The Characteristics of Gumamela

Gumamela (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.

Native to Southeast Asia, other names for it include shoeflower__, tropical
hibiscus and the rose of China. The flower is also known as rose mallow because it's
part of the mallow family, Malvaceae, which means its cousins include okra, cotton
and cocoa.

The flowers of the gumamela can be white, pink, red, yellow, peach and purple.
Gardeners cultivate more than 300 species of the plant worldwide. They are primarily
grown as an ornamental plant, and the flowers and leaves have medicinal properties.
Hibiscus have a long life, with some lasting more than 50 years.

What Are the Characteristics of Gumamela?

The gumamela is a fast-growing evergreen shrub with dark green and glossy leaves
with dicot flowers. The leaves are oval in shape, and they measure between 3 inches
to 4.2 inches long. The edges of the leaves often are slightly serrated. They arrange
themselves in a spiral pattern and alternate around a long stalk.

How Does Gumamela Grow?

The cultivars vary in heights, spreads and flower color, growing as tall as 30 ft. Some
are dwarf varieties and may only grow to 2 feet tall. They can be trained and pruned to
grow more like trees, including bonsai.

In tropical climates, it will stay green year-round, while in colder climates, it will freeze
to the ground. Cut off frostbitten branches to help it conserve energy. After winter, the
plant usually returns from the roots. Tropical hibiscus is very sensitive to cold
temperatures, which cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

Soil for Growing Gumamela

Rich, well-drained soil provides an excellent growing mixture for hibiscus. A mixture of
2 parts potting soil, 1 part vermiculite or perlite, and 2 parts peat moss combine to
make an ideal soil that also drains well. It prefers slightly acidic soil. If your soil is
sandy, amend it by adding compost or other organic material. Avoid using clay soil,
but if you do, mix in looser soil types to allow for drainage.

What Is a Gumamela Flower?

The flowers grow from about 4 to 8 inches wide, but they can reach up to 10 inches in
width. Each flower has both male (stamen) and female (ovary) parts. Every stalk has
one flower, and most flowers have five petals, although some have double rows of
petals. Petals can be scooped or scalloped in shape. The flowers are bell-shaped and
bloom from 24 to 48 hours year-round. They have dense cellulose parts supporting
them at the bottom, which makes them firm.

The flowers usually have no scent. The gumamela flower attracts butterflies and
moths and is a food source for their larvae. Hummingbirds are also pollinators for the
plant, and they are attracted by the bright colors.

Gumamela Fruit

Gumamela produces an ovoid fruit with five parts that holds up to 20 seeds. They
open at maturity and expose the seeds, which are shaped like kidneys.