Description

General aspect and origins - Hibiscus coccineus is also known as scarlet hibiscus, Texas star, scarlet rose mallow or summer poinsettia. It is native to Florida, USA, can reach up to 7 ft (more than 2 m) tall, and bears very ornamental scarlet flowers in summer.
Leaves - This herbaceous plant has decidious leaves. Leaves are deeply lobed (in fact, they are palmately compound) and have 3-7 lobes. Lobes are narrow, serrated and pointed.
Flowers - The scarlet hibiscus flowers in summer and early autumn. Each flower has five scarlet petals, and is up to 7 in (20 cm) wide and more. Flowers are short-lived but are regularly replaced.
Fruits - The fruit is an elongated capsule that is 1-2 in (1-2.5 cm) wide.

Culture

This Hibiscus is not only ornamental with its tropical aspect in summer, but is also frost hardy, as it can be grown in USDA zones 8 and warmer, and can even be tried in sheltered areas of USDA zone 7b.
Soil - This Hibiscus likes rich and moist soils. It can be grown near a pond, as it is native to wetland areas in Florida and Georgia, USA.

Propagation

This plant can be propagated by seeds and cuttings.