Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade; protect from intense western sun and reflected heat.
Water: Moderate to high water needs in Phoenix. Water deeply when the top 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry; check frequently during extreme heat. Reduce watering in winter and avoid soggy soil.
Soil: Fertile, organically enriched, well-drained soil; slightly acidic soil is preferred. Phoenix’s alkaline soil may require micronutrient management.
Mature size: Typically 6–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, depending on cultivar; often smaller in containers or where frost limits growth.
Bloom: Repeated blooms from spring through fall, sometimes into winter in frost-free locations; extreme heat or cold can reduce flowering.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may drop leaves or suffer stem dieback during cold weather.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with warmth, adequate water, and nutrition.