Skip to content
← Plant Database

Sea Hibiscus

Hibiscus tiliaceus

Also listed as Pariti tiliaceum, Talipariti tiliaceum

Also known as Beach Hibiscus, Lagoon Hibiscus

shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate water❄ Hardy: Zone 10a – Zone 12b

Climate Match for your location

See how well Sea Hibiscus grows in your area.

Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.

A tropical shrub or small tree with large heart-shaped leaves and hibiscus-like yellow flowers that turn orange-red. Extremely salt and wind tolerant, making it ideal for coastal gardens.

Why grow it

Sea hibiscus outperforms most ornamental shrubs in exposed coastal environments where salt spray and strong winds eliminate typical garden options. Its tolerance for poor, sandy soils and minimal fertilizer requirements make it a low-maintenance choice for seaside landscapes. Compared to other tropical hibiscus varieties, this species maintains vigor in challenging maritime conditions while still producing reliable seasonal flowering.

Watch out for

In frost-prone regions, growth is set back or killed by freezes, so it performs best in USDA zones 10 and warmer. The plant can become leggy without regular pruning, particularly in partial shade, requiring attention to shape and density. Consistent moisture during establishment helps it thrive, though once mature it adapts well to drier periods typical of coastal sandy soils.

Overview

Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
8–30′ tall × 8–30′ wide
Dormancy
evergreen
Family
Malvaceae
WindbreakPollinators & beneficial insectsFiberErosion controlHedgerow

Native to the United States

Native Range

Tropical Indo-Pacific

Native to: Hawaii

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFall

Similar shrubs you might consider:

Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.

Companion Planting

Plants well with