Hibiscus mutabilis

Confederate Rose, Cotton Rose, Changeable Rose

Colour

Flowers change color from white or pink to deep red or purple throughout the day.

Varieties

Message of the Flower

The Divine Grace

The Mother’s Comment

Thy goodness is infinite, we bow before Thee in gratitude.

Colour

Pure white to pink

Message of the Flower

Victorious Love

The Mother’s Comment

Sure of itself, fearless, generous, and smiling.

Colour

Pink

Family

Malvaceae

Cultivars

Includes both single and double-flowered varieties, with no specific cultivar names widely recognized.

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Large, up to 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in diameter.

Flower Texture

Soft and delicate.

Number of Petals

Five in single varieties; numerous in double varieties.

Floral Symmetry

Radially symmetrical.

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly fragrant.

Leaf Texture

Rough, slightly hairy.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green, with some varieties having a slightly fuzzy texture.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Shrub or small tree.

Life Cycle

Perennial in warm climates; often grown as an annual in cooler areas.

Blooming Period

Late summer to fall.

Climate

Prefers warm, temperate to subtropical climates.

Water Requirements

Moderate; requires consistent moisture but well-drained soil.

Soil Type

Prefers fertile, well-drained soils; tolerant of a range of soil types.

Temperature Ranges

Best in temperatures above 60F (15C); not frost-tolerant.

Sun or Shade

Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Can be susceptible to pests like aphids and diseases such as rust and leaf spot.

Pollinators

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.

Habitat

Native to China; cultivated worldwide in suitable climates.

Role in the Ecosystem

Ornamental use; provides nectar for pollinators.

Ornamental

Widely grown in gardens and landscapes for its striking, color-changing flowers and attractive foliage.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mainly ornamental; some traditional medicinal uses.

Endangered Status

Not considered endangered; widely cultivated.