Cranberry hibiscus plants are short-lived sub-shrub or woody perennials, that might only survive for a handful of years, but because they grow so rapidly, they are still a good value for the garden. The leaves can be ovate or lobed, but the newer varieties have been bred to have deeply lobed, finely cut leaves like Japanese maples. You’ll find them in shades of green with red veining right through to a full deep burgundy leaf. The cranberry hibiscus has typical hibiscus funnel-shaped flowers in yellow and red. Unlike most other hibiscus plants, the flowers are incidental on Hibiscus acetosella and some of the newer cultivars don’t flower at all. Although Hibiscus acetosella is an upright grower, mature plants can split and flop.
Light
Hibiscus acetosella grows best in full sun to partial shade, but the best color is when the plant is located full sun. Plants might need partial shade in extremely hot, dry conditions.
Soil
It’s important that the soil is rich and also well-draining because the cranberry hibiscus will not tolerate sitting in wet soil.
Water
Keep the soil moist, but not wet. Letting the soil dry out will cause the leaves to drop.
Temperature and Humidity
The hardiness rating of Hibiscus acetosella depends on the variety you are growing. Most are only hardy in USDA Zones 7-11.
Fertilizer
Fertilize monthly to bi-monthly during the summer, with any balanced fertilizer. Don’t over-feed container-grown plants, unless you have a larger container to move them to. They grow quickly.
Using Cranberry Hibiscus in Your Garden Design
Hibiscus acetosella makes a nice focal point, where a Japanese maple tree might be too large. They combine strikingly with chartreuse plants as well as with softer shades of pink and white. Some of the smaller cultivars make excellent potted plants and can be overwintered in a greenhouse.
Types of Cranberry Hibiscus
Because Hibiscus acetosella has recently become popular with plant breeders, you have several excellent varieties from which to choose.
Hibiscus ‘Red Shield’ (syn. “Coppertone”): Iridescent maroon leaves and stems with deep red flowers. (3-4 ft. (h) x 4 - 6 ft. (w)/Zones 8 - 11)Hibiscus ‘Panama Red’: Deeply cut red leaves and bright red flowers. (4’ (h) x 4 - 6’ (w)/Zones 9 - 11)Hibiscus ‘Panama Bronze’: Purple-bronze leaves and red flowers. Color is more intense in full sun. Bred specifically for hot-humid conditions. (4 ft. (h) x 4 - 6 ft./Zones 9 - 11)Hibiscus ‘Garden Leader Gro Big Red’: Deep red leaves, burgundy flowers. (5 ft. (h) x 5 - 6 ft. (w)/Zones 8 -10)
Pruning
Pruning is not required but can be done to shape or control the size of your plant. Branches that grow fast and long will tend to arch and open the center of the plant. Some pruning helps this hibiscus to maintain a bushy shape. Wind can also take its toll on long branches and tatter the leaves.
Overwintering
Hibiscus acetosella can be overwintered in containers, indoors. If you do not have sufficient light to keep Hibiscus acetosella growing indoors, it will go dormant and can be tucked somewhere cool, dark, and out of the way. Water the soil when it feels dry and move it into the sun in early spring. Be patient, it might not start sending out new growth until late spring.
Common Pests
Hibiscus acetosella is fairly problem free, although Japanese beetles will skeletonize the leaves.
How to Get Cranberry Hibiscus to Bloom
There are sporadic blooms throughout the summer, but the flowers are not very showy. The newer cultivars, which are bred for their foliage, tend to bloom less frequently than the species, if at all.
