- The tree hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) grows in tropical areas of Southeast Asia, Oceania and other spots with mild winters. In the United States, it can be grown outdoors in Florida and Hawaii. Elsewhere, it must be grown in containers and brought indoors over the winter. This unusual tree sports 8-inch, bright yellow flowers with red centers. It often grows wild near beaches, wetlands and rivers.
- A similar but cold-hardy plant, the hardy hibiscus (H. moscheutus) is a shrubby perennial. Hardy in zones 5 through 10, it grows about 20 feet tall and features funnel-shaped pink, red or white flowers that bloom in mid- to late-summer. Native to marshlands, these shrubs don't tolerate drought. The flowers are somewhat smaller than those of the tropical hibiscus, with about a 6-inch diameter. The woody stems are late to emerge.
- Hardy hibiscus, though shrubby if left to its own devices, can be pruned into a single-stemmed tree. Some florists sell the hibiscus already pruned to this shape. Deciduous with dark green leaves, hardy hibiscus can be used as a specimen plant, tree or hedge. The hibiscus grows best in full sun and requires at least 1 inch of rain per week. Moist, but not wet, soil is best.
- The state flower of Hawaii is the Hibiscus brackenridgei. Like most hibiscus flowers, these showy blossoms resemble crepe paper and survive for only one day. They bloom in abundance, however, covering most of the plant. The yellow flowers attract hummingbirds, finches and butterflies. The yellow hibiscus is also known in Hawaii as the pua aloalo. It is hardy in zones 9 through 11.
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