< Back

Rock Hibiscus

Hibiscus denudatus

Out of stock

1 gallon

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low; Moderate

Exposure:

Mature size:

Growth rate:

Filtered Sun; Filtered Shade

2'x2'

Moderate

Flower color:

Flower season:

Pruning:

Pink; Purple

Spring; Summer; Fall

None

Wildlife

Monarchs:

Nectar pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Rabbit resistant:

Also known as Desert Hibiscus, Rock Rose Mallow and Paleface

A subtle but beautiful addition to the pollinator garden, Rock Hibiscus is in the mallow family but isn’t as bold or leafy as Desert Globe Mallow. This low-growing desert subshrub typically reaches 1.5 to 2 feet tall, with sparse gray-green foliage on slender stems. What it lacks in volume, it makes up for in charm: the delicate, bowl-shaped flowers range from white to pale pink or lavender, often with a deeper blush toward the center. The bright yellow, brush-like column of stamens and stigma stands upright in the flower’s center, making a striking contrast.

Rock Hibiscus attracts a wide variety of pollinators, including skippers, moths, other butterflies, and hummingbirds. It blooms in response to rainfall and tends to flower over a long season, from spring through fall, especially at lower elevations. Found naturally on rocky slopes, canyon walls, and sandy washes, it thrives in dry, well-drained soils from below 1,000 feet up to about 4,000 feet, blooming earlier at lower elevations and later in the summer at higher elevations.

While it may not be flashy, Rock Hibiscus is a reliable and graceful way to support pollinators and bring subtle beauty to desert landscapes.

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!

Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.

Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.