Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

• Screening or Privacy
• Feature Tree
• Shade Tree
• Council or Civic Landscapes
• Rural Property Planting
• Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood works in an:

• Tropical Garden – lush, leafy planting for a resort-style atmosphere.
• Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
• Contemporary / Architectural Garden – striking forms for bold design statements.
• Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height: 6–8 m

Mature Width: 4–6 m

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is expected to grow 0.5–1 m per year.

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is expected to grow 0.5–1 m per year.

They are considered to have a:

• Fast Growth Rate

Is Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood frost tolerant?

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

• Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville)
• Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
• Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
• Sydney & Central Coast
• South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
• Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
• Adelaide Metro & Coastal

Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’ produces large, soft yellow hibiscus flowers that age through orange to deep red over the course of the day. Blooming mainly from late spring through autumn, these colour-changing flowers sit beautifully against the rich burgundy foliage and provide a striking tropical-style display.

Does Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood flower?

• Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

• Spring
• Autumn

Flower Type:

• Bell-shaped
• Pollinator-attracting

Flower Colour:

Yellow

Yes

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is Native to Native to coastal areas of northern Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The ‘Rubra’ form is prized for its red-bronze foliage.

Its nectar-rich hibiscus blooms attract bees, butterflies and beneficial pollinating insects, while the dense, broad canopy offers excellent shelter and nesting habitat for small birds. The flowers also support day-flying moths and native pollinators, enriching subtropical and coastal garden biodiversity.

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood will thrive best in:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’ performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It can tolerate poorer coastal soils but may struggle in heavy clay unless improved with organic matter to enhance drainage and moisture balance. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then maintain deep, consistent watering through dry periods as it matures to support its foliage colour, flower performance and overall vigour.

Is Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, and once established ‘Rubra’ develops moderate drought tolerance. It performs best in warm, coastal and humid climates, but still handles dry periods well with deep, occasional watering to maintain leaf colour, vigour and flower production.