Shoeblackplant

Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Malvaceae
Genus:
Hibiscus
Species:
Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Subshrub , Tree
Height:
8-12 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
mar, apr, may, sep, oct, nov
Bloom Colors:
orange, pink, red, white, yellow
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Native Range

United States: Florida, Guam, Puerto Rico, Palau, U.S. Minor Outlying Islands, Virgin Islands

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★☆☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

cotton tipworm (Crocidosema plebejana), Hibiscus Leaf Miner (Philodoria hibiscella), Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella), Yellow scallop moth (Anomis erosa)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Prefers fertile soil with good organic content