 6-10’ (1.8-3m).
Rose of Sharon is valued not only for its beauty but also for its versatility. In landscaping, it is used as an accent shrub, natural privacy screen, or even trimmed into small trees. Its attractive flowers make it a favorite with pollinators like bees and butterflies. Beyond ornamental purposes, Hibiscus syriacus has traditional uses in some cultures—its leaves and flowers have been incorporated into herbal remedies while young shoots are sometimes eaten as vegetables.
This combination of hardiness and multipurpose appeal ensures the rose of Sharon continues to be a cherished addition to gardens worldwide.
North American Native Hibiscus
The hibiscus genus includes dozens of plants that are native to North America. Like their tropical cousins, native hibiscus have impressively large, exotic-looking flowers. In addition to the hardy hibiscus, Hibiscus moscheutos, a few species to consider for a native plant garden include:
Scarlet Rosemallow, Texas Star Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus)
Scarlet rosemallow, is native to marshy areas in the southeastern United States. It can grow up to 10’ (3 m) tall under optimal conditions, with sprawling, messy foliage and gorgeous scarlet-red flowers. This species attracts all sorts of pollinators and makes an excellent border plant in a wildlife garden.
Halberd-leaf rose mallow (Hibiscus laevis)
Halberd-leaf rose mallow is native to the central and eastern US, commonly growing along streams and around lakes. It’s a fast-growing shrub with gorgeous pink flowers. This species makes a great focal point in a woodland garden and its exotic appearance offers a winter-hardy alternative to tropical hibiscus.
Woolly rose mallow (Hibiscus lasiocarpos)
Woolly rose mallow is a striking perennial plant native to the southeastern and south-central United States. It thrives in marshy habitats, riverbanks, ditches, and wet meadows. This species is easily recognized by its large, showy flowers that boast white or pale pink petals accented by a deep red center. The blooms can span up to 6” (15cm), providing an eye-catching display from midsummer through early fall.
True to its name, woolly rose mallow features softly pubescent heart-shaped leaves and hairy fruit capsules that follow flowering. Beyond its visual appeal, woolly rose mallow is a valuable nectar source for pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Comfortroot, Pineland Hibiscus (Hibiscus aculeatus)
Comfortroot, or pineland hibiscus, is an attractive perennial plant native to the southeastern United States where it thrives in sandy soils and open woodlands. The leaves are alternate, deeply lobed, and often slightly hairy and spiny – giving the plant its species name “aculeatus,” meaning prickly or spiny. The roots of this hibiscus species were used by indigenous peoples for various medicinal purposes. Hence, the common name “comfortroot”.
Comfortroot produces distinctive star-shaped, yellow flowers featuring a crimson center over a long season from summer into fall. The flowers attract many native bees and comfortroot is a host plant to a wide range of butterflies and moths, including the popular Painted Lady and Skipper butterflies.
Hibiscus Tea
Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as roselle, is a species of hibiscus native to West Africa but now cultivated in numerous tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. This is an annual shrub with bright green leaves that are usually deeply lobed and have reddish stems. The plant produces striking red calyces, which are the most valued part of Hibiscus sabdariffa.
Hibiscus tea is made from the plump flower calyces, not from the flower petals. Also called “sorrel” or “agua de Jamaica”, hibiscus tea has become popular worldwide for its refreshing tart flavor and many health benefits due to its high vitamin C and antioxidant content.
Hibiscus with Colorful Foliage
Hibiscus acetosella, commonly known as red-leaf hibiscus, African rosemallow or cranberry hibiscus, is a stunning perennial plant valued for its beautiful foliage. It’s easy to recognize this hibiscus by its deeply lobed, maroon to purplish-red leaves that often resemble those of a maple tree. Striking pink or red hibiscus flowers appear throughout the growing season, adding to its beauty.
Red-leaf hibiscus is native to tropical regions of Central and West Africa where many cultures use the leaves as a source of food. The young leaves are consumed raw or cooked as leafy greens with a tangy flavor similar to sorrel. The flowers are sometimes used as garnish or brewed into soothing herbal teas.
Tropical Plants for Colorful Patios
Tropical plants with exotic, colorful blooms, are terrific for brightening up a front porch or patio. Tropical hibiscuses are just one option, with their jumbo-sized flowers and wide range of vibrant colors. Looking for a few more plant species to consider? Find them in our guide: Tropical Flowering Plants for Your Patio.
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