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Hibiscus mutabilis - L.

Common Name Cotton Rose, Dixie rosemallow
Family Malvaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Thickets in S. Japan[58].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (2 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Hibiscus mutabilis Cotton Rose, Dixie rosemallow


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hibiscus_mutabilis_Blanco1.175-cropped.jpg
Hibiscus mutabilis Cotton Rose, Dixie rosemallow
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Dalgial

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Hibiscus mutabilis is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to October, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Root
Edible Uses: Rutin

Leaves[177]. The leaves contain rutin, but the report does not say what quantity[218]. Root - it is edible but very fibrousy[144]. Mucilaginous, without very much flavour[144].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Antiphlogistic  Demulcent  Depurative  Expectorant  Febrifuge

The leaves are anodyne, antidotal, demulcent, expectorant and refrigerant[218]. With the flowers, they are applied to burns, swellings and other skin problems[147, 218, 240]. The flowers are antiphlogistic, depurative, febrifuge, pulmonary and stimulant[147, 240]. A decoction is used in the treatment of lung ailments[218, 240].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Fibre

A fibre from the bark is used for making cords and rope[178, 272].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a well-drained humus rich fertile soil in full sun[200]. Prefers a warm but wet winter[260]. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it is frost-tender and top growth will be killed by even a slight frost. However, the roots are somewhat hardier and the plant can resprout from the base after a few degrees of frost[200, 260]. The plant can probably be grown outdoors in the mildest areas of the country especially if given a good mulch in the winter. It is widely cultivated in tropical and occasionally in temperate areas as an ornamental plant, there are many named varieties[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a warm greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. If growing them as annuals, plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer and protect them with a frame or cloche until they are growing away well. If hoping to grow them as perennials, then it is better to grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year and to plant them out in early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Overwinter them in a warm greenhouse and plant out after the last expected frosts.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

58200

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Readers comment

ANN WYATT   Tue May 17 22:42:34 2005

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW TO PROPOGATE MY CONFEDERATE ROSE FROM SEEDS. I HAVE TRIED JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING I CAN TO GET MORE PLANTS.PLEASE HELP

   Sat Nov 1 2008

I am in the same position as the writer who asked how to grow Confederate Roses from seeds. I was just given some and know nothing about the plant or how they propagate. I live in Alabama and would appreciate any advice from those familiar with this said to be beautiful plant. (I have only seen pictures on the Web.)Thank you.

John   Sun May 24 2009

Just plant 10 - 20 seeds together. You can start in pots inside during winter or wait until after last freeze to direct sow in a prepared spot. I have grown many of these plants by simply casting them on a prepared spot when soil begins to warm a month before spring. Most seedlings can take a frost but not a freeze.

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Subject : Hibiscus mutabilis  
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