Cranberry hibiscus is an easy short-lived perennial to grow in Florida
| Cranberry hibiscus | Hibiscus acetosella |
| Season (FL) | Late summer, fall, winter |
| Soil type | Rich, well-draining |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water | Moderate |
| Mature plant size | 4’ tall, 4-6’ wide |
| Harvest | Continual |
Growing cranberry hibiscus in Florida
Cranberry hibiscus will grow just fine in the Florida heat. I planted some from seed, and since then volunteers have popped up around the yard.
Cranberry hibiscus makes a great colorful accent plant if you’re looking for color in the landscape. Plant in full sun for best color.
When to grow cranberry hibiscus in Florida
Cranberry hibiscus is best planted in the summer, and will continue to thrive through the winter if it doesn’t freeze.
What you’ll need
You can buy seeds online or from local gardeners and farmers markets. I purchased my original seeds on Etsy and from there, my plants came from cuttings or volunteers.
How to plant cranberry hibiscus
Simply plants seeds a quarter-inch deep in the soil and keep moist until they sprout. Once they’re growing, you can snip off the branches, stick them in soil, or root in a jar of water to create new plants.
Growing cranberry hibiscus in containers
Cranberry hibiscus is a great accent foliage for container plantings. In containers it will need more water than in the ground, but otherwise is easy to maintain. Place in an area with plenty of natural light.
3 tips on caring for your cranberry hibiscus
- Prune regularly for a more bushy growth habit.
- Monitor leaves for pests and disease and remove manually before it gets out of hand.
- Keep soil moist but not muddy.
When to harvest cranberry hibiscus
Harvest continually, as the leaves are great for tea as well as sauteed in butter as a snack.
Suggested recipe for cranberry hibiscus
Sautee in butter along with other greens. It will add a tart taste to the meal.
Harvest leaves and place in hot water for tea – more for color than for nutritional benefits.