Return to This Plant's Category:  Gmelina to Ilex Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' (Syn.: Hibiscus eetveldeanus), Red Shield Hibiscus, Purple-Leaved Hibiscus, False Roselle
	Code: 51615 Price: $9.95 Out of Stock
	Quantity in Basket: None

Family: Malvaceae Vigorous annual or short lived perennial to 5 feet high with dark reddish purple stems and leaves. The leaves are maple-like with 3 to 5 lobes with 2½ inch wide pale red-purple flowers with darker centers. Can be used for a summer hedge or accent plant. Looks nice contrasting with silver foliaged plants. Give full sun to partial shade with regular watering. May be killed by temperatures below 38F. Easy to take cuttings in the fall before frost and overwinter indoors or in a greenhouse. The flowers, young leaves, and shoots are eaten raw, steamed, or used in soups or stews, which gives a sour, sorrel-like flavor. Unlike similar species such as Hibiscus sabdariffa, the calyx is not edible. Native to East and Central Africa.

Keyed Cultural Guide: The following symbols are listed with many product descriptions. If so, they indicate special characteristics or growing requirements. Also, see "Cultural Information".

(B) Hanging
basket (D) Dwarf
under 12" (F) Flourescent lights for
indoor light culture (H) Humid
conditions (M) Miniature
under 6" (T) Terrarium
plant (W) Winter
flowering

Key to USDA Hardiness Zones