Family: Malvaceae
Common name: Cranberry hibiscus, African rosemallow, False roselle, Maroon mallow, Red leaved hibiscus, Red shield hibiscus
Cranberry hibiscus is a sturdy flowering plant that can be seen in gardens and also in the wild, recognized by its reddish-green leaves and deep pink flowers. They are said to be native to Africa, but these plants can grow well in tropical and sub-tropical weather.
Plant characteristics
Cranberry hibiscus plants grow to a height of about 2 meters with a well-branched stem that has a reddish-maroon tint. The base of the stem can become quite woody as the plant matures, turning brown in color.
Leaves of Cranberry hibiscus are one of the striking features of the plant, most gardeners love these plants for their purple-tinted, palmate leaves. Some leaves are deeply lobed, having distinct leaflets, whereas some others are slightly lobed.
Younger leaves towards the tip might not look lobed at all. They are 10-12 cm long with a serrated margin, the coloring depending on the sunlight and soil composition.
Flowers of Cranberry hibiscus are very pretty, and similar in structure to normal Hibiscus flowers. They are trumpet-shaped with five distinct petals, and are deep pink, red, or maroon in color. These flower are 5-7 cm in diameter and look gorgeous against the backdrop of the deep-colored leaves.
Flowers are usually single, borne at the axils, the angle formed between the leaves and the stem. Since the flowers are not produced at the tip of the stem, they are not very conspicuous. But since the Cranberry hibiscus plant produces flowers in plenty, they look very pretty in the blooming season.
The dark-red flowers with prominent stamens in the center attract pollinators like small birds, bees, butterflies, and insects to the garden. Once pollinated, the flowers produce small, capsule-shaped fruits that contain multiple seeds.
Gardening tips
Cranberry hibiscus plants love growing in bright sunlight, flowering in plenty when there is good sunlight. They prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil, but these plants are very sturdy and can grow in open areas, roadsides, and neglected land.
They do not need regular watering, except during peak summer season when the leaves can wilt if the plants are not watered. Fertilization can be done to encourage quicker growth and flowering.
Though these plant are quite bushy, they can be pruned to keep them compact. Like most Hibiscus plants, these plants are prone to pest infestations from aphids, mealy bugs, and fungi, which can be removed by regularly spraying neem oil or pesticide.
Uses of Cranberry Hibiscus
Leaves of the Cranberry hibiscus plants can be eaten raw or used in salads, and they have a tart, sour taste. Flowers are used in drinks to give it a reddish hue, and are also used for making herbal tea. Parts of the plant are used to treat fever, anemia, digestive disorders, and body pain.
Cranberry hibiscus plants are mostly grown as ornamentals in home gardens and parks because of their beautiful foliage and bright red flowers. They can also make good hedge plants since they take well to pruning.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Seeds taken from mature fruits can be dried and planted in the soil to produce new plants in 2-3 weeks. Propagation from stem cuttings is also very effective.
Semi-hardwood stems with nodes can be cut from parent plants and planted in moist soil to take roots. Most hibiscus plants can also take root in water, after which they can be planted in the soil.
Photographed at: Thrissur, Kerala
