Rose of Sharon, Confederate rose
Hibiscus mutabilis

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

A shrub which loses its leaves during the year. It grows to 3 m high and spreads to 2m across. The stem is erect and branching. The stem is covered with soft, star shaped hairs. The leaves are large and oval and divided like fingers on a hand and have 3-7 pointed lobes. The leaves can be 17 cm long. The flowers are funnel shaped and white and turn deep pink in a day. They can be double or single. They are 10 cm across. There are some named varieties.

There are about 220 Hibiscus species. The leaves are used in medicine as an expectorant.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows best in light to medium, well drained soils. It needs an open sunny position. It needs a humus rich, fertile soil. It is damaged by frost and cannot tolerate drought. It needs a temperature above 13°C. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, China (country/location of origin), Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Europe, Fiji, Gambia, Guianas, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Madagascar, Malaysia, Marquesas, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Lord Howe Island, Niue, Norfolk Island, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Reunion, Rotuma, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Slovenia, Suriname, Taiwan, USA, Thailand, Trinidad-Tobago, Vietnam, West Indies, Winward Is., Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The root is edible but it contains a lot of fibre. The leaves are eaten. They contain rutin. The leaves are boiled and eaten with oil and salt.

It is cultivated as an ornamental shrub. It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, flowers, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by cuttings or seed. The germination of seed is fairly rapid and plants can be transplanted. They can also be raised by air-layering.

Its other names

Local names

Bettada tavare, Changeable rose, Changing Rose, Chinaparatti, Chinese rose, Cotton rose, Fu rong hua, Gul-i-ajaib, Hinaparutti, Irratai-vellaichembarattam, Jushuanghua, Kyet-shaw, Mu fu rong, Neladavare, Phudung, Phuttan, Resisting frost flower, Sembarattai, Shalapara, Sthal kamal, Sthalopidmo, Sthalpadma, Suryakanti, Taw-wah, Tholopodmo, Thon-ban-hla, Tree lotus, Waru ladak, White Mallow

Synonyms

Abelmoschus mutabilis (L.) Wall. ex Hassk.; Abelmoschus venustus Walp.; Hibiscus immutabilis Dehnh.; Hibiscus javanicus Weinm.; Hibiscus malvarosa Noronha; Hibiscus sinensis Mill.; Ketmia mutabilis (L.) Moench;