With its large and vivid flowers, Hibiscus is probably the most popular ornamental plant in many parts of the world including India.
In this post, let us get to know some of the most beautiful and popular hibiscus varieties based on color and appearance.
There are innumerable varieties and cultivars of Hibiscus. Among these, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the most common. In Kerala, it is known as Nadan Chembarathi. In earlier times itself, almost all households in Kerala used to have least one such plant in the courtyard. It was also a part of several home remedies and also a pooja flower.
Different Varieties of Hibiscus
All the photographs were taken from rural areas in different parts of Kerala. Most of these are cultivars of the same species.
1. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis – Red Hibiscus
This is the most common variety. With its bright red petals, it has a stunning appearance. It is also known as nadan chembarathi, because it is believed to be the native type. When people say about Chembarathi, they are usually referring to this particular variety.
Its flowers and leaves are traditionally used to make chembarathi-thali, a homemade solution for healthy hair.
It pure red flowers are used for pooja in temples, especially as an offer to Hindu Goddesses.
2. Orange Double Flower
Also known as Orange El-Capitolio, this flower has double layer of petals with a red center.
3. Bright Orange
It has a comparatively larger when compared to the previous two varieties. The bright orange looks stunning under full Sun.
4. Pale Orange Red-centered
The shape is quite similar to the normal variety but with pale orange flowers and a red center, also known as Madeline Champion.
5. Japanese Lantern
Here is another species with a distinct look. Its petals look as if they were torn artistically. The scientific name is Hibiscus schizopetalus.
6. Sleeping Hibiscus
The scientific name is Malvaviscus arboreus. The flowers look like they have not yet bloomed. Since it resembles a bud, its Malayalam name is Mottu Chembarathi.
There are many varieties within this species with different flower colors like pink and red.
7. Rose Mallow
It looks very similar to the Bright Orange variety given above except for the rose colored petals.
8. Rose Double-Flower
This is a double flower variety with petals closely arranged. Unlike Orange El-Capitano, the two layers do not have space in between.
9. Cooperi Hibiscus
Cooperi Hibiscus has variegated leaves and petals.
These are just a few of the beautiful types. Do you have any other varieties in your garden? Feel free to comment about them below.