Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood - Evergreen Trees Direct

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Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

$300.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.4m – 1.8m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only.

As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range.

If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase.

Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

All stock is grown, maintained and graded in strict accordance with AS 4373-2007, Australian Standard for Nursery Stock.

About Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’ is a fast-growing, evergreen Australian native shrub or small tree, widely recognised for its broad, heart-shaped burgundy foliage and tropical appearance. It produces large, yellow hibiscus-like flowers, which fade through orange to red, offering striking contrast against the deep foliage. The flowering period typically extends from spring through to late summer, adding reliable seasonal interest.

With a mature height of 4–8 metres and a spread of 3–6 metres, this variety forms a naturally rounded habit that can be pruned to shape or maintained as an informal screen. It performs exceptionally well in coastal, subtropical, and warm temperate climates, showing strong tolerance to salt, wind, clay soils, and occasional waterlogging.

They look excellent when planted in mixed native gardens, used as an informal hedge, or positioned as a small specimen tree in tropical-themed or coastal designs. The foliage colour provides striking contrast in both native and contemporary planting schemes.

Distinguishing Features

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood is a great option for you if you:

Want Low Maintenance
Want Fast Growing
Want Your Tree To Grow Tall
Want Shade
Want To Add Impact With A Feature Tree
Want A Flowering Tree
Want to Attract Birds And Bees
Want Salt Tolerance
Have Salty Soil
Want Natural Privacy
Want Something Easy to Manage

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6–8 m

Mature Width: 4–6 m

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

Root Ball Dimensions (Height & Width)

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping Cost

Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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VOLUME DISCOUNTS

10% off orders over $1,000
15% off orders over $2,000
20% off orders over $7,500

Discounts Apply Automatically at Checkout

About Your New Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’ is a fast-growing, evergreen Australian native shrub or small tree, widely recognised for its broad, heart-shaped burgundy foliage and tropical appearance. It produces large, yellow hibiscus-like flowers, which fade through orange to red, offering striking contrast against the deep foliage. The flowering period typically extends from spring through to late summer, adding reliable seasonal interest.

With a mature height of 4–8 metres and a spread of 3–6 metres, this variety forms a naturally rounded habit that can be pruned to shape or maintained as an informal screen. It performs exceptionally well in coastal, subtropical, and warm temperate climates, showing strong tolerance to salt, wind, clay soils, and occasional waterlogging.

They look excellent when planted in mixed native gardens, used as an informal hedge, or positioned as a small specimen tree in tropical-themed or coastal designs. The foliage colour provides striking contrast in both native and contemporary planting schemes.

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Uses in my Garden

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.

Is Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood Evergreen or Deciduous?

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

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 6–8 m

Mature Width: 4–6 m

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

Growth Rate of Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

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

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

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.

Does Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood Flower?

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

Is Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood an Australian Native Tree?

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.

What is the Wildlife Value of Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood ?

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.

How much Sunlight does Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood need?

Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood will thrive best in:

Full Sun
Part Shade

Preferred Soil?

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?

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.

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How To Plant Your Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Choose a full sun or part shade position with protection from heavy frost.
Ensure the soil is free-draining; tolerates sandy or clay soils, but not persistent waterlogging.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with native soil.
Water thoroughly at planting to eliminate air pockets and ensure good root-to-soil contact.
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds — keep mulch away from the stem.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Hedging & Screening: Space 2 – 3 m apart
Feature Planting: Space 3 – 5 m apart
Shade Canopy: Space 4 – 6 m apart
Avenue Planting: Space 4 – 6 m apart

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

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Hibiscus tiliaceus rubra Cottonwood

Water regularly during the first 12–18 months, especially in dry spells, to establish a deep root system.
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser annually in spring to support healthy foliage and flower production.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Hibiscus tiliaceus ‘Rubra’ suitable for coastal areas?
A: Yes, it is highly tolerant of salt and wind exposure, making it ideal for coastal planting.

Q: Can it be kept small or pruned into a tree shape?
A: Yes, it responds well to pruning and can be maintained as a shrub, informal hedge, or shaped into a small tree.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the flowers are attractive to bees and pollinators, and the dense canopy offers shelter for birds.

Q: Is it frost-tolerant?
A: It is frost-sensitive and best grown in frost-free or protected locations.