The flowers of the Hibiscus schizopetalus are so amazingly bizarre that at first sight it is hardly possible to recognize the relationship to Hibiscus. The red flowers have a fringed appearance and are bent backward to the blossom peduncle. This exposes the entire pistils and stamens, making them a favored landing station for butterflies. The Coral Hibiscus, also called Japanese Lantern (although it originates from East Africa), produces its exceptional flowers in abundance. Even very young plants bloom all summer long as soon as the required level of constant warmth is reached during the day as well as at night. Outdoors it usually blossoms from July/ August, in a conservatory it starts earlier. If placed outside, a wind-protected, sunny and warm place guarantees good flowering. Hibiscus schizopetalus differs from Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in its erect growth habit and its bent shoot tips. However, since the unusual flowers do not only appear at the tips of the shoots but also in the leaf axils, the low degree of branching is not a problem. In a winter garden, this makes the Coral Hibiscus an elegant solitary plant that can well be combined with ground cover plants.

Quality: extraordinarily shaped flowers; even young plants bloom; attracts butterflies
Use: in pots from May outside on balcony, terrace and in the garden; all-year in a heated greenhouse or bright room