University of Florida

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Common name(s): Chinese Hibiscus, Hawaiian Hibiscus, Rose-Of-China, China Rose

Plant type: evergreen medium shrub
Primary method of propagation: cutting
Alternate propagation method(s): seed, layering, grafting/budding

Propagation by Cuttings

Cutting type: stem tip
Time of year to take cuttings: late Summer
Cutting maturity: softwood
Rooting environment: intermittent mist
Soil temperature for best rooting: 70 degrees F
Time to rooting: 4-6 weeks

Propagation by Seed

Time of year to sow seed: Summer
Seed treatment: scarification
Preferred seed moisture: high humidity
Preferred temperature for germination: 80 degrees F
Time required for germination: 1-4 weeks
Light conditions for germination: 50%
Comment: Seeds should be collected before they are ejected from the capsule. An alternate seeding environment is greenhouse beds. Takes 10-14 months to flower.

Propagation by Layering

Type of Layering: air
Time of year to layer: Summer
Wounding: remove a ring of bark
Comment: akes 6-8 weeks for rooting.

Propagation by Grafting

Time of year to graft: Summer
Type of graft: cleft
Comment: For grafting stock preferences the rootstock should be 8