Texas Rock Hibiscus Plant Care

Texas Rock Hibiscus (Pavonia lasiopetala) belongs to the Malvaceae family within the Pavonia genus. Texas Rock Hibiscus is native to Texas in the United States and Coahuila and Nuevo León in Mexico. Texas Rock Hibiscus is also known as Desert Rose Mallow.

Texas Rock Hibiscus displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2.5 ft. Texas Rock Hibiscus produces showy, colorful flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Texas Rock Hibiscus every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Texas Rock Hibiscus thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Texas Rock Hibiscus in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Pavonia lasiopetala tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Texas Rock Hibiscus prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Texas Rock Hibiscus to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Texas Rock Hibiscus every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs 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 bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter like compost or peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Texas Rock Hibiscus is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

Texas Rock Hibiscus can spread to about 3 ft (0.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.8 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 plant spacing calculator.

Prune Texas Rock 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 shrub in one year.

Texas Rock Hibiscus is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Texas Rock Hibiscus can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to spearleaf pavonia plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Texas Rock 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.

Texas Rock Hibiscus grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Texas Rock Hibiscus is native to Texas in the United States and Coahuila and Nuevo León in Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Texas Rock Hibiscus as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.