Common Name: Hollyhock Tree

General Information

Hibiscus splendens is a shrub or a small tree of open habit that can grow from 3 - 6 metres tall[].
The plant is a source of fibre, used locally to make cloth, rope etc. It is grown as an ornamental, especially in Australia.

Known Hazards

The hairs on the seed capsules can cause severe skin irritation and need to be handled with care[].

Botanical References

Range

Ausrealia- Queensland, New South Wales

Habitat

Usually on rocky slopes in mixed forest[]. Open forests[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Hibiscus splendens is a native of eastern Australia, usually growing near the coast, and found from the tropics of northern Queensland to the warm temperate regions of southeastern New South Wales. It is not very cold hardy, tolerating short periods with temperatures down to around -8°c when fully dormant, though plants will often resprout from near the base if the stems are killed by winter cold[].
Requires a sunny position, tolerating some shade in warmer climates[].
Individual flowers last only 1 - 2 days, but new flowers continue to open over a long period, generally from spring through to summer[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A very strong, white fibre with a fine texture Is obtained by maceration of the inner bark[].

Propagation

Seed - sow early spring in a warm greenhouse. Germination is usually fairly rapid and no special pretreatment is needed, although germination will be faster if the seed is abraded or soaked prior to sowing[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in the greenhouse for their first year and to plant them out in early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[]. They generally strike readily, particularly if cuttings are taken on an angle through a node and rooting hormone is applied to their ends[]. Overwinter them in a warm greenhouse and plant out after the last expected frosts.