Hibiscus plants produce stunning flowers that quickly become staples of any summer display. This is especially true of tropical hibiscus plants. What’s more, hibiscus flowers come in several stunning colors, including vibrant shades of orange. In this article, I’ll explore 12 beautiful types of orange hibiscus flowers.
- About Orange Hibiscus Flowers
- 12 Beautiful Types of Orange Hibiscus Flowers:
- 1) Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
- 2) Fiesta Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Fiesta’)
- 3) Hawaiian Sunset Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hawaiian Sunset’)
- 4) Pumpkin Pie Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Pumpkin Pie’)
- 5) Hugs and Kisses Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hugs and Kisses’)
- 6) Tropical Salmon Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Tropical Salmon’)
- 7) Orange Sunburst Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Sunburst’)
- 8) Double Orange Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Double Orange’)
- 9) Mandarin Wind Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Mandarin Wind’)
- 10) Sleeping Hibiscus (Malvaviscus arboreus)
- 11) Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus)
- 12) Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei)
- Wrapping Up
About Orange Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus plants are herbaceous annuals or perennials from the mallow family (Malvaceae). The Hibiscus genus contains hundreds of species, with most being classed either as hardy hibiscus or tropical hibiscus. Most types of orange hibiscus flowers are tropical hibiscus.
Orange tropical hibiscus plants are native to parts of Asia, the Americas, and the Pacific. Tropical hibiscus plants are also commonly cultivated in USDA Zones 9 to 12. Orange hibiscus flowers can symbolize energy, joy, passion, and vitality.
12 Beautiful Types of Orange Hibiscus Flowers:
1) Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Chinese hibiscus is one of my favorite types of hibiscus. This evergreen hibiscus is originally native to the Pacific island of Vanuatu. Chinese hibiscus has also been used to produce hundreds of hibiscus cultivars.
These hibiscus shrubs have ovate evergreen leaves with serrated edges. What’s great is these plants also have large, colorful orange flowers with wrinkled petals and prominent stamens. These beautiful flowers bloom year-round in warm climates but are at their best during summer and fall.
| Native Range: | Asia & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils with lots of organic matter |
2) Fiesta Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Fiesta’)
Fiesta hibiscus is a gorgeous type of Chinese hibiscus with stunning bright orange flowers. The center of each flower is dark red and is bordered by light pink rings. Fiesta hibiscus plants also have ovate evergreen leaves with toothed margins.
These orange hibiscus plants thrive in warm, humid conditions and moist, fertile soils in Zones 10 to 12. Plus, this tropical hibiscus variety can grow up to 8 feet tall in the right conditions.
| Native Range: | Asia & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 10 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils with lots of organic matter |
3) Hawaiian Sunset Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hawaiian Sunset’)
The Hawaiian Sunset hibiscus is another stunning tropical hibiscus with bright orange flowers. Each flower has a reddish-pink center surrounded by lavender or light pink veins. The dark green leaves are ovate to lanceolate and have serrated margins.
This elegant variety is another cultivar derived from the Chinese hibiscus. Hawaiian Sunset hibiscus plants grow up to approximately 6.5 feet tall. These hibiscus plants thrive in full sun or partial shade but need more shade during hot, dry summers.
| Native Range: | Asia & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils with lots of organic matter |
4) Pumpkin Pie Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Pumpkin Pie’)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Pumpkin Pie’ is a beautiful orange hibiscus derived from the Chinese hibiscus. These hibiscus plants have light orange blooms with ruffled petals. The center of each flower is soft pink.
Pumpkin Pie hibiscus also has evergreen ovate to lanceolate leaves and an upright growth habit. These hibiscus plants can reach up to 6 to 8 feet tall. In my experience, Pumpkin Pie hibiscus grows best in full sun (though it will tolerate partial shade if needed).
| Native Range: | Asia & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils with lots of organic matter |
5) Hugs and Kisses Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hugs and Kisses’)
Another beautiful orange hibiscus plant is the Hugs and Kisses hibiscus. This Chinese hibiscus cultivar has striking petals with shades of orange, pink, and light purple. This gives the flowers a stunning tie-dye effect.
Hugs and Kisses hibiscus grows to approximately 6.5 feet tall and thrives in well-draining soils that provide plenty of nutrients. These hibiscus flowers grow best in Zones 10 to 12.
| Native Range: | Asia & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 10 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils with lots of organic matter |
6) Tropical Salmon Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Tropical Salmon’)
The Tropical Salmon hibiscus is a gorgeous hibiscus cultivar with elegant pinkish-orange flowers. The center of each star-shaped flower is more orange than pink. These hibiscus plants also have glossy dark green leaves with serrated edges.
Tropical Salmon hibiscus shrubs can reach about 6 feet tall and wide and work well as hedges. I find these hibiscus shrubs do best in full sun or partial shade in Zones 9 to 12.
| Native Range: | Asia & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils with lots of organic matter |
7) Orange Sunburst Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Sunburst’)
The Orange Sunburst hibiscus is one of my favorite types of orange hibiscus flowers. This Chinese hibiscus variety has bright orange flowers with pink or creamy white centers. The beautiful ruffled petals overlap slightly, adding to the appeal of this hibiscus.
Orange Sunburst hibiscus shrubs grow up to approximately 5 to 6 feet tall. I love that the attractive flowers are complemented by dark green ovate leaves. This hibiscus variety thrives in Zones 9 to 12.
| Native Range: | Asia & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils with lots of organic matter |
8) Double Orange Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Double Orange’)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Double Orange’ has some of the most dramatic flowers of any orange hibiscus. This variety has ruffled double flowers with bright orange petals. The Double Orange hibiscus also has glossy dark green ovate to lanceolate leaves.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Double Orange’ grows best in full sun or partial shade in Zones 9 to 12. This hibiscus variety grows up to 6 feet tall and approximately 5 feet wide. It also has an upright habit.
| Native Range: | Asia & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils with lots of organic matter |
9) Mandarin Wind Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Mandarin Wind’)
The Mandarin Wind hibiscus is a dramatic Chinese hibiscus variety with beautiful orange flowers. These flowers also have dark red centers that are ringed with light pink. This variety also has ruffled petals to complete the look.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Mandarin Wind’ grows up to 15 feet tall and approximately 10 feet wide. As such, this ornamental shrub makes an excellent centerpiece for a tropical summer display. This hibiscus variety thrives in Zones 9 to 12.
| Native Range: | Asia & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Year-round |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils with lots of organic matter |
10) Sleeping Hibiscus (Malvaviscus arboreus)
The sleeping hibiscus is also known as the wax mallow or Turk’s cap. While not actually a member of the Hibiscus genus, this deciduous perennial shrub also belongs to the mallow family. Sleeping hibiscus shrubs are native throughout the Americas, including the southern United States.
Sleeping hibiscus shrubs have heart-shaped leaves with a slightly coarse texture. From summer to fall, sleeping hibiscus shrubs produce reddish-orange flowers. Before unfurling, the petals resemble a Turkish fez hat, hence the name Turk’s cap.
| Native Range: | The Americas |
| Growing Zones: | 7 to 10 |
| Flowering Season: | Summer to fall |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, well-draining soils that hold some moisture |
11) Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus)
Sea hibiscus shrubs are adaptable members of the mallow family. This hibiscus species is native to tropical coastal areas throughout Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific. It also grows in Hawaii. These hibiscus plants tolerate wet soils but need warm conditions in Zones 10 to 12.
Sea hibiscus shrubs have gorgeous flowers that change color throughout the day. Newly-opened flowers are bright yellow and have red centers. The flowers gradually turn orange and red before dropping off.
| Native Range: | Africa, Asia, Australia, & the Pacific |
| Growing Zones: | 10 to 12 |
| Flowering Season: | Throughout the year |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Rich, moist soils |
12) Hawaiian Hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei)
Hibiscus brackenridgei is one of the seven species of hibiscus that grow in Hawaii. This stunning but unfortunately rare hibiscus has bright yellow or orange flowers with dark red centers. Hibiscus brackenridgei also has fan-like leaves with five lobes.
Hibiscus brackenridgei plants are the official state flowers of Hawaii. These beautiful flowers usually bloom in late winter and spring but can flower throughout the year. Hibiscus brackenridgei needs warm temperatures in Zones 9 to 11.
| Native Range: | Hawaii |
| Growing Zones: | 9 to 11 |
| Flowering Season: | Winter to spring |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Requirements: | Dry, well-draining soils |
Wrapping Up
As we can see, there are several beautiful types of orange hibiscus flowers. Most of these are tropical hibiscus shrubs that thrive in Zones 9 to 12. Some of the most attractive orange hibiscus flowers include the Hawaiian Sunset hibiscus, sleeping hibiscus, and sea hibiscus.
For more, see our in-depth guide to some of the best orange flowers to grow in your garden and the meaning and symbolism of orange flowers.
Edd is a budding content writer and gardener living in the United Kingdom. He has a bachelor's degree in Creative and Professional Writing and has written for several gardening publications online. He is passionate about nature and sustainability with a focus on gardening and wildlife.
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