Snowflake Hibiscus

Snowflake Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Snowflake') is a tropical shrub with something unusual: green leaves marked with white splashes and a pink fringe, topped with bright red windmill shaped flowers. It grows 1.5m to 2m tall and about 1.5m wide, and works as a feature plant or a hedge in warm gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage that earns its place. The white splashed, pink edged leaves look good all year, flowers or not.
• Red against white. Bright red windmill flowers stand out sharply against the variegated leaves.
• Proven as hedging. Brisbane Botanic Garden uses it as hedging, a good sign that it takes regular shaping.
• Tropical style. The look suits resort style plantings, courtyards and pool surrounds in warm climates.
• A manageable size. At 1.5m to 2m tall it fills a corner without towering over a fence.

Where it works best

Hedges. Plant 1.2m apart in a single row. At 1.5m wide the shrubs overlap and form a variegated hedge of 1.5m to 2m.

Feature plant. Place it in front of a plain green background, such as a dark fence or a wall of foliage, so the leaf pattern stands out.

Mass planting. Plant 1.2m apart in a staggered pattern for a block of bright foliage in a sunny bed.

Growing Snowflake Hibiscus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and shelter suit it, and it enjoys humidity, so tropical and subtropical gardens are ideal. Keep it out of strong wind and away from exposed sites, and protect it from frost. Cooler districts need a warm wall or a pot that can move under cover.

Soil. Soil that drains freely and is rich in compost suits it, provided it never stays wet. Add a humus rich potting mix when planting, and mulch.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, and keep water steady in dry spells so the variegated leaves do not crisp at the edges. Fertilise after flowering in spring.

Pruning. Prune after flowering in spring to keep the shrub dense. If a branch reverts to plain green, cut it back to the variegated growth so the pattern holds.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Snowflake Hibiscus as tube stock, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 300mm pots. Tube stock is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly and suits a long hedge, while the 140mm pots give a sturdier start and the 300mm pot gives an established plant for a feature spot. All travel upright and settle within a few weeks in warm weather.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out, and the notify button on the 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
• More variegated plants
• Designing a tropical garden that looks lush year round

Common questions

Why are the leaves splashed with white?

That is the natural variegation of this cultivar: green leaves with white splashes and a pink fringe. It is part of the plant's character, not a sign of disease.

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 1.2m apart in a single row. With a mature width of about 1.5m the plants overlap and form a continuous hedge.

Can it take frost?

No. It is a tropical shrub that needs frost protection and enjoys humidity. In cool climates grow it in a pot and move it under cover for winter.