Description
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Hibiscus cooperi) | Variegated Hibiscus ‘Carnival’ (aka ‘Roseflake’)
Variegated Hibiscus, also known as Coopers Hibiscus, Checkered Hibiscus, Hawaiian Hibiscus, Garden Hibiscus, Chinese Hibiscus, China Rose, Fencing Flower, and Shoeblack Plant, is an old type of Hibiscus in the ‘Lilibiscus’ (Tropical Hibiscus) section of the genus that is now 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. There are even a handful of variegated hibiscus plants that are available and widely grown as an ornamentals for their brilliantly-colored foliage of different colors, which adds great texture and interest even when it not in flower. The more sun exposure or direct sunlight, the brighter and more pronounced the variegation will be on these woody shrubs.
The ‘Carnival’ variegated Hibiscus variety is the original variegated hibiscus plant and happens to be the most rare in cultivation today. It’s often confused with and mislabeled as the more common variety on the market, ‘Rose Queen’. The difference between ‘Rose Queen’ and ‘Carnival’ is that Carnival has variegation that is a softer pink and the variegation is typically more segmented on the leaves, rather than splashed’. Plus carnival is more of a dwarf plant that is slower growing than all other variegated varieties. With that said, it may also be the most beautiful. Its blazing-red tropical flowers have a blackish-crimson center contrast wonderfully with the tri-colored leaves. Flowers will bloom on new growth throughout the long-daylight season.
While most Variegated Hibiscus varieties flower profusely with irrigation, during periods of drought they will often revert to a vegetative state ―with a decrease in growth and a decrease in the size of both leaves and flowers, so keep the flowers coming, keep them well-watered in heat.
Well suited for permanent potted culture as an indoor tropical houseplant, or can be grown outdoors as a perennial in zones 10+.
Outdoor light exposure: Full sun
Indoor light exposure: Direct sunlight/high light
Mature height: 2-3 ft
Mature width: 2 ft
Hardiness zones: 10-11
Rooted in 4-inch pot [4-12 inches tall]
The plant you will receive will be one of these plants or a similar one.
Please note: We ship plants orders out on Mondays and Tuesdays only.
