Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Panama Red'
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade in Phoenix. Strong light promotes red foliage, but intense reflected heat and late-afternoon summer sun can scorch leaves.
Water: Water deeply and regularly during warm weather, allowing the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Containers may need daily watering in extreme heat; reduce watering in winter.
Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with compost. Avoid waterlogged sites; mulch the root zone while keeping mulch away from stems.
Mature size: Approximately 4–6 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide during a long growing season.
Bloom: May produce flowers in late fall or winter as days shorten. Flowering is often limited by cold weather; foliage is the main attraction.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free climates; frost-tender in Phoenix Zone 9b. Cold may cause leaf loss, stem dieback, or plant death.
Growth rate: Fast in warm weather with adequate water and nutrients.