Cairo Red Hibiscus

Cairo Red Hibiscus (Hibiscus 'Cairo Red') is the classic tropical-garden hibiscus: vibrant red single flowers with rounded petals on a large, rounded bush of deep green leaves. It grows from about 1.5m up to 3m high, depending on climate and care, and about 2m wide, and it flowers from summer through winter. Its naturally rounded shape clips readily into a flowering hedge.

Why you'll love it

• Classic red flowers. Vibrant red, single blooms with rounded petals, simple and open, so bees can reach them easily.
• A long season. In a warm garden the flowers run from summer right through winter, a long season for a flowering shrub.
• Clips into a hedge. The naturally rounded habit responds well to clipping, so it forms a neat flowering hedge.
• Real presence. At up to 3m high and 2m wide it gives screening height and body, not just a few flowers at knee level.
• Deep green backdrop. Rich green leaves set off the red and keep the bush looking full between flushes.

Where it works best

Flowering hedge. Plant 1.5m apart in a single row. With a mature width of about 2m the bushes overlap, and light clipping turns them into a continuous red screen of 2m to 3m.

Mass planting. On a big block or along a long boundary, a drift of Cairo Red at the same 1.5m spacing gives a bold wall of colour.

Feature plant. Give a single bush room at the corner of a lawn or beside a tropical-style entry, with 2m of width to spread.

Growing Cairo Red Hibiscus in Australia

Position and climate. A sunny, sheltered position in the warmer parts of Australia suits it best. It enjoys humidity but must be protected from frost and from strong wind and exposed sites. Growth is damaged below about 2°C and a hard frost can kill a plant, so in cooler gardens it is a candidate for a large pot that moves under cover.

Soil. Free draining soil rich in organic matter that never stays soggy. In a container, add a potting mix rich in peat moss or humus.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, especially through the first summers and any dry spell. Fertilise after flowering in spring.

Pruning. Prune after flowering in spring. For a hedge, clip lightly to keep the rounded shape.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cairo Red Hibiscus as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. A bush that can reach 3m starts as a small plant, and tubes are the economical way to plant a long hedge. Expect it to take a few warm seasons to fill out.

Our grower supplies the tubes and does not always have them. If the tube shows as sold out, the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our hibiscus range
• Hibiscus care guide for Australian gardens
• Hedging and screening plants
• Plants for tropical climates

Common questions

How tall will Cairo Red grow?

From about 1.5m up to 3m, depending on climate and care. Warm, sheltered gardens with regular water produce the tallest bushes.

Can I clip it into a hedge?

Yes. Its naturally rounded shape responds well to clipping. Plant 1.5m apart and clip lightly after flowering in spring.

Will it survive frost?

No. Protect it from frost and strong wind. In cool areas grow it in a pot and move it under cover for winter.