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Can you think of a more refreshing summer drink than hibiscus tea? Or how about using hibiscus as a natural dye for your hair? This stunning flower can do much more than look pretty in a vase. Here are some tips and information about hibiscus that you may not have known.
What Is Hibiscus
This is a beautiful flowering plant that is native to tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The flower is large and showy, with a wide range of colours, including white, pink, red, orange, yellow, and purple. These plants can be found in various sizes and shapes, from small bushes to large trees.
The flowers are often used in herbal teas, and the plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens. The flower has many symbolic meanings in different cultures, including strength, power, and beauty.
Varieties Of Hibiscus: Common Types
This plant has many colours: white, yellow, orange, red and pink. Some flowers are bi-coloured or multi-coloured. The flower is trumpet-shaped and has a diameter that ranges from 6 inches to 10 inches.
Listed below are some of the most common hibiscus varieties:
Rose Of Sharon
The Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a flowering shrub that produces large, showy flowers. The Rose of Sharon is native to Asia but has been introduced to North America and Europe. The Rose of Sharon is a popular ornamental plant that is often used in landscaping.
The Rose of Sharon is a deciduous shrub that can grow 6-12 feet tall. The Rose of Sharon has dark green and glossy leaves; its flowers can be white, pink, or purple. The Rose of Sharon blooms from July to September.
Rose Mallow
Rose mallow (Hibiscus Moscheutos) is a flowering plant in the family, native to North America. It is a perennial herb with large, showy flowers growing up to 2 m tall. The flowers are typically white or pink, with five petals each. The leaves are large and lobed, and the plant often grows in wetland habitats.
Rose mallow is a popular garden plant, and many cultivars have been developed for different flower colours and plant sizes. The flowers are also used in leis and other floral decorations. The family includes many other species of flowering plants, such as hollyhocks and okra.
Chinese Hibiscus
Chinese hibiscus, also known as rosa-Sinensis, is native to East Asia. The plant is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for its showy flowers. The flowers are used in leis and other floral decorations.
The petals are usually red, but yellow and white varieties also exist. This is Malaysia’s national flower, known as Bunga Raya, and in Hawaii, it is known as pua aloalo.
Hawaiian White Hibiscus
Hawaiian white is a beautiful flower that is often used in leis. This is the state flower of Hawaii. This plant is easy to care for and is an excellent addition to any garden.
Types Of Hardy Hibiscus
The following are some hardy hibiscus as you can get them in the market.
Hibiscus ‘Berry Awesome’
Berry Awesome is an eye-catching variety with gorgeous deep maroon, almost black leaves. The blooms are equally as dramatic, with rich crimson petals that have a deep purple hue at their base. This is sure to add a touch of sophistication to any garden!
Hibiscus Moscheutos ‘Airbrush Effect’
Airbrush Effect hibiscus is compact with beautiful, variegated foliage. The dark green leaves have wide, creamy margins that give the plant an airbrushed appearance. Airbrush Effect grows 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. It’s an excellent choice for containers or mass plantings.
Hibiscus ‘Cherry Cheesecake’
Cherry Cheesecake is a hybrid created by the horticulturist Marshall Clements in 1996. The plant grows to 8-10 feet and has dark green, glossy leaves. The flowers are 10-12 inches in diameter and are deep pink with a yellow centre. Cherry Cheesecake is disease resistant and does best in full sun to partial shade.
Swamp Rose Mallow
Swap Rose Mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos) is native to North America. The flowers are large and showy, with white, pink, or red hues. The plant prefers full sun and moist soil. Swamp Rose Mallow can grow over 6 feet tall and is a popular plant for naturalizing wet areas.
Hardy Hibiscus ‘Luna Red’
Luna Red is one of the hardy species that can be found in many nurseries and garden centres. This plant is a perennial hibiscus, meaning it will come back year after year in your garden.
Rose Of Sharon
The Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a deciduous native to China. It grows in USDA zones 5 to 9 and can reach a height of 15 feet with a spread of 6 to 8 feet. The white, pink, or purple flowers bloom from June to September.
Hibiscus Syriacus ‘Aphrodite’
Aphrodite is an old-fashioned with huge, 11–12in (28–30cm) wide, double white flowers that are flushed pink at the edges. It’s a vigorous shrub, reaching 10ft (3m).
Hibiscus Syriacus ‘White Chiffon’
White Chiffon is a beautiful, pure white with double blooms. The flowers are about 6 inches across and have a light, sweet fragrance.
Rose Of Sharon ‘Oiseau Bleu’
Oiseau Bleu is a variety that is known for its showy blue flowers. It is a deciduous shrub that can grow about 6 feet tall and wide. This variety is drought tolerant and does well in full sun to partial shade. This is a popular plant in landscaping because it is easy to care for, and its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. It was named from the Greek word for “bird” because it is popular among avian creatures.
Tropical Hibiscus Varieties
These tropic varieties are perfect for lovers who want to add a touch of the tropics to their gardens.
Chinese Hibiscus ‘Brilliant’
Brilliant hibiscus is a plant that is native to China. The flower has beautiful, large flowers up to 8 inches in diameter. The flower is typically red, but some varieties have pink, orange, or white flowers. The plants can grow to be up to 10 feet tall.
Tropical Hibiscus ‘Red Dragon’
Red Dragon hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis ‘Red Dragon’) is colourful tropical that blooms prolifically with large, bright red flowers. It’s a vigorous plant that can reach 6 to 8 feet tall and wide, making it an excellent choice for privacy hedges or screens. ‘Red Dragon’ is also known as Chinese hibiscus, shoeblack plant, and rose of China.
Hibiscus ‘Eye of Kali’
Eye of Kali is a newer hybrid quickly becoming one of the most popular varieties. The Eye of Kali has beautiful, large, red flowers with a deep purple centre. The Eye of Kali is a fast grower and is very easy to care for.
Tropical Hibiscus’ El Capitolio
El Capitolio, or the National Capitol Building, is one of Havana, Cuba’s most iconic and well-known landmarks. The flower is prominently featured on the exterior of the building and has come to symbolize the Cuban people and their culture.
Hawaiian White Hibiscus
Hawaiian White is one of the most popular species. It is a native of Hawaii and has large, showy flowers often used in leis. This is the state flower of Hawaii.
Species of Hibiscus
There are many species of these plants, and more are constantly being discovered. Here are just a few of the more commonly known species:
Sabdariffa Hibiscus
Sabdariffa is a tropical flower that is native to Africa. The flowers make tea, and the leaves can be used as a salad green. The plant is also known as red sorrel, roselle, or zobo. Sabdariffa is rich in vitamins and minerals and has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries.
The plant has large, lobed leaves and produces red, trumpet-shaped flowers. Reddish-brown seed pods follow the flowers. Sabdariffa hibiscus can grow to a height of 3 meters.
Hibiscus Tiliaceus
Hibiscus tiliaceus, also known as the Ocean Hibiscus is a species native to the coasts of Australia, Polynesia, and Southeast Asia. The plant grows in sandy or rocky soils near the sea. It has large, leathery leaves and produces yellow, cup-shaped flowers. Woody seed pods follow the flowers. This species can grow to a height of 10 meters.
Hibiscus Heterophyllus
Hibiscus heterophyllus, also known as the Native Hibiscus, is native to Australia. The plant grows in swamps and wetlands. It has large, lobed leaves and produces red or yellow flowers. Woody seed pods follow the flowers. It can grow to a height of 4 meters.
Lagunaria Patersonia
Lagunaria Patersonia, also known as Norfolk Island hibiscus, is a flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. The genus Lagunaria includes only this one species, which is endemic to Norfolk Island, an island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
This evergreen shrub or tree typically grows to 6–12 metres (20–40 ft). The leaves are large and palm-like, with a length of 30–60 cm (12–24 in) and a width of 25–35 cm (10–14 in). The flowers are white or pink, with a diameter of 10–15 cm (4–6 in). The fruit is a woody capsule, which splits open when ripe to release the seeds.
How to draw
To draw for flowers:
- Start with a small circle in the centre of your paper. This will be the centre of the flower.
- From the centre, remove five petals coming out at evenly spaced intervals. Make each petal slightly curved and pointy at the end.
- Draw another set of five petals around the first set. These petals should be somewhat more extensive than the first set.
- To finish the flower, add some stamen in the centre. These are the pollen-bearing structures of the flower. Draw them as small, thin lines coming out from the centre of the flower.
- Colour your flower any colour you like! Traditional colours are red, pink, and orange, but you can use any colour you want.
- Add some leaves coming off the stem of the flower. Draw them as simple, pointy shapes.
- Erase any pencil lines that are still visible.
Flower Tattoo Meaning
The flower tattoo has many different meanings in different cultures.
- In Hawaii, the flower symbolises royalty, and girls wear it in their hair as a sign of their status.
- In China, the flower is a symbol of wealth and prosperity.
- And in Japan, the flower is a symbol of purity and innocence.
Flower Colour Meaning
The flower colour has different meanings. Here are some of them:
Yellow
The yellow colour is a symbol of purity and innocence. It also represents new beginnings and hope. This flower is often used in religious ceremonies and celebrations.
Purple
The purple colour is a symbol of royalty and wealth. It is also a symbol of power and strength.
Blue
The blue colour of this flower is a native flower of Hawaii, and it is considered sacred by many. The blue colour is said to represent the ocean and the sky, as well as royalty. The flowers are also used in lei-making and are a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.
White
White flowers are often seen as a symbol of purity and innocence. In many cultures, white colour is worn by young girls as a sign of their virginity. The flowers can also represent new beginnings or fresh starts. For example, the white colour is the state flower in Hawaii and is seen as a symbol of the island’s welcoming spirit.
Nutrients And Compounds
The healthy part of the plant is the flower. The flowers are rich in antioxidants, which can scavenge harmful toxins and byproducts that can damage cells. The tea is exceptionally high in compounds called anthocyanins, which give the tea its characteristic red colour. These anthocyanins have been linked to several health benefits.
One of them contains: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from damage. Flowers are also a good source of minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Benefits And Uses
This plant is a tropical plant used for centuries in traditional medicine. The flower is often used to make tea, and the tea has numerous health benefits. The tea is rich in antioxidants and can help lower blood pressure, improve liver function, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, tea can help boost immunity, fight bacterial infections, and improve digestion.
Blood Pressure
This tea is a traditional herbal remedy for high blood pressure. Studies have shown that this tea can lower blood pressure by around 7-14 mmHg, a significant amount.
Obesity
The flower helps to reduce weight by preventing the accumulation of fats in the body. It also helps to break down existing fat deposits and eliminate them from the body. This makes the flower an excellent herb for those looking to lose weight naturally.
This tea is also a diuretic, which means it helps to promote urination. This helps reduce body water retention, which can lead to weight gain.
Metabolic Syndrome
This tea is rich in antioxidants, which can help lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. It may also help improve blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If you have metabolic syndrome or are at risk, this tea may help. A metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. In one study, this tea decreased systolic blood pressure by 7% and diastolic blood pressure by 3% after eight weeks.
Liver Damage
Some scientific evidence supports the use of the flower liver damage. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that the plant extract could protect against liver damage in rats. The rats in the study were given the plant extract for four weeks, and then their livers were assessed for damage. The extract was found to reduce liver damage in the rats significantly.
While more research is needed to confirm the effects of this plant on liver damage in humans, the plant may offer a natural way to help protect the liver.
Cancer
It is known to be a natural cancer fighter. Studies have shown that it can kill cancer cells and prevent them from spreading. It is especially effective against breast, colon, and skin cancer cells.
The plant is also full of antioxidants, which help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage and lead to disease. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, preventing them from causing damage.
Did You Know?
- The flower is the national flower of Malaysia.
- This plant is also edible for flower cakes.
- This tea is loaded with antioxidants and has many health benefits.
- The flowers can be used to make dyes and cosmetics.
- The plants come in many colours, including red, pink, white, and yellow.
- The flower is also known as the Rose of Sharon or Shoe Flower.
- The flowers usually bloom for only one day.
- The flower symbolizes several countries, including Haiti and Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Stunning Flower
Who should not drink hibiscus tea?
People who should not drink hibiscus tea include those with low blood pressure, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those taking diuretics or medications for high blood pressure. Additionally, people with conditions such as gout or kidney stones should avoid drinking hibiscus tea.
Do hibiscus bushes come back every year?
Yes, hibiscus bushes come back every year. Each spring, they send up new shoots from the roots, and by late summer, they’ll have formed a new flowering clump. Hibiscus plants are very easy to propagate either by dividing the root ball or taking stem cuttings.
Are hibiscus and Gumamela the same?
Yes, Hibiscus and Gumamela are the same plants. Hibiscus sabdariffa is the botanical name for the plant, and it’s also known as Roselle, Jamaica sorrel, sour tea, red sorrel, or roselle. The flowers and leaves of the Hibiscus sabdariffa are used to make drinks, jams, jellies, teas, and medicines.
What are the negative effects of hibiscus tea?
There are a few possible negative effects of hibiscus tea. First, it may interact with certain medications, so it’s best to check with a healthcare provider before consuming hibiscus tea if you’re taking medication. Second, hibiscus tea may increase the risk of urinary tract infections for some people. Finally, consuming too much hibiscus tea can lead to problems such as diarrhea and upset stomach. So it’s best to start out slowly when drinking hibiscus tea and see how your body tolerates it.
Is hibiscus toxic to dogs?
It is not generally toxic to dogs, but there are a few reported cases of hibiscus toxicity in dogs. In these cases, the dogs exhibited vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive panting.
If your dog has consumed the flowers or tea, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration in dogs, so it’s important to make sure they drink plenty of fluids. If your dog is exhibiting excessive panting, this may be a sign of an allergic reaction and you should also seek veterinary care.
How big do hibiscus plants get?
The plants will typically grow between 3 and 6 feet tall, with a comparable spread. Some varieties of hibiscus can get much larger – up to 10 or 12 feet tall! – but tend to be less bushy and more spindly in their growth habits.
The flowers come in a range of colours, from white to shades of red, orange, yellow, and pink. The flowers are showy and have a pleasant fragrance, making them popular as garden plants. They also do well as potted plants indoors.
How long do hibiscus plants live?
Hibiscus plants can live for several years, but they may not flower every year.
The flowers on a hibiscus plant will last for only one day, but new flowers will grow every day until the plant blooms out. Once the flowers have bloomed and dropped off, the bush will put all its energy into setting seed. After the seeds have been fertilized and set, the plant will die. So you may get several years out of a hibiscus plant, but it won’t flower every year.
Why do my hibiscus flowers only last one day?
Most likely, the flowers are not getting enough sun. Hibiscus need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom abundantly.
If you cannot provide them with adequate sunlight, you can try moving your plants closer to a window or placing them outside in bright sunlight for part of the day. Keep in mind that hibiscus flowers will last longer if they’re not placed in direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Should I remove dead flowers from the hibiscus?
Yes, you should remove the dead flowers. Dead flowers will not produce any new blooms, so it’s best to remove them so the plant can put its energy into blooming again.
Removing the dead flowers also keeps the plant looking neat and tidy. If you leave the dead flowers on the plant, they will start to rot and that could cause problems for the whole plant.
If you’re worried about not being able to tell which flowers are dead, just look for wilting petals or ones that have turned brown or black.
Is vinegar good for hibiscus plants?
Yes, vinegar can be used to help hibiscus plants. The acid in the vinegar helps to balance the pH of the soil, and it also helps to promote nutrient uptake. In addition, vinegar can help to protect plants from pests and diseases.
