Family: Malvaceae

Botanical Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hibiscus is the ancient name

for the Marsh mallow

Common Name/s: Hibiscus/Rose of China/China Rose Number of species: Cultivars: 100s of cultivars Tree or shrub etc Evergreen or Deciduous etc Dimensions at Maturity Growth Habit Shape Shrub Evergreen Height x Width 3mtrs x 2.5mtrs Leafy upright;But variable to cultivar Shape Ovate to variable Perfume Nil Flowers Shape inflorescence Solitary Arrangement Margin Dentate to crenate Season/months Summer and Autumn Colour /Other Deep green Drawing/Photo Country of origin: China; though it is the National flower of Malaysia where many believe to be its origin

Type Leaves

Colour/Other Single, sem, double from white through to deep reds

Fru

Not known to set fruit

Other: Dyes used from plants to colour black items; flower buds are pickled and eaten; hair dye; prone to pests and disease Culture Uses Climate and Aspect Soils Maintenance Propagation Do not like salt on their leaves but tolerate coastal sands; good screens, specimens; long flowering; good colour; hedging if in full sun; standards They need at least half a days sun to bloom well; they do not like crowding; out of strong winds; Neutral to slightly acid; fertilise little and often; use fertiliser with trace elements; Prune early Spring before the new growth commences; prune by one third to a half; flowers are terminal; more tips more flowers Hardwood winter ,pencil thick; tip cuttings in Summer; Grafted