Fringed Rosemallow
Hibiscus schizopetalus
- Native to:
- Kenya, Tanzania
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Malvaceae
- Genus:
- Hibiscus
- Species:
- Hibiscus schizopetalus
- USDA Symbol:
- HISC3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 300 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, pink, orange
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★★☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
cotton tipworm (Crocidosema plebejana), Yellow scallop moth (Anomis erosa)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- native to tropical East Africa, prefers humid conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 7–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions. Soaking seeds for 24 hours before sowing can improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI