Hibiscus Mahogany Splendor

There is something about rainy weather after a nice warm winter day that has always has me reminiscing warm summer days and itching to get out into the garden. There is nothing I would rather do today than start growing all the plants, but it is still too early to start propagating for some. So instead, I am looking through old photos and writing down what plants I loved, which ones surprised me, and those that did not do as well as I would have hoped.

One plant that always surprises me and has been a staple in my garden for the last couple years is the Hibiscus Mahogany Splendor. I love most hibiscus plants but this one holds a special place in my heart. Between its beautiful foliage, versatility, and my memories, it is hands down one of my top ten favorite plants.

I first encountered this plant when my husband and I were visiting his parents in Hawaii and we toured an herb farm. While on the tour the tour guide instructed us to pluck off a leaf of a deep purple plant and taste it. My husband and I were hesitant at first because it looked too beautiful to be tasty but did as we were instructed. It was delicious! It was full of flavor and tasty. My husband even snuck in a couple more leaves, which is unlike him. I remember asking and hearing that it was a hibiscus. I left that trip with a mission to locate and grow that plant for my own garden. I’ve spent the last three years researching and growing this plant and I would love to share with you the information I have discovered:

Latin Name: Hibiscus acetosella

Common Names: Cranberry hibiscus, red-leaf hibiscus, false roselle, African rose mallow, etc.

Type: Tender woody perennial in Zones 8a-9b or annual depending on location. (Annual in most parts of Maryland. I am been unsuccessful in overwintering it outside yet).

Height: 3-6 ft

Width: 2-3 ft

Light: Full Sun to part shade

Pest: Deer resistant

Water: Moist well drained soil

This variety of hibiscus has mahogany-red foliage (hence Mahogany in the name) with maple-like leaf appearance. It is described as a short-lived sub shrub or a woody perennial depending on its location. It creates a nice contrast in the garden and can be used as a back-drop or border plant also. It performs best in full sun and in the ground but can also be grown in containers. It is a fast- growing vigorous plant so make sure you plant it in a container that will be able to handle the size. The hibiscus is drought and heat tolerant so it will thrive in those hot dry summer months of Maryland.

Mahogany Splendor Hibiscus can also be used in a cutting garden. I have created some beautiful bouquets with the foliage. The foliage is what steals the show with this plant. The flower is pretty but small and a lot of times it blooms late in the year and up north we rarely see the blooms. The best time to use the foliage is late summer through early fall.

Majority of the time I have grown this plant from seed with great germination and relative ease. In the past I started the seeds inside towards the end of January and had anywhere from 90-100% germination. I only put one seed per cell and within two months it is ready to be transplanted into a bigger pot due to size. In Maryland, March and April are questionable times to transplant outside so I normally put it into a bigger pot and wait until Mother’s Day when the danger of frost has passed. I have also found that this plant grows well from cuttings also. Just cut off a couple inches from the top of and stick in water until roots are formed. Once transplanted into the garden, this hibiscus takes off!

This plant is a showstopper! Due to great germination, I always have extras of this plant that I give away and two years ago I gave one to my parents. Then one day during the summer, my mother called me because they had a maintenance person over at the house to fix something and while there, he noticed the hibiscus in the yard and had to know what it was. Long story short, the guy ended up going online and buying seeds for the plant before leaving my parents’ house.

Despite first discovering this plant through eating it, I have not used this plant for food instead I typically use this plant for bouquets or garden interest. According to the Plants for a Future website, the leaves can be eaten raw or cooked in salads for example. The leaves and flowers can be used in teas. If you do decide to grow this plant to consume please make sure to do your research first and buy the plant or seed from a reputable source.

Happy Growing!

-Chelsea