Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Painted Lady'
painted lady hibiscus bush
East Asia (species); cultivar origin
Overview
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Painted Lady' is a multicolor-petaled tropical hibiscus, growing 48-96 inches (120-240 cm) tall and 36-72 inches (90-180 cm) wide. Large flowers 5-6 inches (13-15 cm) feature a complex color pattern: petal margins are pink to peach, the petal interior fades to cream or white, and a deep crimson eye zone surrounds the prominent staminal column at the center — three colors on a single petal create a hand-painted appearance. Each flower lasts 1-2 days; new flowers daily through the warm season. The complex color pattern shifts with temperature: cooler conditions deepen pink, warmer conditions lighten toward peach and cream. Dark green glossy ovate serrated leaves 3-5 inches (7-13 cm). In the mallow family (Malvaceae spp.). Hummingbird-visited. Overwinter indoors in cold zones: bright cool location (55-65°F / 13-18°C), reduced watering, expect leaf drop. Whitefly, aphids, spider mites. Bud drop from temperature fluctuations or inconsistent watering. Full sun (6+ hours) for heaviest flowering and color development. Non-toxic. Containers of 5-10 gallons (20-40 liters). Frost-tender at 35°F (2°C). Zones 10-11 outdoors year-round.
Native Range
The species H. rosa-sinensis is native to East Asia. 'Painted Lady' is a multicolor selection.Suggested Uses
Grown in containers of 5-10 gallons (20-40 liters) or in the ground in zones 10-11. Full sun. The hand-painted multicolor flower pattern is the cultivar's draw. Overwinter indoors in cold zones. Non-toxic. Hummingbird-visited.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4' - 8'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Multicolor: pink to peach margins, cream or white interior, deep crimson eye zoneFoliage Description
Dark green, glossy, ovate, serratedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun (6+ hours). Consistent watering — bud drop from moisture fluctuations. Overwinter indoors in cold zones (bright, 55-65°F, reduce water). Whitefly, aphids, spider mites. Non-toxic. Hummingbird-visited. Frost-tender at 35°F (2°C). Zones 10-11.Pruning
Pruning by one-third in early spring supports bushy growth and more flower buds. Flowers on new growth — pruning increases bloom production. Tips are pinched for branching.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons