Hibiscus heterophyllus
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Hibiscus heterophyllus

Queensland-sorrel · Green kurrajong · Native rosella · Sorreltree

Tier 2 Difficulty: easy Water: low Light: full_sun
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 9–11
Click count
168
Observations
48

Description

Source: leafsnap

Hibiscus heterophyllus, commonly known as native rosella or toilet paper bush, is a flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It a shrub or small tree with white, pale pink or yellow flowers with a dark red centre and grows in New South Wales and Queensland.

Care Guide

💧 Water

Native to subtropical climates, the rosella plant thrives in moderate humidity and can withstand brief dry periods. It should be watered every 1-2 weeks. Primarily grown outdoors for its ornamental beauty, native rosella benefits from mulching, which helps retain soil moisture during its active growing season.

☀️ Light Full sun

Native rosella is found in open areas like sunny meadows and the edges of forests, where light is plentiful. It does best in full sun but can also tolerate partial sun, adapting well to a range of light conditions.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

Native rosella is fairly adaptable to temperature, tolerating high heat and wide temperature fluctuations. In hot weather, attention should be paid to watering and providing proper shade to avoid sunburn. Conversely, native rosella is relatively sensitive to low temperatures; it can handle some cold, but extreme cold can cause frost damage.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Correct timing is important for fertilizing Native rosella. Begin fertilizing in early spring and continue monthly until early summer. Fertilizer promotes attractive blooms and supplies energy during both dormant periods and active growth.

🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning

The native rosella requires minimal pruning, ideally performed in early spring, with 2-4 buds retained on each branch. To achieve the desired shape, vary the heights of the trunks and remove the lower lateral branches. After the plant blooms in the fall, rejuvenate old branches by cutting the trunks back to 30-45 cm. Finally, apply a slow-release fertilizer to encourage new growth.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Hibiscus
Family
Malvaceae
Hardiness Zone
9-11
Mature Height
1.83 m
Mature Spread
91 cm
Leaf Color
Dark Green, Forest Green
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
White, Pink
Flower Size
10.16 cm to 15.24 cm
Bloom Time
Summer, Fall
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Harvest Time
Fall, Early winter, Mid winter
Native Area
Myanmar

Tags (7)

Common Names (4)

en Queensland-sorrel
en Green kurrajong
en Native rosella
en Sorreltree