| Hibiscus mutabilis | |
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Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Malvales |
| Family: | Malvaceae |
| Genus: | Hibiscus |
| Species: | H. mutabilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Hibiscus mutabilis | |
Hibiscus mutabilis, also known as theConfederate rose,Dixie rosemallow,cotton rose orcotton rosemallow, is a plant long cultivated for its showy flowers. Originally native to southernChina,[1] it is now found on all continents exceptAntarctica.
Confederate roses aresemi-deciduous with palmately lobed leaves. They tend to be large shrubs or treelike inzones 9 and 10, though they have a more modest shrub-like appearance more north. Stems andpetioles feature dense stellate and glandular hairs.[2]
Flowers can be double or single and are 4–6 in (10–15 cm) in diameter; they open white or pink, and change to deep red by evening. The 'Rubra' variety has red flowers. Single blooming flowers are generally cup-shaped. Bloom season usually lasts from summer through fall. When it does not freeze, the Confederate rose can reach heights of 12–15 ft (3.7–4.6 m) with a woody trunk. However, a much bushier plant 5–6 ft (1.5–1.8 m) high is more typical and provides more flowering.
The flowers are attractive topollinators, including the specializedbeePtilothrix bombiformis.[3]
Propagation by cuttings root easiest in early spring, but cuttings can be taken at almost any time. These plants have a very fast growth rate. The Confederate rose was at one time very prevalent in the area of theConfederate States of America, which is how its common name was derived. It grows nicely in full sun or partial shade, and prefers rich, well-drained soil.[4]
In cultivation in theUK,Hibiscus mutabilis has gained theRoyal Horticultural Society'sAward of Garden Merit.[5]
Floral color change occurs inH. mutabilis when flowers are white in the morning, turning pink during noon and red in the evening of the same day. Under laboratory conditions, the color change of thepetals was slower than that of flowers under outdoor conditions.[6] Temperature may be an important factor, affecting the rate of color change as white flowers kept in the refrigerator remain white until they are taken out to warm up, whereupon they slowly turn pink.[7]
The red flowers remain on plants for several days before they abort.[6] Weight of a single detached flower was 15.6 g (0.55 oz) when white, 12.7 g (0.45 oz) when pink and 11.0 g (0.39 oz) when red.Anthocyanin content of red flowers was three times that of pink flowers and eight times that of white flowers. There was a significant increase inphenolic content with color change. Overall ranking ofantioxidant properties ofH. mutabilis flowers was red > pink > white.
Subramanian and Nair postulated that anthocyanins in pink and red flowers ofH. mutabilis are synthesized independently since there is no reduction in phenolic content.[8] However, Lowry suggested that anthocyanins are formed through direct conversion fromflavonols as they have structural similarities.[9]
Media related toHibiscus mutabilis at Wikimedia Commons
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