With more than 200 species in the genus Hibiscus, growers can choose from a wide variety of flower and leaf types. The diversity of this genus also allows homeowners in almost every climate zone from U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 2 through 11 to add colorful hibiscus plants to their yard. In general, the leaves of hibiscus plants are oval to lance-like and usually have a toothed margin. Some leaves are lobed, making them appear palm-shaped.
Hibiscus leaves range from the deep green, slender, 6-inch-long leaves of scarlet rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus), which grows best in USDA zones 5 through 9, to the 4-inch-long, palm-shaped, medium green leaves of Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), which grows in USDA zones 5 through 8. The 6-inch-long leaves of rose mallow (Hibiscus laevis) are shaped like the business end of a halberd -- the spear-like weapon a suit of armor holds. Also called the halberd-leaved swamp mallow, this plant grows best in USDA zones 4 through 9. Hailing from Europe, Hibiscus trionum grows best in USDA zones 2 through 11 and has dark green leaves only about 3 inches long, deeply divided and coarsely toothed. Growing in USDA zones 10 to 11, the evergreen Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) has oval, glossy dark green leaves.
Hibiscus leaves are prone to fungal, bacterial and viral diseases, Some insects like to feed on the inner juices of the leaves, while beetles and caterpillars of various species may eat the leaves.
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