Hibiscus heterophyllus
rosella
Overview
Hibiscus heterophyllus is an upright shrub to small tree reaching 6-20 feet (2-6 m) tall and 5-10 feet (1.5-3 m) wide, sometimes taller in sheltered forest. Stems and leaf undersides carry small prickles. Leaves vary in shape on the same plant, from narrow and undivided to deeply three- to five-lobed, 2-6 inches (5-15 cm) long, mid to dark green. Flowers are funnel-shaped, 3-5 inches (8-12 cm) across, white to cream or pale pink with a deep maroon to purple centre, opening singly and lasting about one day. Flowering occurs mainly in summer and autumn. The fruit is a hairy five-chambered capsule that splits to release seeds. Growth is rapid in warm climates, with plants reaching flowering size within 2-3 years. Young shoots, flower buds, and roots have been eaten as bush food. The prickled stems make close handling difficult, and the short individual flower life means bloom is a daily succession rather than a long-lasting single display. In cooler regions growth slows and frost damages soft growth.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia along the coast and ranges from Queensland to southern New South Wales. Grows in open forest, rainforest margins, and along watercourses in moist, well-drained soils.Suggested Uses
Planted as a screening or specimen shrub in native and subtropical gardens, spaced 5-8 feet (1.5-2.5 m) apart. Used in bush-food plantings for its edible shoots and flower buds. The prickled stems limit use beside paths and seating areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 20'
Width/Spread5' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Flowers mainly in summer and autumn (December to May in its native range), with scattered flowers at other times in warm climates. Each flower opens for about one day, with new flowers opening in succession over several weeks to months. Cooler conditions shorten and delay the flowering period.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to cream or pale pink with maroon centreFoliage Description
mid to dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 5-8 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to part shade in moist, well-drained soils enriched with organic matter. Water regularly through the first one to two summers; established plants tolerate short dry spells but flower more freely with consistent moisture. Frost damages soft growth, and growth slows in zones colder than its native range. Annual feeding in spring renews growth. Few serious pests occur, though hibiscus beetle and leaf-chewing insects can damage flowers and foliage. Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size.Pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to reduce height and encourage branching, as flowers form on new growth. Cut back by up to one third to maintain a dense form. Remove dead or damaged stems at any time.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons