Hibiscus Flower

The botanical name is Hibiscus Moscheutos, and they are generally divided into four groups: Hardy Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon, Tropical Hibiscus, and the rest of the species are simply known as Hibiscus.

Hibiscus is a perennial plant that blooms throughout the year. The flowers are big, colourful, and trumpet-shaped. They come in colours ranging from white to pink, red, blue, orange, and yellow. They are widely cultivated as ornamental plants for their showy flowers, or used as landscape shrubs. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds are attracted to them.

Hibiscus are hardy, versatile plants. They are easy to plant. Cut a section of a branch and stick it in the soil or in a pot. In the early stage, make sure they have enough water. If you grow them in pots, make sure that the pots have drainage holes. Although Hibiscus like water, over-saturation of the roots will cause them to rot.

It is said that the hibiscus flowers can be used to make tea. I guess they have to be processed first. Dried hibiscus is edible and can be candied, and used as a garnish, usually for desserts.

Apparently, the Hibiscus is the national flower of Haiti, South Korea and Malaysia.

Here are some close-up and macro shots of the Hibiscus flower.