Hibiscus heterophyllus
Queensland-sorrel · Green kurrajong · Native rosella · Sorreltree
Description
Source: leafsnapHibiscus 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.
🌡️ 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.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 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