These specimens can be up to 20 feet in diameter.
Individual plants vary in appearance from open and airy to compact.
The leaves are oval with a smooth upper surface and smooth or slightly toothed edges. The leaves are 4 to 6 inches long and often have red veins and stems. The single white flowers are pinwheel shaped, up to 4 inches across, and borne at the ends of the branches. The flowers may be slightly pink or may age to pale pink, and are slightly fragrant. In cultivation, Hibiscus arnottianus blooms almost continuously.