Chinese Hibiscus Plant Care

Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Hibiscus genus. Chinese Hibiscus is native to Tropical Asia. Chinese Hibiscus is also known as Rose of China, Shoe Flower, Hawaiian Hibiscus.

Chinese Hibiscus displays an upright, bushy growth habit, reaching up to 8 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Chinese Hibiscus produces red, pink, orange or white.

Leaf size: approximately 5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Hibiscus every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese Hibiscus thrives in full sun.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis tolerates temperatures of 60–90°F. Chinese Hibiscus prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Hibiscus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Hibiscus every 2 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Hibiscus is suited to USDA Zone 9b – 11b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese Hibiscus can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 8 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese Hibiscus while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Chinese Hibiscus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese Hibiscus can be propagated through stem cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to rose of sharon plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Chinese Hibiscus is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese Hibiscus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9b. Chinese Hibiscus is native to Tropical Asia. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Hibiscus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.