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Hibiscus × archeri

red hibiscus

Malvaceae

Hybrid of garden origin (tropical parents)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Attracts Hummingbirds Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterMedium

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Hibiscus x archeri is an evergreen tropical shrub of hybrid origin between H. rosa-sinensis and H. schizopetalus, grown for its red flowers. It reaches 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) tall and 5–8 feet (1.5–2.4 m) wide with an upright, branching form and glossy, dark green leaves 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long with toothed margins. From late spring through fall, and year-round in frost-free climates, it bears funnel-shaped red flowers 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across with a long central staminal column, each flower lasting one to two days. The petals are less deeply cut than those of H. schizopetalus, but the blooms hang on slender stalks inherited from that parent. It grows in full sun to light shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil and flowers most freely in warmth. The plant is frost-tender, damaged below about 30°F (-1°C) and killed by hard freezes, so it is grown outdoors only in USDA zones 9 to 11 and as a container or greenhouse plant elsewhere. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are common pests under glass and in dry air.

Native Range

Hibiscus x archeri is a hybrid raised in cultivation and does not occur in the wild. Its parents are tropical: H. rosa-sinensis of uncertain Asian origin and H. schizopetalus of coastal East Africa.

Suggested Uses

Used as a flowering specimen, informal hedge, or container plant on patios in warm climates, spaced 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) apart for hedging. Grown under glass or as a houseplant in cool regions. The flowers draw hummingbirds and butterflies but last only a day or two each.

How to Identify

Funnel-shaped red flowers 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) across with a long protruding staminal column hang on slender stalks from late spring into fall. Leaves are glossy, dark green, 3–5 inches (8–13 cm) long, with coarsely toothed margins. The upright shrub form and red, shallowly fringed petals separate it from the deeply dissected, pendulous flowers of H. schizopetalus.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'

Width/Spread5' - 8'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~24 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering runs from late spring through autumn outdoors and year-round in frost-free, warm conditions. Each flower opens for one to two days and is replaced by a steady succession of buds. Bloom slows in cool weather and under low light.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 6.8(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Position in full sun to light shade in moist, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Regular watering keeps the soil evenly moist during active growth, while waterlogged roots cause yellowing and bud drop. Feeding every few weeks in the growing season with a balanced fertilizer supports continuous flowering in containers. Temperatures below about 30°F (-1°C) damage the foliage, so plants are moved indoors or under glass where frost occurs. Aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites are managed by rinsing the foliage and using insecticidal soap. Indoors, bright light and humidity reduce bud drop.

Pruning

Pruning in late winter or early spring, before new growth, shapes the shrub and removes weak or crossing stems. Cutting stems back by up to one-third encourages branching and more flowering wood, since blooms form on new growth. Light tip-pinching during the season keeps plants compact.

Pruning Schedule

early spring