In addition to producing delicious drinks and food, hibiscus plants are a favorite of landscapers in warmer climates because of their beautiful flowers. However, you may sometimes find hibiscus flowers growing on small trees. At other times, they seem to grow on shrubs. Is there a difference between the two plants? If so, how can you tell apart a hibiscus bush from a hibiscus tree?  This article discusses hibiscus bushes and hibiscus trees. By the end, you will be able to identify the distinctive hibiscus flowers. We will also review some common misconceptions about what separates a hibiscus “bush” from a hibiscus “tree.”  We will begin by asking two questions. First, what is the difference between a hibiscus bush and a hibiscus tree? Second, how can you tell the two apart? Let’s answer these questions together now!

Hibiscus Bush vs. Hibiscus Tree: Differences

Our first question to answer is “What differentiates a hibiscus bush from a hibiscus tree?” The short answer to that question is that these two plants are not fundamentally different! Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants which includes more than 200 different species. Hibiscus is a genus in the mallow, or Malvaceae, family. Malvaceae has more than 240 different genera, which together encompass thousands of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees. Many of them include flowering plants which blossom with vibrant, noticeable five-petaled flowers. 

Common Hibiscus Species in North America

The Hibiscus genus encompasses several species which blossom with large, colorful flowers. These species are often called hibiscus, or sometimes known as rose of Sharon or rose mallow. Some of the most common species in the genus are Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Hibiscus syriacus, which is often called rose of Sharon and is known as a common hibiscus in North America, is one of the most popular in the United States. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis often goes by the names Chinese hibiscus, Hawaiian hibiscus, and rose mallow. However, it is also sometimes known as common hibiscus, particularly in northern parts of the United States where it is more resilient to colder temperatures. Both of these species come in many different varieties. The various Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars often feature flowers of different size and color or have other unique features.  Hibiscus moscheutos and Hibiscus mutabilis are two other species which are native to the United States and are sometimes also grown into the shape of a tree. However, all four of these species of hibiscus all naturally grow in the shape of a bush. Hibiscus bushes and trees are not different species or even different cultivars. Rather, growers can achieve a tree-like shape in their hibiscus plants by pruning and training over time. Through this process, the naturally bushy hibiscus plants may be changed into a single-stalked tree-like shape. 

Because Hibiscus syriacus is one of the species most commonly grown and frequently sold as a tree in North America, this article will focus on the specifics of growing this common hibiscus. Some of the popular varieties of Hibiscus syriacus are:

‘DS03RS’ (Raspberry Smoothie): Bright pink, double-petaled variety.‘Aphrodite’: Variety with delicate pink flowers.Blue Chiffon®: Variety with pale purple, semi-double-petaled, 4-inch flowers.Blue Satin®: Variety with deep blue petals on the outside, which fade in color toward the eye before becoming bright magenta, contrasted with a yellow stamen.Lil’ Kim®: Dwarf variety with 3-inch white flowers, a dark magenta eye, and a yellow stamen.‘Lucy’: Variety with rosy, pink, double-petaled, 4-inch flowers.

Let’s discuss how your hibiscus plant may appear differently if you grow it as a bush or as a tree.

Hibiscus Quick Facts

Description of Hibiscus Shrub

When grown as an upright shrub, Hibiscus syriacus can reach 8 to 12 feet tall, with multiple trunks and bark that is light brown. The bush’s leaves will grow to be 4 inches long and are bright green. In bush form, hibiscus shrubs grow to reach a spread of 6 to 10 feet across at full maturity. In the United States, hibiscus bushes grow well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 – 8, sometimes 9. They are generally easy to grow in states of medium moisture and well-drained soil in places of full sun to partial shade. Hibiscus shrubs are tolerant of heat and humidity and prefer moist soils but can tolerate drought. Of course, the most noticeable part of the hibiscus bush is its large, dramatic flower blossoms. The hibiscus plant’s trumpet-shaped flowers can grow in a range of bright colors and range in size with different varieties. They open during mid-summer, usually around June or July. From there, they bloom in shades of red, blue, pink, white, and other shades until the fall. In general, they grow to be 2 to 4 inches across and open during the day, subsequently closing at night. 

Description of Hibiscus Tree

When grown as a tree, Hibiscus syriacus shares many of the same qualities as its bush counterpart. It will still grow to reach heights of 8 to 12 feet tall, with leaves that grow to be 4 inches long and flowers that are 2 to 4 inches across. It will also grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 – 8 and share similar needs for moisture, soil, and sun. However, rather than reaching a spread of 6 to 10 feet across, as in its shrub form, the tree form is pruned to have a single trunk. If a hibiscus plant is healthy and hardy at about 12 months old, growers may begin training it into tree shape. By the time it is mature, the hibiscus tree will have a single trunk (or just a few stems, if a multi-trunked tree shape) and will have several feet of trunk clearance from the ground before the foliage begins.

Hibiscus Bush vs. Hibiscus Tree: Key Differences

As described above, the significant differences between a hibiscus shrub and a hibiscus tree come from training and pruning, and not from breeding or biology. Those looking to purchase and plant a hibiscus tree do not need a different species or variety but can choose a cultivar of Hibiscus syriacus whether they want a tree or a bush. Without intentional training, hibiscus bushes will naturally develop into a shrub height and width. In this form, it will have many trunks, which will produce multiple branches and full foliage that is up to 8 or 10 feet across. Now, let’s learn more about hibiscus plants and how you can grow the bush or tree of your dreams! 

Hibiscus Bush vs. Hibiscus Tree: History

Today, there are numerous hibiscus species, which grow across the world. However, these modern hibiscus plants are descended from just eight original species.  Hibiscus syriacus was first cultivated in East Asia. The plant is native to Korea and parts of China, but was brought to other regions of Asia where it grew in popularity. The scientific name arose after the species was initially gathered from where it grew in Syrian gardens, even though historians now agree that this was not its place of origin. Today, Hibiscus syriacus and other hibiscus species are cultivated widely. They thrive particularly well in tropical and subtropical climates, where extended periods of sun contribute to especially large and beautiful flowers.  Today, hibiscus plants are incredibly popular flowering shrubs prized for their large, bright flowers which come in a range of colors and even have different color patterns. However, you may also notice that you can buy many Hibiscus syriacus varieties in tree form. Selling a variety as a small tree sets it apart from the bushes, but the tree form is not a distinctive quality of a cultivar. Rather, it is the result of early pruning. When a young hibiscus plant is trained in the nursery, plant growers prune away the branches to shape it into a single, central trunk or braid or weave multiple trunks together. 

Hibiscus Bush vs. Tree: Cultivation

The biggest difference that separates a hibiscus bush from a tree is that growing it into a tree shape takes work. Naturally, hibiscus plants are bushy and grow many trunks and branches, which extend outward. Because pruning it into a tree shape contradicts its natural growth pattern, growing a hibiscus plant into a tree requires regular pruning and training from early on. Starting from the time the plant is only a year old, a grower will begin to prune away other branches and, if needed, reinforce a single trunk so that it can grow straight up. This makes growing a hibiscus tree more labor-intensive for the nursery and a plant that will require more care when planted in a yard or container at home. Some experts recommend pruning your hibiscus plant each winter or spring to the point at which the bottom third of the shrub is bare, leaving only the main stem. You can work on developing your tree’s canopy by removing branches that are growing cross-ways or downward. Each year, you will need to repeat this process until you achieve your desired height for the tree. You will also want to identify several branches that are strong and growing upwards in the desired direction. Take off any side growth and prune the branches so that there is an open canopy for new growth. When planted outdoors, the hibiscus plant will attract wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds, who will seek nectar from the flowers.

Hibiscus Bush vs. Tree: Growing Conditions

You will find that Hibiscus syriacus grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 5-8, sometimes in Zone 9. Ensure that the plant has adequately nutritious soil, partial to full sun to promote larger flowers, and warm temperatures in which to blossom.  Hibiscus plants are fairly pest-free. However, they can be susceptible to leaf spots, blights, rusts, and canker, as well as insects such as Japanese beetles, which can damage the leaves if not managed appropriately.  Your hibiscus shrub will flower annually with very little maintenance. Pruning it into your ideal shape each spring will allow you to control its size and growth. Some experts suggest pruning back to only a few buds at the end of the winter will lead to larger blooms later in the year. In comparison, your hibiscus tree will also flower year after year. However, maintaining its tree-like shape will require your attention. In addition to the standard pruning required in the spring, keeping the tree shape will require continuous shaping and training. A benefit to growing a hibiscus tree, rather than leaving it as a shrub, is that it allows you to grow your hibiscus as a houseplant during the colder months. Plant your hibiscus in a large pot and keep it near a bright window. As long as they can grow in a sunny location, your indoor hibiscus plant will survive. Place it back outside during the spring or summer, where it can get fresh air and adequate direct sunlight. Ensure that you repot in larger pots as your tree grows and maintain your standard pruning. It is not recommended to keep your hibiscus plant indoors year-round, as they are outdoor plants that require sunlight and outside air to thrive. However, if your climate reaches very cold temperatures, bringing your hibiscus tree indoors in the winter can be a way to keep it healthy and happy.

Hibiscus Bush vs. Hibiscus Tree: Considerations

Some considerations you may want to keep in mind when determining if you prefer to plant and grow a hibiscus bush, or if you want to transform it into a small tree:

Which species and variety do you want to choose, and is it one suitable for pruning into a tree?What amount of time are you willing to devote to plant maintenance and upkeep (including regular pruning)? What amount of money are you willing to spend to purchase a mature tree instead of a young shrub, considering that mature trees may be more expensive?Are you hoping to plant your hibiscus outdoors or grow it inside a container indoors?Do you live in a climate suitable for growing your chosen species and variety outside? 

How you answer these questions may guide you to the best species and variety for you, and help you decide whether to grow your hibiscus plant as a shrub or a tree.

In Summary

This article reviews two strategies for growing hibiscus plants. You may even choose a variety with edible flowers, which you can transform into tea or baked goods. Whether you grow a hibiscus tree or shrub may depend on your landscaping goals, the amount of space you have available, and which species or variety of hibiscus you choose. Whether you want to achieve a wide, natural shrub form, or train your plant into the shape of a small tree, hibiscus plants will bring vibrant color and a tropical look to your yard or garden. 

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