Jessie Keith
Family
Malvaceae
Botanical Name
HIBISCUS rosa-sinensis 'Cynthia'
Plant Common Name
Chinese 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 'Cynthia' produces pinwheel-like flowers that are a rosy lavender-purple. Each slightly ruffled petal has lavender-pink veins (yellow-red veins on the underside) and are rich red at the base. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is an evergreen shrub that originates from China, and 'Cynthia' is a hybrid derived from two cultivated varieties. This tropical hibiscus is vigorous and blooms prolifically over an extended period of time.
The large, broad, semi-glossy leaves of 'Cynthia' are green, oval-shaped, and are cupped. Its flowers are large, radial and flat. In the flower center is a long, brick red floral column with bright yellow anthers and dark red stigmas.
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, large growing cultivar can be grown in sunny mixed borders, in spacious foundation beds as screening hedges or in large containers that can be moved indoors to overwinter if needed. The short floral stem 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
5'-7' / 1.5m - 2.1m
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Width
4'-5' / 1.2m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Indeterminate
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Native To
Hybrid Origin, China
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Red, Rose, Lavender
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Green
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Dark Green
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown, Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
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