Hibiscus schizopetalus (fringed rosemallow, "Furinbussoge")

Japanese name: フウリンブッソウゲ （風鈴仏桑花）
Scientific name: Hibiscus schizopetalus

[Overview]
An evergreen shrub 2–3 m tall.
The branch tips droop in an arch.
The leaves are simple and alternate, elliptic to ovate-elliptic, about 12 cm long, with serrated margins.
In the tropics it flowers all year round.
The flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils and hang down on long stalks; they are 5-petaled, 7–10 cm across, with petals finely cut like frills and curled back.
The flower color is usually reddish orange, with a pattern of paler variegation.
The staminal column is slender and hangs down.
The calyx is tubular, with very short lobes.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from cuttings.
It can be grown outdoors in southern Kyushu and Okinawa.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, fertile soil.
The plant tends to weaken in summer heat, so in midsummer move it to an airy place in partial shade to keep it cool.
In winter, bring it into a warm, sunny place indoors before frost falls.
For potted plants, from spring to autumn water thoroughly when the soil surface dries, and keep it on the dry side in winter.
Especially during the flowering period, the flowers drop if it dries out.
For established plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless sunny weather continues and the soil becomes dry.
From spring to autumn, apply slow-release fertilizer, but too much nitrogen produces only leaves and no flowers, so use a fertilizer rich in phosphate and potash.
While the plant is young, do not let it run short of water or fertilizer.
For potted plants, to maintain a compact shape, cut back all branches in autumn until only 2–3 leaves remain.
Remove spent flowers promptly.
Pests and diseases include aphids, spider mites, leaf rollers and scale insects.

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