Hibiscus diversifolius

Swamp Hibiscus

The Swamp Hibiscus, Hibiscus diversifolius, is NZ native shrub that typically grows to 3 m tall and the same wide as a mass of tangled branches. The green leaves have diverse shapes, even on the same plant, and both the stems and leaves are covered in short, stiff bristle-like hairs. Flowers produced in summer are pale yellow with purple centres and are held facing downwards. This Hibiscus originates from coastal areas and prefers a warm and sunny, frost-free site that is well-drained but will also grow on heavier and poorly drained sites. The Swamp Hibiscus is commonly used in a mixed planting in a coastal garden or in revegetation plantings.