Sea Hibiscus - Hibiscus tiliaceus

Sea Hibiscus Hibiscus tiliaceus

A striking coastal specimen with broad, heart-shaped foliage and a continuous display of vivid yellow blooms that deepen to orange and red as the day progresses. Hibiscus tiliaceus delivers year-round presence, bold, tropical, and structurally commanding in any landscape.

Why Sea Hibiscus

Flower Display: Daily succession of blooms cycling from bright yellow through orange to deep crimson, a dynamic, living colour sequence.
Coastal Resilience: Exceptional tolerance of salt air, wind exposure, and sandy soils, purpose-built for coastal and waterfront projects.
Rapid Canopy: Fast-establishing with a broad, spreading canopy that delivers shade and structure without years of waiting.
Tropical Aesthetic: Large, lush foliage creates an immediate sense of density and maturity befitting high-end resort and residential landscapes.
Low Maintenance: Once established, demands minimal intervention, a professional-grade performer that holds its presence season after season.

Ideal Applications

Coastal Properties: Planted as a windbreak or feature specimen on exposed beachfront and waterfront sites.
Resort & Hospitality Landscapes: Delivers the tropical canopy and continuous colour expected in premium leisure environments.
Screening & Privacy: Dense foliage makes it an effective living screen for boundary planting on residential and commercial projects.
Specimen Planting: Positioned as a standalone focal point where immediate scale and year-round interest are non-negotiable.

Specimen & Installation

Spacing (screening/hedge): 3–4m
Spacing (feature/avenue): 6–10m
Planting Season: Spring to early summer in tropical and subtropical regions; avoid dry season planting without irrigation
Soil & Drainage: Adaptable to a wide range of soils including sandy, loamy, and clay; tolerates saline and waterlogged conditions; prefers well-drained to moderately moist soils
Establishment Care: Water deeply and regularly during the first 6–12 months until established, particularly during dry periods. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Plant Details

Height: 8–10m
Width: 6–10m
Growth Rate: Fast
Foliage: Evergreen
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Native to: Tropical and subtropical coastlines of the Indo-Pacific region, including northern Australia
Flower Colour: Yellow with dark red or maroon centre, ageing to orange-red