Description
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis | Tropical Hibiscus ‘Ruby Tuesday’
Tropical Hibiscus, also known as Hawaiian Hibiscus, Garden Hibiscus, Chinese Hibiscus, China Rose, Fencing Flower, Shoe Flower, and Shoeblack Plant, is a large tropical shrub in the Mallow family known for its bold, large, funnel-shaped flowers with showy centers.
Tropical Hibiscus is considered to be part of the ‘Lilibiscus’ section of the genus which as of late has been making a comeback. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars are the result of hybridization of ancient and modern Hibiscus varieties from a number of species― the majority being from the Mascarene Islands in the Indian Ocean and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific. This complex hybrid group was derived from most, if not all of the following species: Hibiscus genevii, Hibiscus kokio, Hibiscus liliiflorus, Hibiscus schizopetalus, Hibiscus arnottianus, Hibiscus fragilis, Hibiscus boryanus, Hibiscus denisonii, and Hibiscus storckii. Given its genetic history, it is not surprising that Hibiscus rosa-sinensis exhibits a wide array of traits and a dazzling variety of forms and flower colors.
The ‘Ruby Tuesday’ Hibiscus variety is known for its large 7–9 inch single flowers, which are characterized by their very bright and intense ruby red petals and a purplish metallic eye. It is known for having an upright bush habit growing to 4-6 ft tall and wide. Extremely easy to grow and blooms prolifically. Highly recommended for collectors and tropical flower aficionados!
Thrives in rich, moist soil with good drainage and full sun (6+ hours) for maximum blooming. However, in hot and dry climates or regions with extreme summer sun, it will benefit from part shade or filtered afternoon light to prevent leaf scorch. Appreciates high humidity and protection from wind. Does NOT tolerate frost. Plant in your flower or butterfly garden or in a naturalized area. Plant multiples for use as a small screen or hedge, or plant singularly as an accent plant. Its large flowers are an attractant for specialized bees and pollinators. Resistant to browsing by deer.
Light exposure: Full sun to part shade
Indoor light exposure: Direct or indirect sunlight
Mature height: 4-6 ft
Mature width: 4-6 ft
Hardiness zones: 9-11, annual in all others
UNROOTED CUTTINGS:
- Price is for five unrooted cuttings (5)
- Each cutting is 4-9 inches long. May be single top or multi-top.
- Guaranteed to be green, healthy, and alive. Plus pest and pathogen free.
- Guaranteed to be true-to-name.
- Packages are shipped out on Mondays and Tuesdays ONLY.
- If it’s believed the plants are not alive and healthy when you receive them you must let us know any concerns you have within 24 hours of arrival. If we do not hear any concerns within 24 hours it will be assumed that everything arrived in good standing. We cannot be held responsible for mishaps, errors, mistakes, or bad luck after this time frame.
ROOTING INSTRUCTIONS:
How to prepare cuttings to root via rooting cubes inside a humidity dome.
- Upon arrival, give cuttings a new fresh cut on the bottom of the stem. Then set in a cup of water for a minimum of 15 minutes.
- After soaking, gently cut or scrape small marks into the bottom portion of the plant stem (½ inch) with scissors or a razor blade.
- Dip the scarred end of the stem into rooting gel or rooting powder (gel is superior). This can be done without rooting gel, but results are not as good.
- Insert the plant stem into a rooting cube (Oasis cubes, grow plugs, soil-cubes, rock-wool cubes, etc) and place into a nursery tray with a humidity dome over the top. One cutting per cube. Custom individual humidity domes can be made using plastic cups and/or plastic cling wrap.
- After the first 3-5 days, the humidity dome should be opened up or set ajar to slowly allow more air in as the plants start to root. At this point, the cubes should be allowed to become mostly dry before adding any more water.
- Once 2-3 roots grow out of the bottom of the root-cube, the plant can be transplanted into soil.
- More detailed rooting instructions will accompany your order.
