James H. Schutte
Family
Malvaceae
Botanical Name
HIBISCUS rosa-sinensis 'Kona'
Plant Common Name
Kona Tropical Hibiscus, Queen-of-the-tropics., Tropical Hibiscus
General Description
The tropical hibiscus 'Kona' boasts double, ruffled flowers of deep, creamy pink. Each petal is short, ruffled and wavy, being deep pink at the base and becoming pink with an occasional light pink edge. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is an evergreen shrub that originates from China, and 'Kona' 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 'Kona' are deep green and broadly oval to heart-shaped while its flowers are large, double and full. Among the petals you may still find the pink floral column lined with a bottlebrush of yellow anthers and pink 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 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
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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
6'-12' / 1.8m - 3.7m
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Width
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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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
