Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Malvaceae
Botanical Name
HIBISCUS rosa-sinensis 'Apricot Brandy'
Plant Common Name
Apricot Brandy Tropical Hibiscus, Queen-of-the-tropics., Tropical Hibiscus
General Description
The tropical hibiscus 'Apricot Brandy' has large double, rusty peach colored flowers. The ruffled petals often have blushed streaks of pink, coral or light yellow. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is an evergreen shrub that originates from China, and 'Apricot Brandy' is a hybrid derived from two unknown cultivated varieties. This medium sized tropical hibiscus is vigorous and blooms modestly over an extended period of time.
The broad glossy leaves of 'Apricot Brandy' are dark green and oval to heart-shaped. Its flowers are large, full and double. The floral tube normally seen in single hibiscus flowers is short and completely hidden in this variety.
Tropical hibiscus is heat tolerant, excelling in full to partial sun and acidic to neutral, fertile soil with good drainage. Very poor and alkaline soils lead to nutrient deficiencies. Remove spent flowers' developing green seed capsules to promote continual production of new blossoms. Tropical hibiscus is a garden staple in both tropical and temperate landscapes. This vibrant cultivar can be grown in sunny mixed borders, in spacious foundation beds or in large containers that can be moved indoors to overwinter if needed. The short floral stem petioles can be cut and placed in water to enjoy the open flower for one to two days.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Hybrid Origin, China
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
