Cottonwood Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus)
Cottonwood Hibiscus is a large shrub or small tree, which grows four to eight metres high by three to four metres wide. It occurs naturally from Port Macquarie to Cape York and across Northern Australia, and can also be found in Oceania and New Guinea. It has profuse bright yellow flowers with crimson centres, flowering from September to March.
Cottonwood Hibiscus is an ideal shade tree, screen or windbreak for coastal gardens as it tolerates full exposure to salt water and strong, salt laden winds. It tolerates poorly-drained soil and can grow in full sun or part shade. It has strong horizontal limbs which make this small tree ideal for climbing. Cottonwood Hibiscus can be grown as a native shrub or as a hedging plant.
Pests and disease
The Cottonwood hibiscus has few problems in regard to pests and disease however when grown on the east coast of Australia it can be attacked by metallic flea beetles. These bright coloured beetles will eat holes into the leave of the plant. These beetles are mainly active in spring and can be controlled by spray or by breaking the breeding cycle.
A good example of Cottonwood Hibiscus can be seen by the Landcare sign on the southern side of Herschell Street where it crosses Yarranabee Creek in Port Macquarie.
It is available to purchase at the Landcare Nursery in Port Macquarie.
