Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Malvaceae

Genus:

Hibiscus

Species:

Hibiscus clayi

USDA Symbol:

HICL

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub , Tree

Height:

600 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec

Bloom Colors:

red

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, butterflies

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

well-drained, sandy or rocky soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to dry, rocky areas of Hawaii

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Scarification:

Seed coat scarification required before sowing

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Scarification or soaking seeds in warm water for 24 hours improves germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI