This is a close look at the lovely Australian Pink Hibiscus, Hibiscus splendens. Found only in eastern Australia, this beauty reaches heights of 15 feet. A fresh break from the gaudy modern hybrids, the 6" blooms have soft-pink petals pinstriped with white veins. The species was first described in 1828 by botanist Charles Fraser, who said: "This I consider the king of all the Australian plants I have seen. The flowers are of the most delicate pink and crimson and literally cover the plant".  This is an uncommon species, and seldom seen for sale.

Hibiscus splendens is a fast-growing perennial that gets about 10 to 14 feet tall here in San Francisco, although you can prune it shorter. If left unpruned, it takes on a tall, Christmas tree shape. The leaves themselves are terrific. They are fuzzy like felt, often hand-shaped, and about 7" long. The blooms appear all throughout spring and summer, and occasionally other times of the year. The color starts out a rich pink as the blooms are young, and then softens up as they open fully. The "eye" of the flower is a deep crimson and attracts butterflies and birds.

Hibiscus splendens comes from New South Wales in Australia, where temperatures are moderate year-round and nights are cool.  I have no info on how it will do in hot climates.  I suspect it will tolerate high temps if nights are cool, but the combination of hot days and warm nights might stress it.  It can handle a few degrees of brief frost, although it's best to protect it from all frost.  It enjoys sun, but it might need some afternoon shade in warmer climates.  In the right conditions, it's a low-maintenance plant that is easy to grow.

Unfortunately, fake seeds of it have been sold online.  I guarantee that my seeds and plants are genuine

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Detailed growing tips about this plant