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HIBISCUS rosa-sinensis 'Crossfire'

Image of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Crossfire'

James Burghardt

Family

Malvaceae

Botanical Name

HIBISCUS rosa-sinensis 'Crossfire'

Plant Common Name

Crossfire Hibiscus, Queen-of-the-tropics., Tropical Hibiscus

Special Notice

This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.

General Description

The tropical hibiscus 'Crossfire' has large flowers with a spectacular array of color. The orange petals have ruffled edges and at their bases form bands of gray, then pink and finally dark red. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is an evergreen shrub that originates from China, and 'Crossfire' is a hybrid cross between two cultivated varieties. This medium sized tropical hibiscus is vigorous and blooms across an extended period of time.

The broad glossy leaves of 'Crossfire' are dark green and oval-shaped. Its flowers are large, radial and flattened. In the dark red center of each is a short red and yellow floral tube lined with a bottlebrush of yellow anthers and orange stigmas, which adds an additional level of floral delight.

Tropical hibiscus is heat tolerant, excelling in full to partial sun and acidic to mildly alkaline, 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, along foundations 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 day.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    5'-6' / 1.5m - 1.8m

  • Width

    5'-6' / 1.5m - 1.8m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin, China

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    Red, Orange, Pink, Dark Red, Gray

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Multi-Color

  • Fruit Color

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green, Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Sandy Brown, Gray

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Butterflies

  • Self-Sowing

    No