What To Do With Hibiscus Flowers: 10 Creative Uses For These Tropical Blooms

Hibiscus flowers are known for their large colorful blooms that bring a taste of the tropics wherever they grow. But beyond looking beautiful in gardens and flower arrangements, these exotic flowers can be used in many creative ways. Here are 10 fun things you can do with hibiscus flowers.

Make Hibiscus Tea

One of the most popular uses for hibiscus flowers is to make a ruby-red herbal tea. The dried flowers and calyces (the green bulb-like structure at the base of the flower) are used to infuse both hot and iced teas with a tart, cranberry-like flavor

To make hibiscus tea:

• Steep 2 tablespoons of dried hibiscus flowers in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes
• Strain and chill for iced tea, or add honey/sugar and serve hot
• For a stronger tea, use more flowers and let it steep longer

Hibiscus tea has a beautiful pink/red hue and is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. It’s naturally caffeine-free and has a refreshing tart taste.

Make Hibiscus Agwa (Jamaica Water)

Agua de jamaica (hibiscus water) is a popular Mexican and Central American beverage made by steeping dried hibiscus flowers in water with sugar. Tart, sweet, and bright red, it’s served chilled as a refreshing summertime drink.

To make hibiscus agua:

• Simmer 1 cup of dried hibiscus flowers in 4 cups of water for 10 minutes
• Strain out flowers and stir in sugar to taste while liquid is hot to dissolve sugar
• Chill and serve over ice
• Garnish with lime wedges, mint, or fruit

Use in Baking and Desserts

The tart flavor of hibiscus flowers pairs deliciously with sweet ingredients. Add hibiscus to cakes, cookies, pies, sorbets, and more.

• Make hibiscus sugar by drying and grinding flowers, then sprinkle on top of desserts
• Infuse milk or cream with dried hibiscus flowers to use in ice cream, panna cotta, etc
• Make jelly or jam from fresh hibiscus flowers
• Use dried hibiscus powder to color frosting or dough a vivid pink/red

Craft Hibiscus Candles

Dried hibiscus flowers can be used to create beautiful handmade candles. Their color and light floral fragrance gives candles a tropical vibe.

• Place dried flowers in the bottom of a candle mold before pouring in wax
• Infuse oil with hibiscus flowers, then use it to make scented candles
• Add a few drops of hibiscus absolute or essential oil to candle wax

Make Hibiscus Syrup

Steeping hibiscus flowers in a simple syrup makes a stunning red syrup with a tart, slightly floral flavor. Hibiscus syrup is delicious in cocktails, lemonade, desserts, and more.

• Simmer 1 cup dried hibiscus + 2 cups sugar + 2 cups water until sugar dissolves
• Strain out flowers and store syrup in the fridge
• Shake into cocktails, mix with sparkling water, or drizzle on cakes

Craft Floral Arrangements

With their fanciful, tropical blooms, hibiscus flowers make stunning floral decor. The flowers last several days after picking.

• Float flowers in a bowl of water or vase
• Make leis, garlands, and wreaths from the showy blooms
• Use the flowers to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts

Make Hibiscus Hair Rinse

Hibiscus flowers have gentle cleansing and conditioning properties for hair. Make your own nourishing floral hair rinse.

• Steep 1 cup dried hibiscus flowers in 4 cups boiling water for 20 mins
• Strain and cool liquid before use, apply to wet hair after shampooing
• Rinse out after a few minutes, no need to use conditioner

The mild acidity of hibiscus helps remove residue and clarify hair. It adds shine and softness too.

Craft Tropical Drinks

The tangy flavor and vibrant color of hibiscus flowers liven up all kinds of cocktails and mocktails.

• Make hibiscus margaritas with hibiscus-infused tequila or syrup
• Rim glasses with hibiscus sugar for a pretty garnish
• Muddle fresh or frozen hibiscus into lemonade, mojitos, sangria and other drinks

Make Hibiscus Tea Blend

Mix dried hibiscus flowers with other herbs like mint, rosehip, and lemongrass to create a deliciously complex herbal tea blend.

Some suggested combinations:

• Hibiscus + spearmint + lemon verbena
• Hibiscus + ginger + cinnamon
• Hibiscus + lavender + fennel

Play around with herbs and spices to complement the tart hibiscus flavor. Package the tea blend in jars or sachets as gifts.

Use as a Natural Dye

The magenta pigments of hibiscus flowers can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, paper, eggshells, and more.

To make hibiscus dye:

• Simmer 1 cup fresh/dried flowers in 2 cups water for 15 mins
• Strain and add citric acid or vinegar to help set dye
• Add pre-soaked material to cooled dye and let soak overnight

It produces a pinkish red hue on natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk. Have fun dyeing handicrafts or clothing with hibiscus!

Hibiscus is a versatile tropical flower with edible, medicinal, and decorative uses. Explore different ways to enjoy these large, colorful blooms in your cooking, home, beauty routines and craft projects. The next time you come across fresh or dried hibiscus, look beyond making tea and experiment with these 10 creative ideas.