Hibiscus Species, Kenaf, Brown Indian Hemp
Hibiscuscannabinus

Synonym:Abelmoschus verrucosus

Synonym:Furcaria cannabina

Synonym:Hibiscus malangensis

Synonym:Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima

Synonym:Hibiscus vanderystii

Height

Spacing
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)

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

Sun Exposure
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)

Bloom Color
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Bloom Time
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Foliage
Scarlet (dark red)

Other details
Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall
Late Fall/Early Winter

Propagation Methods
Grown for foliage
Evergreen
Velvet/Fuzzy

Seed Collecting

Soil pH requirements
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

Patent Information

Foliage Color
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

Bloom Characteristics

Water Requirements

Where to Grow