False Roselle

False Roselle Care

Hibiscus Acetosella

What is the plant

Gardeners who love plants with striking color may find themselves drawn to the cranberry hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella). This African native produces deep red to burgundy, maplelike leaves that thrive in warm temperatures. Reddish-purple, trumpet shaped, 2-inch wide flowers appear in late fall and last through the winter. Known also as false roselle, red leaf hibiscus or maroon mallow, the cranberry hibiscus grows best in full sun and fertile, fast-draining soil. Hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, cranberry hibiscus grows quickly and requires spacing of 6 to 10 feet.

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Lighting

Full Sun

Hardiness zone

min 9b

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
Water the cranberry hibiscus when the top 2 to 3 inches of soil becomes dry. Water the surrounding soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches using a garden hose. Never allow the soil to become soggy. Check the plant periodically for signs of wilting stems or leaves when temperatures reach 90 degrees or higher. Water the cranberry hibiscus immediately if you discover drooping foliage.
Pruning
Prune the cranberry hibiscus two to three times during the growing season to keep its size under control. Cut out any dead, damaged or diseased stems using a pair of pruning shears.
Fertilizer
Fertilize the cranberry hibiscus in the spring, just after the first flush of new growth appears. Apply a 10-30-10 nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium slow-release fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per square foot of soil. Spread the fertilizer in a band, just outside the perimeter of the shrub. Mix the granules into the top 1 to 3 inches of soil using a rake. Water the area thoroughly. Fertilize the cranberry hibiscus every four months during the growing season.

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Sunlight
Cranberry hibiscus favors full sun but will grow in light shade, albeit a bit leggy.
Soil
It grows in a variety of soil types but does best in well-draining soil.
Popularity
280 people already have this plant 34 people have added this plant to their wishlists