NC Native Plant Society:
Plant Details

Hibiscus coccineus

Scarlet Hibiscus, Scarlet Rosemallow, Red Hibiscus

Scientific Name:	Hibiscus coccineus
Genus:	Hibiscus
Species Epithet:	coccineus
Common Name:	Scarlet Hibiscus, Scarlet Rosemallow, Red Hibiscus
Plant Type	Herb/Wildflower
Life Cycle	Perennial
Plant Family	Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Native/Alien:	S.E. Native
Size:	3-6 ft.
Bloom Color(s):	Red
Light:	Sun - 6 or more hours of sun per day, Part Shade - 2 to 6 hours of sun per day
Soil Moisture:	Moist, Wet
Bloom Time:	July, August, September
Habitat Description:	Marshes, swamp forests, roadside swales, cultivated as an ornamental in yards, in much of our area presumably introduced from farther south, but sometimes appearing native. S. GA and s. AL south to s. FL.
Leaf Arrangement:	Alternate
Leaf Retention:	Deciduous
Leaf Type:	Leaves veined, not needle-like or scale-like
Leaf Form:	Simple
Life Cycle:	Perennial
Wildlife Value:	Highest Wildlife Value
Landscape Value:	Highly Recommended and Available
State Rank:	^(*Key)
Global Rank:	G4 - Apparently Secure ^(*Key)
State Status:	^(*Key)
Beautiful, large flowers in summer Garden in Orange County, NC Bettina Darveaux
Fruit is a 1 to 2 inch rounded, 5-chambered green capsule, turning brown at maturity and splitting to release the seeds. This is a close-up of the empty capsule in February. Garden in Orange County, NC Bettina Darveaux
Brilliant crimson-red flowers. New Hanover Co., NC, cultivated Charley Winterbauer
Elongated, brown capsules with five lobes. New Hanover Co., NC, cultivated Charley Winterbauer
Capsule with released seeds. There are usually around 34 seeds in each pod. New Hanover Co., NC, cultivated Charley Winterbauer
Links:	USDA PLANTS Database Record