A Detailed Guide to the Differences Between Hibiscus mutabilis and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Stop Getting Them Wrong
Both belonging to the genus Hibiscus, Hibiscus mutabilis and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis also look very similar in appearance, so what are their differences? How do you tell them apart?
1. What are the differences between Hibiscus mutabilis and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis?
1. Different plant stems
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is a woody hibiscus, an evergreen shrub or small tree; Hibiscus mutabilis is herbaceous, a deciduous shrub or small tree.
2. Different flowers
Hibiscus mutabilis (a plant of the genus Hibiscus) generally refers to the changeable rose, whose flowers are white or pale red when they first open and later turn deep red, about 8 cm in diameter; the petals are nearly round, 4-5 cm in diameter, hairy on the outside and bearded at the base; the staminal column is 2.5-3 cm long and hairless; there are 5 styles, sparsely hairy. The capsule is oblate, about 2.5 cm in diameter, covered with pale yellow bristles and cottony hairs, and has 5 valves.
After the anthers of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis mature, spherical pollen grains can be seen; the red parts are the filaments, and all the filaments are fused into one bundle, which is called a monadelphous stamen. The stigma of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is five-lobed, with fuzzy protrusions on top; its flowers are large and beautiful, with five petals and split tips, enclosing the stamens inside and exposing only the five-forked style, almost at their fullest, with large and beautiful flowers in colors such as crimson, pale red, peach red, and yellow-white.
3. Different flowering periods
Hibiscus mutabilis blooms from October to November, opening milky white or pink in the early morning and turning deep red by evening.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis blooms all year round.
4. Growing environment
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis prefers a warm, humid climate, is not tolerant of cold or frost, tolerates shade, and is best grown in a sunny, well-ventilated place; it is not demanding about soil, but grows best in fertile, loose, slightly acidic soil, and the winter temperature should not be lower than 5°C.
Hibiscus mutabilis likes a warm, humid climate, loves sunlight, and has fairly strong adaptability.
5. Value
The flowers of Hibiscus mutabilis are extremely beautiful, and it is a major flowering tree species for viewing in late autumn. Hibiscus mutabilis has fairly wide uses: the bark fiber can be twisted into rope and woven into cloth; the roots, flowers, and leaves can all be used as medicine, and external application has the effect of reducing swelling and detoxifying.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis has large, brightly colored flowers and blooms in all four seasons, mainly for garden viewing. As medicine, it has the effects of clearing the lungs, cooling the blood, resolving dampness, and detoxifying. In medicine, it is used for regulating menstruation, mumps, or arthritis, stir-fried with wine before use.