Hibiscus mutabilis (Blushing Hibiscus)
A very different species from H. rosa-sinensis, with large palmate leaves, which is much less hardy preferring cooler temperatures and so should be kept in the shade.
It has very large 1-day single flowers or 2-day double flowers. The flower starts pure white in the morning (as in photo), but is pink by midday and dark pink (can be seen on the far left of the double flower) by evening. The double flower half opens on the first day (outer flower) and half on the second (so the 2 halves are different colours).
It has very large 1-day single flowers or 2-day double flowers. The flower starts pure white in the morning (as in photo), but is pink by midday and dark pink (can be seen on the far left of the double flower) by evening. The double flower half opens on the first day (outer flower) and half on the second (so the 2 halves are different colours).
Although the traditional single variety blushes during the day, many modern varieties remain a bright pink (left photo) all day.
Both singles and doubles are extremely attractive to mealybugs, so expect a constant battle to keep them healthy.
Both singles and doubles are extremely attractive to mealybugs, so expect a constant battle to keep them healthy.