The genus Hibiscus contains about 200 species of herbs, both perennials and annuals, and shrubs. Most of them are grown for their big showy flowers, but one also has colorful foliage and another is used for food. The leaves are mostly toothed or lobed and the flowers, borne singly or in terminal spikes, are of a very characteristic shape with a funnel of 5 overlapping petals and a central column of fused stamens. The foliage may be green or deep purplish but only the red form is commonly grown, and it is cultivated for its foliage rather than its less conspicuous dark-centered red or yellow flowers. These flowers are the largest of all hibiscus, some reaching 1 ft. across on a 6-8 ft. tall plant.
Plants die down in winter, even in mild climates, but are perfectly hardy.
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.