The hibiscus is a popular flower for home gardens. There are many different varieties of hibiscus, and they all fall into two basic categories: tropical and hardy. Distinguishing between tropical and hardy hibiscus is essential to growing them successfully. Tropical hibiscus grow in the warmest zones, as identified by the USDA in its hardiness zone map. Hardy hibiscus grow in cold zones and are tolerant of harsh winter temperatures.
The main difference between hardy and tropical hibiscus is that hardy hibiscus can grow in every zone except for zone 9. Tropical hibiscus does not tolerate freezing temperatures and cannot survive more than brief periods of cold. Hardy hibiscus tolerate freezing temperatures and can survive winters in cold northern climates. Although they die back for winter, they do return in spring, often developing new growth from the roots.
Tropical hibiscus is native to tropical climates. Tropical hibiscus shrubs lose their leaves, but they stay green all year and grow new ones as the old ones die. Because they can’t survive cold weather, they only grow outside in warm places where winters are mild and cold spells are short. Tropical hibiscus has a long blooming season, beginning in spring and continuing through late fall. Zone 9 is the coldest suitable zone for tropical hibiscus.
Hibiscus species that are hardy, perennial, or winter hardy come from the Rose Mallow, Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus mutabilis, or Hibiscus coccineus. All varieties of hardy hibiscus are native to areas with cold, harsh winters. Most varieties of hardy hibiscus die back to the ground in winter. New growth emerges in spring from the root tops. Hardy hibiscus has a shorter blooming season. With temperatures that can drop to -30 degrees F in zone 4 and 10 degrees F in zone 8, this plant does best where it is grown.
The American Hibiscus Society calls Chinese hibiscus, or Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, “Queen of the Tropics. ” Regular and variegated varieties are sold at most garden centers. This is a tropical variety that is not winter hardy. Confederate Rose grows into a shrub that can reach 6 to 8 feet high and wide. If carefully pruned, it can grow into a 12- to 15-foot multiple-trunk tree. Single or double flowers are 4 to 6 inches in diameter. Rose of Sharon is a lovely variety that is native to Asia. It has dark green leaves, fast growth, and a long flowering season. Its flowers are white, blue, purple, or pink, and they can be single or double.
Texas Star hibiscus is characterized by bright-red or white star-shaped blooms. This hardy hibiscus is adaptable to most conditions and can tolerate drought. Turks cap is native to Texas and Mexico. This drought-tolerant, maintenance-free plant is known for luring hummingbirds. It is an evergreen perennial shrub that grows 5 feet tall. Red blooms are most common, but white and pink exist. Blooming flowers look like upright buds that dont open.
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Hibiscus are beautiful, tropical-looking flowers that can add a splash of color to any garden However, not all hibiscus are created equal There are two main types of hibiscus – tropical and hardy. Telling the difference between these two types of hibiscus can be confusing for gardeners, especially those who live in colder climates. This guide will explain the key differences between tropical and hardy hibiscus to help you identify which type you have in your garden.
Hardiness Zones
The first and easiest way to tell if your hibiscus is tropical or hardy is to check which USDA plant hardiness zone you live in.
Tropical hibiscus thrive in zones 9-11 only. They require warm temperatures year-round and cannot tolerate any frost or freezing weather. Try growing tropical hibiscus in zones colder than 9, and you’ll likely end up with a dead plant when winter arrives.
Hardy hibiscus, on the other hand, can survive colder temperatures. They grow well in zones 4-9, meaning they can handle winter temperatures as cold as -30°F (-34°C). This makes them ideal for northern gardeners who want the look of tropical hibiscus flowers but live outside the tropics.
So if you live in zone 8 or below, your hibiscus is almost certainly a hardy variety. And if you’re in zone 9 or above, it’s likely a tropical plant. For gardeners in the transitional zones (8-9), read on for more identification tips.
Leaf and Stem Differences
Tropical and hardy hibiscus can also be told apart by examining the leaves and stems
Tropical hibiscus have smooth, shiny green leaves that are delicate and thin. The stems are green or reddish-green and somewhat thin and supple.
Hardy hibiscus leaves are matte green, thicker, and often have a toothed or lightly lobed edge. Their stems are thicker and woodier than tropical types.
So if your hibiscus has big glossy leaves and slender stems, it’s probably a tropical variety. Thicker leaves and woodier stems indicate a hardy type.
Winter Dieback
Another clue is to observe how the plant behaves in winter.
In cooler climates, hardy hibiscus will die back to the ground in fall when temperatures drop. They regrow from the root system each spring. Any dead growth is normal and part of their dormancy cycle.
Tropical hibiscus keep their leaves and stems year-round where winters are warm. If the stems turn brown and die off in winter, it means the plant froze and likely isn’t a hardy type.
So if your hibiscus dies back completely in winter, it’s hardy. If it remains evergreen all year, it’s tropical.
Flower Colors
The range of flower colors can also indicate whether a hibiscus is tropical or hardy:
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Tropical hibiscus come in bright, hot colors like red, orange, yellow, peach, pink, and multicolored combinations.
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Hardy hibiscus generally have flowers in cooler shades of white, pink, mauve, or red. Pure orange, yellow, peach, and multicolors are rare in hardy types.
So if your hibiscus has flowers in warm, bright colors, especially multitones, it is likely tropical. Cooler flower colors, especially pure pink, white, or red, usually indicate a hardy variety.
There are always exceptions, but this general guideline holds true for most cultivated hibiscus varieties.
Flower Size
Tropical hibiscus generally have slightly larger flowers than hardy ones.
The huge, dinner plate-sized blooms you see decorating Hawaiian leis are tropical hibiscus. Their flowers can grow up to 6-8 inches wide.
Hardy hibiscus produce substantial 4-6 inch flowers, though rarely achieving the gigantic proportions of tropical types.
So while the size difference isn’t definitive on its own, it can provide one more clue to help determine if your plant is tropical or hardy.
Growth Habit
Hardy and tropical hibiscus also differ in terms of their growth habits:
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Tropical hibiscus are sprawling, multi-stemmed shrubs. They can easily reach heights of 6-15 feet at maturity.
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Hardy hibiscus grow as upright, single-stemmed plants that top out around 4-6 feet tall.
So if your hibiscus is a giant, spreading shrub, it’s likely a tropical variety. A smaller, tree-like form indicates a hardy type.
Origin
Finally, the origins of the plant provide a clue. Most commercially sold hibiscus are grafted varieties. Check the tag or plant label for information on where the cultivar was bred.
Tropical hibiscus are native to regions like Hawaii, Tahiti, Fiji and other tropical locations. Cultivars bred from these plants will also be tropical.
Hardy hibiscus originate from temperate areas like North America and England. Cultivars from these sources will be hardy varieties.
Place of origin isn’t foolproof, but it can offer one more piece of helpful information to solve the tropical vs. hardy mystery.
Still Not Sure?
With all these tips, you should be able to accurately determine whether your hibiscus is a tropical or hardy variety.
If you’re still uncertain, consult with your local nursery or extension office. They can provide definitive identification based on your specific plant and growing conditions.
The right hibiscus for your climate will reward you with years of outstanding floral displays. Now that you know how to ID tropical and hardy types, you can ensure success by selecting suitable varieties for your garden.
How Do I Tell If the Hibiscus Bush I Just Bought Is Perennial or Tropical?
FAQ
What does a hardy hibiscus look like?
Is my hibiscus perennial or tropical?
How do I identify my hibiscus?
What is the difference between Hardy and tropical hibiscus?
The first difference between hardy and tropical hibiscus is their hardiness zone. Hardy hibiscus are known to be hardy in zones 5 through 9, while tropical hibiscus is only hardy in zones 10 and 11. This means that hardy hibiscus can survive in colder climates, while tropical hibiscus will not survive in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you know if a hibiscus is hardy or tropical?
The simplest way to differentiate a hardy hibiscus from a tropical is to look at their leaves. If the leaf is heart shaped with a jagged edge, you’re probably looking at a hardy hibiscus. On the other hand, a tropical hibiscus has glossy leaves that are a deeper green color than hardy hibiscus.
Is Hibiscus a hardy plant?
Hardy hibiscus tolerates harsh winters as far as USDA plant Hardiness Zone 4. There’s a noticeable difference in the hardy and tropical hibiscus leaves as well. Tropical hibiscus plants have glossy, deep-green leaves. On the other hand, hardy hibiscus has heart-shaped leaves with jagged edges that are duller in color.
What do hibiscus leaves look like?
Leaves are lush green, with some species having heart-shaped ovate leaves and others having lobed, palmate leaves. Varieties of hardy hibiscus differ from tropical hibiscus because they grow in cold climates. Species of tropical hibiscus such as Chinese hibiscus ( Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) only grow in USDA zones 10 through 12.