Hibiscus rosasinensis “St. Kitts and Nevis Hibiscus”

Hibiscus rosasinensis “St. Kitts and Nevis Hibiscus”

Plant Description

St. Kitts and Nevis Hibiscus, commonly known as Chinese Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus, or simply Hibiscus, is prized for its large, vibrant flowers. It is widely cultivated for ornamental purposes and is an integral part of the tropical landscape.

Flowers: The plant produces large, showy, trumpet shaped flowers that can be red, pink, yellow, orange, or white. The blooms are often 48 inches (1020 cm) in diameter with prominent stamens and a contrasting throat.

Leaves: The foliage is glossy, dark green, and ovate with serrated edges, providing a lush backdrop for the vivid flowers.

Growth Habit: St. Kitts and Nevis Hibiscus grows as an evergreen shrub or small tree with a bushy and upright growth habit.

Growing Zones

St. Kitts and Nevis Hibiscus thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. It requires warm climates and is sensitive to frost. Here’s a breakdown of the suitable growing zones:

Zone 9: Suitable for growing as a perennial in protected areas; may require frost protection in colder months.

Zone 10 to 11: Ideal for year round growth as a perennial, with optimal flowering and foliage development.

Height and Width

Height: Typically grows 4 to 10 feet (1.2 to 3 meters) tall, but can reach up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) if grown as a small tree under optimal conditions.

Width: The plant can spread 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) wide, forming a dense, bushy appearance.

Growing Conditions

Full Sun to Partial Shade: Prefers full sun for the best flowering but can tolerate partial shade. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, fertile, loamy, or sandy soil enriched with organic matter. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain water.

pH: Thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soils, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0.

Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water more frequently during hot, dry periods, and reduce watering in cooler months.

Temperature: Optimal growth occurs between 60°F to 90°F (15°C to 32°C). Protect the plant from frost and cold drafts.

Fertilizer: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 46 weeks during the growing season to promote lush foliage and prolific flowering.

Pruning: Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased branches, and encourage bushy growth. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring.

Planting

1. Location: Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well draining soil.

2. Spacing: Space plants 36 feet apart, depending on the variety, to ensure adequate airflow and growth space.

3. Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the nursery container, ensuring the crown is at soil level.

Maintenance

Mulching: Apply mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and prevent weed growth.

Pest Control: Monitor for common pests like aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and mealybugs. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for organic pest control.

Disease Prevention: Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew and root rot.

Uses

1. Ornamental:

Garden Accent: A striking addition to gardens and landscapes for its vivid blooms and lush foliage.

Hedges and Screens: Plant as a decorative hedge or privacy screen to add color and greenery.

Container Planting: Suitable for growing in pots or containers on patios and balconies.

2. Cultural Significance:

Symbolism: In many cultures, Hibiscus flowers symbolize beauty, hospitality, and delicate femininity.

Ceremonial Uses: The flowers are often used in traditional ceremonies and as offerings.

3. Medicinal Uses: 

While primarily ornamental, some cultures use hibiscus for its health benefits, including support for heart health and anti inflammatory properties. 

4. Pollinator Attractant:

Butterflies and Bees: The vibrant flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies and bees, supporting local biodiversity.

Native Range

Hibiscus rosasinensis is native to East Asia, particularly southern China. 

Quick Care Tips

Ensure full sun exposure for the best flowering results.

Water consistently, but avoid waterlogged conditions.

Fertilize regularly to support growth and bloom production.

Prune strategically to maintain shape and health.

Protect from frost by moving containers indoors or using frost blankets in cooler climates.

 

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.