Hibiscus Species, Kenaf, Brown Indian Hemp
Hibiscuscannabinus

Family: Malvaceae (mal-VAY-see-ee)
Genus: Hibiscus (hi-BIS-kus)
Species: cannabinus (kan-na-BIN-us)

Synonym:Abelmoschus verrucosus

Synonym:Furcaria cannabina

Synonym:Hibiscus malangensis

Synonym:Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima

Synonym:Hibiscus vanderystii

Height

4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)

Spacing

24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)

Hardiness

USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)

Sun Exposure

Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Bloom Color

Scarlet (dark red)

Bloom Time

Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Late Fall/Early Winter

Foliage

Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Velvet/Fuzzy

Other details

Unknown

Propagation Methods

From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting

Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Wear gloves to protect hands when handling seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored

Soil pH requirements

6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information

Non-patented

Foliage Color

Blue-Green

Bloom Characteristics

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Water Requirements

Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Where to Grow

Unknown