Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) in the Hibiscus Database

General Plant Information (Edit)
Plant Habit:	Herb/Forb
Sun Requirements:	Full Sun Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Preferences:	Mesic
Soil pH Preferences:	Slightly acid (6.1 – 6.5) Neutral (6.6 – 7.3) Slightly alkaline (7.4 – 7.8)
Plant Height:	4 to 8 feet
Plant Spread:	4 to 6 feet
Fruit:	Dehiscent Other: 1/2 to 3/4 inch 5-valved green capsules, maturing to brown. Each chamber contains 3 to 4 kidney shaped light-brown seeds.
Fruiting Time:	Fall
Flowers:	Showy
Flower Color:	Yellow Other: Pale, buff-yellow to deep yellow with reddish-maroon eye; fading to pinkish in color
Bloom Size:	3"-4" 4"-5"
Flower Time:	Summer Late summer or early fall
Uses:	Medicinal Herb Vegetable
Edible Parts:	Leaves Flowers
Wildlife Attractant:	Bees Butterflies Hummingbirds
Resistances:	Humidity tolerant Drought tolerant
Propagation: Seeds:	Scarify seeds: Soak 24 hours. Needs specific temperature: 75-80F Depth to plant seed: 1/4 inch Start indoors Can handle transplanting
Propagation: Other methods:	Cuttings: Stem Cuttings: Tip Cuttings: Cane
Pollinators:	Various insects
Containers:	Suitable in 3 gallon or larger Needs excellent drainage in pots

Common names

Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) was a featured
Plant of the Day for December 16, 2015.

Photo Gallery

Comments:

Posted by SongofJoy (Clarksville, TN - Zone 6b) on Mar 9, 2012 4:07 PM concerning plant:

This plant is an annual or perennial herb or woody-based subshrub, growing 7-8 feet tall. The leaves are deeply three- to five-lobed, 3-6 inches long, arranged alternately on the stems.

The flowers are 3–4 inches in diameter, white to pale yellow with a dark red spot at the base of each petal and have a stout fleshy calyx which becomes fleshy and bright red as the fruit matures. It takes about six months to mature.

The plant is considered to have anti-hypertensive properties. In some places, the plant is primarily cultivated for the production of bast fibre from the stem of the plant. The fiber may be used as a substitute for jute in making burlap.

Hibiscus, specifically Roselle, has been used in folk medicine as a diuretic, mild laxative, and treatment for cardiac and nerve diseases and cancer.
[Wikipedia]

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Posted by Hazelcrestmikeb (Hazel Crest, IL - Zone 6a) on Nov 12, 2017 3:22 PM concerning plant:

Sorrell is a popular drink in the Carribbean during the Christmas season. Touching the outer layer of the pods and then touching your skin will cause severe itching.

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Plant Events from our members
lovesblooms	On February 21, 2020	Seeds germinated
lovesblooms	On February 18, 2020	Seeds sown indoors, heat/lights
lovesblooms	On February 8, 2017	Seeds germinated with bottom heat under lights
lovesblooms	On February 4, 2017	Seeds sown indoors
lovesblooms	On March 7, 2016	Seeds germinated
lovesblooms	On March 5, 2016	Seeds sown indoors
lovesblooms	On February 7, 2015	Seeds sown indoors
lovesblooms	On February 7, 2015	Seeds germinated
Horntoad	On November 7, 2015	Bloomed
Horntoad	On June 10, 2015	Seeds germinated
Horntoad	On June 8, 2015	Seeds sown
hlutzow	On December 30, 2021	Potted up From 1" cells to 4" pots.
hlutzow	On December 4, 2021	Seeds germinated
hlutzow	On November 27, 2021	Seeds sown
hlutzow	On November 26, 2021	Obtained plant
variegatagal	On April 30, 2022	Obtained plant The Okra Lady
variegatagal	On April 30, 2022	Obtained plant The Okra Lady

Discussion Threads about this plant

Thread Title	Last Reply	Replies
Link to making Roselle jam by pod	Feb 24, 2024 8:30 AM	3

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Hibiscus Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)