About Hibiscus coccineus (Medik.) Walter
Hibiscus coccineus (Medik.) Walter is a herbaceous perennial plant that dies back to the ground during winter. It reaches a height of 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.4 meters). Its palmately compound leaves are 5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 centimeters) wide, and closely resemble the leaves of hemp, Cannabis sativa. This species produces bright scarlet five-petaled flowers that are similar in appearance to hollyhock flowers. The flowers of Hibiscus coccineus attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, including the specialized bee species Ptilothrix bombiformis. This plant grows best when planted in full sun and kept in moist soil. It is winter hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6 through 9. The specific epithet coccineus is Latin for "coloured or dyed scarlet", while the genus name Hibiscus comes from the Greek and Latin word for "mallow".
