What are the characteristics of the Chinese lantern flower? A complete introduction to this flowering plant

Other names for the Chinese lantern flower

Because its shape slightly resembles the hibiscus, the Chinese lantern flower is also known as South American hibiscus and curled-petal hibiscus; in addition, the Chinese lantern flower is also called lantern hibiscus, dahongpao, drooping Chinese lantern flower, small Chinese lantern flower, and pink Chinese lantern flower.

Morphological characteristics of the Chinese lantern flower

The Chinese lantern flower is an evergreen shrub, similar in appearance to the hibiscus, but its leaves are narrower and longer, and deep green in color. Unlike other hibiscus types, the flower does not fully open; the bright red petals curl spirally into a hanging-bell shape, with the long, slender stamens and pistils protruding beyond the petals from the bud, the petals slightly twisting to the left, never opening from the bud state, fish-red in color, with broad heart-shaped leaves that are shallowly two-lobed or angular. The most distinctive feature is that the flowers hang downward.

Growth habits of the Chinese lantern flower

The Chinese lantern flower likes high temperatures, high humidity and a sunny environment; it is heat-tolerant, drought-tolerant, poor-soil-tolerant, moisture-tolerant, not tolerant of cold or frost, slightly shade-tolerant, dislikes waterlogging, and grows quickly.

The Chinese lantern flower is not demanding about soil, and does best in fertile, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic soil.