Hibiscus poeppigii


Hibiscus poeppigii, formerly Achania poeppigii, is a species of evergreen herbaceous perennial flowering plant in the genus Hibiscus commonly called the poeppig's rosemallow or fairy hibiscus.

Etymology

Hibiscus poeppigii is named after Eduard Friedrich Poeppig, a German botanist who was active in the 19th century.

Description

Hibiscus poeppigii is a subshrub, a partly woody plant, that can grow to as much as in height. Its leaves are generally a broad egg shape generally with three lobes 1.2 to 4.5 centimeters long by 1.2 to 4.3 cm wide. The flowers hang downwards and are a narrow funnel shape breaking with separate petals that measures some 0.7 to 1.2 centimeters long and half as wide. The petals are generally red, but on occasion may be pink. The stamen column extends out of the flower and is bright red with dark orange pollen.

Distribution

Hibiscus poeppigii is native to the Americas, found in Monroe and Miami-Dade counties in Florida, Mexico, the West Indies, and Guatemala.
It prefers morning sun, with some hot afternoon shade. Its blooms are only open for a day. Although resistant to the cold, below 40°F, it is no longer cold-tolerant. It needs full sun or partial shade.