Malvaceae
Hibiscus schizopetalus
Fringed Hibiscus
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This evergreen shrub, native to tropical East Africa, typically grows to 1.8 to 3 metres tall with arching branches. Its striking red or pink flowers are deeply pinnately-lobed and fringed, creating a delicate, lacy appearance as they dangle from long pedicels. The leaves are ovate, serrate, unlobed, and dark green, complementing the unique blossoms that appear intermittently throughout the year.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for a Kilifi coast garden, this plant thrives in full sun and rich, moist, well-drained soil. It works beautifully as a specimen plant, in ornamental borders, or as a vibrant hedge, tolerating some salt spray. Allow ample space for its mature size of 1-3 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, with direct planting spaced approximately 1x1 metre apart.
Growing notes
A fast grower, the Fringed Hibiscus can achieve several feet of growth in a single season and requires consistent, abundant watering, particularly when young, as it is intolerant of drought. It prefers warm conditions and should be protected from temperatures below 10°C. For best flowering, prune sparingly every 3-4 years, as blossoms form on the previous year's wood.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wisc.edu, missouribotanicalgarden.org, wikipedia.org, wildlifeofhawaii.com, gggp.org, youtube.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.