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Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hula Girl’ (Tropical Hibiscus)

Hula Girl Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus 'Hula Girl', Chinese Hibiscus 'Hula Girl'

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Hula Girl, Hula Girl Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus 'Hula Girl', Chinese Hibiscus 'Hula Girl', Yellow Hibiscus, Bicolor Hibiscus

Quite showy, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hula Girl’ (Tropical Hibiscus) is a vigorous evergreen shrub boasting large, brilliant yellow flowers with overlapping petals and a bright red throat. Blooming nearly year-round in mild climates, the blossoms stand out against the dark green foliage. This tropical flower is a flamboyant addition to the landscape or patio containers. The flowers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis are edible and are used in salads in the Pacific Islands.

  • Typically grows up to 6-8 ft. tall (180-240 cm) and 3-4 ft. wide (90-120 cm).
  • A full sun to part shade lover, this plant is best grown in neutral to slightly acidic, moist but well-drained soils. Tropical Hibiscus are easily grown in full sun in northern climates, but they will prefer partial shade in hot and dry climates. Sandy loam soil is ideal.
  • Indoors: This Tropical Hibiscus requires very bright light to bloom well. A sunny western or southern exposure that has at least 4-5 hours of bright, direct light is best.
  • Provide a site sheltered from strong winds.
  • Water freely during the growing season, sparingly in winter. Never allow the soil to dry out to the point of wilting.
  • Fertilize regularly from spring through fall, but cut back during the winter months.
  • Tropical Hibiscus add an exotic touch to foundation plantings, shrub borders, and can be used as flowering hedges. They make terrific accent or specimen plants and can be grown in containers, bringing color to patios and decks.
  • Hibiscus is not generally a plant that deer or other animals seek out to eat, but if other food sources are scarce, they may come along and make a meal out of your Hibiscus.
  • Tropical Hibiscus is sensitive to changing conditions. Changes in light or temperature during the growing season may result in bud drop.
  • Keep an eye out for aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and powdery mildew.
  • Pruning improves the shape of your Hibiscus, stimulates vigor and branching (the more branches, the more flowers), while opening up the center to air circulation and sunlight, thereby promoting new flowers.
  • Prune in early spring as cooler weather gives way to warm and new growth buds start to swell. Do not wait for these buds to open.
  • Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer
  • Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is probably native to tropical Asia.

Tropical Hibiscus


One of the most flamboyant flowering shrubs, Tropical Hibiscus add color and excitement to landscapes, patios and decks. Cultivated for centuries, Tropical Hibiscus flourish in sub-tropical climates and adapt well to container-growing in cooler areas.

Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Tropical Hibiscus, Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 36" - 48" (90cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hibiscus hamabo (Yellow Hibiscus)
Hibiscus Paraplu Violet® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus Paraplu Pink Ink® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus syriacus White Pillar® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus syriacus Red Pillar® (Rose of Sharon)
Hibiscus syriacus Purple Pillar® (Rose of Sharon)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Do Deer Eat Hibiscus?
Dinner Plate Hibiscus: The Perfect Showstopper for Your Garden
Types of Hibiscus: From Hardy to Tropical, Find Your Perfect Match
How to Propagate Hibiscus for Stunning Flower Displays
Hibiscus Leaves Turning Yellow: Reasons and Remedies
Hibiscus Flower Colors to Add a Splash of Beauty to Your Garden
How to Pick the Perfect Hibiscus Plant for Your Garden or Container
31 Best Bright-Light Indoor Plants to Transform Your Home
40 Tropical Plants for Your Outdoor Garden
30 Tropical Flowers for Your Garden or as House Plants
Small Trees and Shrubs That Bloom In Fall
Stunning Blue Flowers to Enhance Your Garden’s Beauty
Add a Splash of Color: Perfect Flowering Shrubs for Small Gardens
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
Rose of Sharon: How to Grow and Care with Success
Tropical Hibiscus
Top Hardy US Native Hibiscus Plants for Your Garden
Hardy Hibiscus: How to Plant, Grow and Care
Native Plant Alternatives to Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 11
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Tropical Hibiscus, Hibiscus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 6' - 8' (180cm - 240cm)
Spread 3' - 4' (90cm - 120cm)
Spacing 36" - 48" (90cm - 120cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Hibiscus
Guides with
Hibiscus
Not sure which Hibiscus to pick?
Compare Now

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