Hibiscus is a shrub that features large vibrantly-colored flowers during the summer. There is confusion about whether Hibiscus is an annual or a perennial. There are two varieties of Hibiscus: hardy Hibiscus and tropical Hibiscus. Both types are perennials, but the tropical variety is grown as an annual in some instances.
Hibiscus is one of the most popular flowering plants grown in gardens across the world With their large, colorful blooms, hibiscus bring a touch of tropical flair wherever they’re planted But not all hibiscus are the same. There are two main types – hardy and tropical. Knowing how to distinguish between them is key for growing success.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to identify whether your hibiscus is a hardy or tropical variety.
What Exactly Are Hardy and Tropical Hibiscus?
First. let’s clarify what hardy and tropical hibiscus are
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Hardy hibiscus – These are varieties that can withstand colder winter temperatures. They go dormant and die back to the ground in fall, then regrow from the roots each spring. Hardy hibiscus are perennials suited for USDA zones 5-9.
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Tropical hibiscus – Tropical varieties thrive in hot, humid tropical or subtropical climates. They can’t tolerate frost or freezing temperatures. Tropical hibiscus are generally grown as perennials in zones 9-11 or as annuals in cooler areas.
5 Ways to Tell Hardy and Tropical Hibiscus Apart
Here are the top ways to distinguish between hardy and tropical hibiscus:
1. Check the Hardiness Zone
The simplest way is to check your USDA plant hardiness zone. This will give you a good indication if your hibiscus is hardy or tropical.
Hardy hibiscus varieties can grow in zones 5-9. Tropicals are only suited for zones 9-11.
So if you live in zone 8 or below, your hibiscus is almost certainly hardy. And if you’re in zone 9 or warmer, it’s likely a tropical variety.
2. Look at the Leaves
The leaves offer visual clues to identify type:
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Hardy hibiscus – Leaves are dull green, thick, and often slightly lobed or toothed.
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Tropical hibiscus – Leaves are glossy green, delicate, and smooth-edged.
Thicker, matte leaves signal a hardy variety. Thinner, shiny leaves indicate a tropical one.
3. Check Winter Dieback
See how the plant behaves in winter:
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Hardy hibiscus – Dies back completely to the ground after first frost.
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Tropical hibiscus – Stays evergreen and keeps leaves in warm climates. Dies back only when damaged by cold.
Winter dieback shows it’s hardy. Remaining evergreen means it’s tropical.
4. Note the Flower Colors
Flower colors provide clues:
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Hardy hibiscus – Cooler tones of white, pink, mauve, purple, red.
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Tropical hibiscus – Warm, bright colors like red, orange, yellow, peach, pink. Multicolored varieties common.
Bright, hot colors suggest tropical. Cooler shades indicate hardy.
5. Examine Overall Size
Size and growth habit differs:
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Hardy hibiscus – Grows 4-6 feet tall. Upright, tree-like form.
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Tropical hibiscus – Grows up to 10 feet tall. Spreading, multi-branched shrub shape.
Larger and more sprawling means tropical. Shorter and tree-shaped indicates hardy.
Other Identification Tips
Here are a few more helpful points for identifying hibiscus types:
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Check the plant tag or label for the botanical name. Tropicals are usually Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Hardy varieties come from Hibiscus moscheutos or Hibiscus mutabilis.
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Look at where the variety was bred. Tropicals originate from Hawaii, Tahiti, and other tropical regions. Hardy varieties come from temperate areas.
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Tropicals generally have slightly larger blooms, up to 6-8 inches wide. Hardy hibiscus flowers are typically 4-6 inches wide.
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Tropicals bloom nearly year-round. Hardy varieties bloom for a shorter period in summer.
Caring for Hardy and Tropical Hibiscus
Once you’ve identified your hibiscus type, you can provide proper care:
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Hardy hibiscus – Grow in full sun. Prune back in late fall. Mulch roots in winter.
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Tropical hibiscus – Grow in partial shade in hottest climates. Bring indoors or protect if temperatures drop below 40°F. Fertilize regularly.
Matching care to variety will ensure your hibiscus thrives and blooms abundantly.
Final Tips for Identifying Hibiscus
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Check your USDA hardiness zone – this provides the best initial clue to whether your plant is tropical or hardy.
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Examine leaves, winter dieback, flowers, and size – these key differences help distinguish the two types.
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Look for labels with botanical names and origin to confirm variety.
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Give proper care based on whether your hibiscus is hardy or tropical.
With this guide, you now have the knowledge to confidently identify what kind of hibiscus you have. Growing the right variety for your climate will lead to hibiscus success in your garden.
What is Tropical Hibiscus?
As the name implies, tropical Hibiscus grow in warmer areas and can be found in zones 9, 10, and 11. When grown in a warm climate, tropical Hibiscus is a perennial that will survive the winter. The tropical variety prefers temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees. It is best to cover the plant overnight if the temperature is expected to dip below 50 degrees.
Tropical Hibiscus may go dormant during the winter, but this plant can grow all year with the right conditions. Typically these are grown as hibiscus trees and grown as an ornamental annual in colder climates.
What is Hardy Hibiscus?
Hardy Hibiscus are perennial plants that grow in zones 4 through 8. As long as they are adequately protected in the winter, they will come back each year. Wrapping a hardy Hibiscus in fabric will ward off the winter chill and ensure the plant is ready to go come spring. A type of hibiscus, rose of sharon, is also typically cold hardy up to growing zone 5.
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FAQ
How to tell the difference between a tropical and hardy hibiscus?
The main difference between the two are in their names, tropical and hardy. The tropical hibiscus is best known as a patio plant that winterkill while the hardy plant returns each spring. Do not get this plant confused with Rose of Sharon, which is also a hibiscus.
How can I tell what type of hibiscus plant I have?
In general, tropical hibiscus leaves are dark green and glossy, and those on hardy hibiscus are medium green and heart-shaped. This isn’t always the case, however. The leaves on the hardy species Confederate rose (Hibiscus mutabilis), for example, are large and lobed (not heart-shaped).
What is hardy zone for hibiscus?
Hardy Hibiscus is a subset of Hibiscus refers specifically to species and hybrids that can withstand colder climates, typically hardy in USDA Zones 4-9. They are adapted to survive winter temperatures and often die back to the ground in cold climates, resprouting in spring.
What is the difference between Hardy and tropical hibiscus?
The first difference between hardy and tropical hibiscus is their hardiness zone. Hardy hibiscus are known to be hardy in zones 5 through 9, while tropical hibiscus is only hardy in zones 10 and 11. This means that hardy hibiscus can survive in colder climates, while tropical hibiscus will not survive in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you know if a hibiscus is hardy?
First and foremost, consider the climate. The easiest way to tell the difference between tropical and hardy hibiscuses is to look at the leaves. Tropical hibiscus plants have glossy, dark-green leaves, while perennial hibiscuses have duller leaves that are matte-like and less green—and they often have serrated edges.
Are hibiscus hardy?
No plant better evokes the beauty of a lush tropical paradise than hibiscus. With their exotic flowers in vivid shades, they are enchanting elements in any garden. Tropical hibiscus species are the top choice for the warmest hardiness zones, while hardy hibiscus look similar but are much more cold hardy.
Are hibiscus cold tolerant?
Hardy hibiscus, also known as perennial hibiscus, is cold-tolerant and can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Tropical hibiscus, on the other hand, is not cold-tolerant and requires warmer climates with temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Are there any specific regions where hardy hibiscus and tropical hibiscus grow?
How to plant Hibiscus?
Hardy hibiscus should be planted in regions with cold winters, while tropical hibiscus should be planted in regions with warm climates. Prepare the soil for planting. Hardy hibiscus prefers well-draining soil, while tropical hibiscus prefers moist soil with good drainage. Plant the hibiscus plants according to their particular requirements.
What does a hibiscus plant look like?
Tropical hibiscus plants have glossy, dark-green leaves, while perennial hibiscuses have duller leaves that are matte-like and less green. They often have serrated edges. Perennial hibiscuses flower in late summer to early fall—they are among the last of the summer flowers to bloom.