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Sea Hibiscus

The Story

Plant Bio

Hibiscus tiliaceus is a large, evergreen coastal tree or spreading shrub native to Old World tropics, characterized by a dense, rounded canopy and broad, heart-shaped leaves with whitish-velvety undersides. The solitary, bell-shaped flowers emerge bright yellow with deep crimson centers, shifting to orange and red before they drop.

This species exhibits a distinctive walking habit where low-hanging branches root upon contacting the ground to stabilize shifting coastal sands. New foliage emerges with light green to bronze tones, providing subtle color contrast against the mature dark green leaves.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a dense, architectural canopy with heart-shaped leaves and color-changing yellow-to-red flowers.

Acts as an exceptional windbreak and salt-tolerant barrier in exposed coastal landscapes.

Stabilizes shifting coastal dunes and provides habitat and forage for generalist insect pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

394"

Width

394"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low to moderate once established

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Old World tropics

Toxicity

Skin irritant (seed capsule hairs)

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light dappled shade with sandy, loamy, or clay soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth it was in the container.
Water deeply and regularly until the root system is fully established to ensure drought tolerance.
Allow lower branches to spread naturally if soil stabilization or a walking tree habit is desired.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning heavily into old, leafless wood, as this ruins the natural multi-stemmed architectural canopy and results in slow, patchy regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Provide full sun to maximize flower production and maintain dense canopy growth.
Wear gloves when handling mature seed capsules to avoid skin irritation from fine fibers.

Don't

Do not prune aggressively into old, bare wood unless managing size strictly.
Do not plant in poorly drained, heavy clay soils where standing water is permanent.
Do not apply heavy fertilizers, as this species thrives in low-nutrient coastal soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal windbreakSoil stabilizationShade treeSpecimen plantingHedge or screen

Companion Plants

Conocarpus erectus Coccoloba uvifera Scaevola taccada

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Sea Hibiscus questions

What zones can Sea Hibiscus grow in?

Sea Hibiscus is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Sea Hibiscus bloom?

Sea Hibiscus typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Sea Hibiscus need full sun?

Sea Hibiscus does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Sea Hibiscus drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Sea Hibiscus handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.