Jessie Keith
Family
Malvaceae
Botanical Name
HIBISCUS rosa-sinensis 'King David'
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 'King David' produces double flowers of a rich red, comparable to the finest of roses. Each petal is short, wavy and has a fine, crepe paper texture. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is an evergreen shrub that originates from China, and 'King David' is a hybrid derived from two cultivated varieties. This tropical hibiscus is vigorous and blooms well over an extended period of time.
The glossy leaves of 'King David' are green and oval-shaped while its flowers are large, full and double. The floral column often seen in hibiscus flowers is very short and hidden among the petals in this cultivar.
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 foundation beds, as an informal 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
4'-6' / 1.2m - 1.8m
-
Width
3'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
-
Bloom Time
Indeterminate
-
Native To
Hybrid Origin, China
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Showy
-
Flower Color
Red
-
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
