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Hibiscus schizopetalus (Fringed Hibiscus)

Fringed Hibiscus, Coral Hibiscus, Japanese Hibiscus, Japanese Lantern, Skeleton Hibiscus, Chinese Lantern, Pagoda Flower

AGM Award
Hibiscus schizopetalus, Fringed Hibiscus, Coral Hibiscus, Japanese Hibiscus, Japanese Lantern , Flowering Shrub, red flowers, Red Hibiscus

A Hibiscus species well worth growing, award-winning Hibiscus schizopetalus (Fringed Hibiscus) is an erect evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub with unusual, lacy flowers. Instead of upward or outward-facing flowers, the flowers are pendulous and dangle from slim, gracefully arching stems, clad with ovate, dark green leaves. Reminiscent of Japanese lanterns, the intriguing blossoms are bright red or streaked red and pink with recurved, fringed petals and a long staminal tube strikingly projecting. Fringed Hibiscus will bloom intermittently throughout the year if it is given sufficient light. A fascinating plant that takes little effort to grow.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
  • Typically grows up to 6-8 ft. tall (180-240 cm) with a spread of 5-6 ft. (150-180 cm). Fringed Hibiscus is a fast grower and will easily achieve several feet of growth in a single season.
  • A full sun lover, this plant is best grown in rich, moist, well-drained soils. Drought intolerant.
  • Watch for aphids, mealybugs, thrips and powdery mildew. Deer resistant.
  • Where winter hardy, grow as a specimen plant, in small groups or as a hedge or screen. Suitable for container planting in areas subject to frost.
  • Fringed Hibiscus blooms better if left unpruned, as the flowers are produced on short spurs from the previous year’s wood. So pruning should be done sparingly – every 3-4 years to maintain vigor.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or semi-ripe cuttings or greenwood cuttings
  • Native to tropical east Africa

Requirements

Hardiness 10 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Japanese Lantern, Hibiscus, Chinese Lantern
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 5' - 6'
(150cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Painted Lady’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Fifth Dimension’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Cooperi’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hula Girl’ (Tropical Hibiscus)
Hibiscus ‘Kopper King’ (Rose Mallow)
Hibiscus ‘Lord Baltimore’ (Rose Mallow)

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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 - 12
Heat Zones 1 - 12
Climate Zones 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Malvaceae
Genus Hibiscus
Common names Japanese Lantern, Hibiscus, Chinese Lantern
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 6' - 8'
(180cm - 240cm)
Spread 5' - 6'
(150cm - 180cm)
Spacing 72" (180cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen, Semi-Evergreen
Tolerance Deer
Attracts Butterflies
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens, Patio And Containers
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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