Family: Malvaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 694 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Hibiscus
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. China, Taiwan
Description
The Cotton-rose, scientifically known as Hibiscus mutabilis, is a striking and versatile plant belonging to the family Malvaceae. Recognized for its captivating beauty and dramatic floral transformations, this plant is native to Southern China and Taiwan. It stands as a testament to the wonders of nature and the ability of plants to adapt and thrive in diverse environments.
Hibiscus mutabilis is celebrated for its large, showy flowers that undergo a remarkable color change throughout the day. This unique characteristic has earned it common names such as “Confederate rose” or “Dixie rosemallow,” in addition to “Cotton-rose.” The flowers typically blossom in the morning a pristine white, gradually transitioning to a deep pink or even red by evening. This dynamic color shift enchants onlookers and adds a continually changing palette to gardens and landscapes.
The foliage of the Cotton-rose is equally attractive, with its broad, lobed leaves providing a lush, green backdrop to the vibrant blooms. The plant thrives in warm, humid climates, reflecting its origins in the subtropical regions of East Asia. It can grow as either a shrub or a small tree, often reaching heights of up to 15 feet, making it a prominent feature in any horticultural setting. The Hibiscus mutabilis is not only admired for its aesthetic appeal but also for its robustness and relatively low maintenance requirements.
In addition to its ornamental value, the Cotton-rose holds cultural significance in its native regions. It has been cultivated for centuries and is often associated with good fortune and prosperity. Traditional uses of the plant include medicinal applications, where various parts of the plant are utilized in local remedies.
Overall, the Cotton-rose is a botanical marvel worthy of admiration and cultivation. Its striking flowers, historical significance, and adaptability make it a cherished addition to gardens and landscapes around the world. Whether appreciated for its beauty, its intriguing color-changing blooms, or its cultural heritage, Hibiscus mutabilis leaves an indelible impression on all who encounter it.
Common Names
Eng: confederate rose, confederate-rose, dixie rosemallow, changeable-rose, cotton-rose
Deu: filziger roseneibisch
Swe: föränderlig hibiskus
Spa: malva rosa
Por: rosa-louca
En: Cotton-rose, Confederate-rose, Dixie rosemallow, Cotton Rosemallow, Confederate rose, Changeable-rose, Changing Rose, Fuyo
Bn: স্থলপদ্ম
Zh: 木芙蓉
Eo: Hibisko
Fi: Villahibiskus
Fr: Caractère des dames
De: Filziger Roseneibisch
Hu: Gyapotrózsa
Id: Waru landak
Ja: Fuyō
Ko: Buyong, 부용
Ml: ചേഞ്ച് റോസ്
Fa: ختمی الوان
Pt: Rosa-louca
Es: Malva rosa
Sv: Föränderlig hibiskus, Bomullshibiskus
Zh-tw: 木芙蓉
Th: พุดตาน
Vi: Phù dung
Synonyms
- Hibiscus sinensis (Mill.)
- Hibiscus aestuans (Rottler ex Mast.)
- Hibiscus mutabilis f. plenus (S.Y.Hu)
- Hibiscus mutabilis var. flore-pleno (Andrews)
- Hibiscus malvarosa (Noronha)
- Hibiscus immutabilis (Dehnh. ex Walp.)
- Ketmia mutabilis ((L.) Moench)
- Hibiscus mutabilis var. roseoplenus (Makino)
- Abelmoschus mutabilis ((L.) Wall. ex Hassk.)
Distribution
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Alabama (introduced)
- Assam (introduced)
- Bangladesh (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- Borneo (introduced)
- Cameroon (introduced)
- Caroline Is. (introduced)
- China North-Central (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Ecuador (introduced)
- Gambia (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Japan (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Louisiana (introduced)
- Marianas (introduced)
- Marshall Is. (introduced)
- Mauritius (introduced)
- Nepal (introduced)
- Norfolk Is. (introduced)
- Northern Provinces (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Society Is. (introduced)
- Thailand (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
- Zimbabwe (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Oct 8, 2017 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2016 by Tela Botanica − La Spada ARTURO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2021 by Chrissy Filges (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 24, 2021 by M D (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Other
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – J. González (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Oct 1, 2016 by Tela Botanica − La Spada ARTURO (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 2, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 8, 2022 by Jim Knopf (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 15, 2021 by Manoj Kumar Verma (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 15, 2021 by Manoj Kumar Verma (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2020 by shrishti Narain (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 27, 2021 by Anas Khan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 19, 2021 by Vernon Noel (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Sep 25, 2021 by Canepa Manuel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 19, 2022 by Sean Mayfield (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 28, 2018 by Agustín Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 20, 2022 by 道草 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 24, 2021 by White Lion (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 1, 2022 by FIX (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 21, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2020 by black (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 22, 2022 by Giovanni Rivieccio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 25, 2022 by Charles Lee (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Julia Tabone (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2020 by napoli jr armando (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 17, 2020 by napoli jr armando (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 14, 2020 by Kohei Matsubara (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3152555)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:560549-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Hibiscus mutabilis L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub