Bushbernie's Garden
Japanese Lantern Hibiscus or Coral Hibiscus
Genus: Hibiscus.
Species: Hibiscus schizopetalus.
Hibiscus schizopetalus is an evergreen shrub from the tropical East Africa. It has slender stems and an elegant drooping habit. It grows to around 3m tall in a sunny tropical garden.
This plant is grown for its beautiful bright red to coral coloured flowers. The flowers droop and the feathery petals curve upwards defying gravity, hanging from the centre of the flower is a long staminal column.
The leaves are rounded and deep green with a toothed margin and create a good barrier if planted close to a fence.
Needs well drained soil.
Water regularly and fertilise during the flowering season.
Trim after flowering to maintain shape and density.
