It behaves more like a perennial in colder parts of its range, growing flowering branches from the woody base or short trunk. This hibiscus flowers in summer in white to pink, changing to deep red by evening with 4-6 inch flowers. H. Rosa-sinensis is an evergreen shrub in warmer climates. It needs protection if the temperature frequently drops below 30 degrees. This particular hibiscus grows well as an annual, and makes a good houseplant that can be brought outdoors during the warm season.
Individual flowers last only one day, but the plant blooms continually.
It requires excellent drainage, fertilization monthly, and prune out one third of the old wood each spring. Grown for its fleshy red base of yellow flowers which are used in making sauces, jellies, cool drinks, and teas. The flavor is similar to cranberry or red currant. Dried they are known as Jamaica flowers. They need a long, hot summer to ripen the flowers - which begin to bloom as the days, shorten in the fall.