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HIBISCUS rosa-sinensis 'Elephant Ear'

Image of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Elephant Ear'

James Burghardt

Family

Malvaceae

Botanical Name

HIBISCUS rosa-sinensis 'Elephant Ear'

Plant Common Name

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

General Description

The tropical hibiscus 'Elephant Ear' produces double-form white flowers with rare wisps of yellow or pink. The petals are ruffled and sometimes contorted. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is an evergreen shrub that originates from China, and 'Elephant Ear' is a hybrid derived from two cultivated varieties. This tropical hibiscus is vigorous and blooms well over an extended period of time.

The rounded, semi-glossy leaves of 'Elephant Ear' are lush deep green. Its flowers are medium sized, doubled but with five flattened petals still evident. The short white floral column, with the yellow anthers and stigmas, is normally hidden by the central cluster of petals but can be exposed on flowers that are only semi-double.

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 upright, large growing cultivar can be grown in sunny mixed borders, in spacious foundation beds, as a tidy hedge 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

  • 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

    3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m

  • 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

    White, Yellow, Pink

  • 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

    Double

  • 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