Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Are all hibiscus the same?
I am planning a trip to the nursery tomorrow and want to get a hibiscus to plant near the Boxie pen for the leaves and flowers. Are all hibiscus plants edible for boxies, or just certain varieties? If only certain ones, which ones?
Thanks,
Shari

>>Are all hibiscus the same?
>>I am planning a trip to the nursery tomorrow and want to get a hibiscus to plant near the Boxie pen for the leaves and flowers. Are all hibiscus plants edible for boxies, or just certain varieties? If only certain ones, which ones?

Here are two that were mentioned on several websites with info on edible plants for herps:

Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) This is a large evergreen shrub and may reach 15 feet. It requires deep watering and some protection from hot afternoon sun.

Blue Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) is in the same family as the Tropical Hibiscus. It requires full sun, grows well in less-than-perfect soils, and is quite drought tolerant once established in the garden.
-----
Tess
Kingsnake.com Forum Host

Because its a tropical plant, Tropical (or Chinese) Hibiscus is only evergreen if you live in a warm climate.
Here in VA it would be dead by about November, and is considered a houseplant. I think they're hardy in zones 9-10.
There's also H. Moscheutos, or common rose mallow, which is a hardy perennial zones 5-10, dies back in the winter: there are quite a few attractive cultivars. Flowers can be 10-12 inches across.
Stephanie