Red braided hibiscus tree with a plaited trunk and large red flowers in a pot on a patio

Hibiscus Braid Red

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Categories:
Shrubs  ·  
Flowering Shrubs
Light
Morning sun / afternoon shade
Water
Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix heat. Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry; avoid prolonged dryness or soggy roots. Containers may need daily watering during extreme summer heat. Reduce watering in winter.
Size
4-8 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide
Habit
Rounded shrub – braided standard
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
A tropical hibiscus trained into a decorative braided-trunk tree, with glossy green foliage and showy red flowers. Best in a sheltered Phoenix location with afternoon shade and frost protection.
Bloom Time
Spring through fall
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Hummingbirds
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Growth Habit
Rounded shrub – braided standard
Mature Size
4-8 ft tall × 4-6 ft wide
Flower Color
Red
Foliage Color
Dark green
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Specimen / Accent, Tropical Garden
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Pollinator / Wildlife, Tropical
Soil
Amended / Rich, Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Asparagus fern, Croton, Dwarf schefflera, Irrigated locations, Pentas
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade; protect from intense western sun and reflected heat in Phoenix.

Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix heat. Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry; avoid prolonged dryness or soggy roots. Containers may need daily watering during extreme summer heat. Reduce watering in winter.

Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; slightly acidic soil is preferred. For containers, use a quality, freely draining potting mix.

Mature size: Typically maintained at 4–8 feet tall and 3–5 feet wide as a braided patio tree; can grow larger in the ground if protected from frost.

Bloom: Repeated blooms from spring through fall, potentially longer in warm, protected conditions. Extreme heat or cold may interrupt flowering.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may drop leaves during cold weather, drought, or other stress.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast during warm weather with adequate water and nutrition.