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JENNY'S GARDEN
Hibiscus Cannabinus
(Hibiscus Kenaf, October Rose, Brown Indian Hemp)
Family: Malvaceae
Origin: Western Sudan, Africa, East Indies
Light: Full sun/sun-part shade
Light: Full sun/sun-part shade
Height: Can reach up to 12' or more
Spread: 3'-4'
Blooms: Attractive, dark red, almost purple, have both male and female organs (hemaphrodite)
Foliage: Evergreen, large, ovate-shaped, lobed
Fruits: Spiny, long cylindrical seedpods
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, clayey, acid, netral, alkaline, drought tolerant
Water: Regular
Fertilizer: As needed
Blooms: Attractive, dark red, almost purple, have both male and female organs (hemaphrodite)
Foliage: Evergreen, large, ovate-shaped, lobed
Fruits: Spiny, long cylindrical seedpods
Soil: Well-drained, sandy, loamy, clayey, acid, netral, alkaline, drought tolerant
Water: Regular
Fertilizer: As needed
Propagation: Divisions, semi-woody cuttings, seeds (Sow in Spring in a warm environment)
Uses: Back of border
Caution: Spiny, long cylindrical seedpods
Comments: Hibiscus Cannabinus or Hibiscus Kenaf or October Rose or Brown Indian Hemp is a subtropical or tropical perennial that is closely related to okra, cotton and hollyhocks. It is a fast grower as it shoots up to a height of 12 feet in a mere couple of months for me. Hibiscus Cannabinus bears many beautiful dark red blossoms that are really eye-catching. Brown Indian Hemp is easily propagated from seeds, semi-woody cuttings or divisions. Sow seeds directly into ground in early Summer in a sunny to part shade garden or start seeds early indoors or greenhouse in Spring and protect from the cold. The seeds are insect-pollinated. Grow some lower perennials infront to hide their skinny legs. Hibiscus Cannabinus self sows readily. I leave some seedpods on the plant and every year my October Rose faithfully returns. Plant Hibiscus Kenaf together with marigold to keep nematodes at bay. Semi-woody cuttings can beoverwintered indoors and planted after last frost. This is an annual in colder areas. Hibiscus Cannabinus have been in existence in Africa for many years. It is indeed a very useful plant. Diifferent parts of Hibiscus Cannabinus like the flowers, leaves, seeds and roots are edible and parts are used in herbal medicine. The roots and nutritious leaves of October Rose are mainly used for human and animal consumption in Africa. The leaves are also used as a herb for the treatment of cough. Oil can be extracted from the seeds for the manufacture of soaps and lubricants; grounded seeds are used as flour for making a type of cake. Hibiscus Kenaf is more pest tolerant than other paper producing crops and it is now grown in Texas for the manufacturing of interior moulding for cars among other things. The fibre strands on the stems are strong and are made into canvas, table cloth and ropes. Hibiscus Cannabinus is also being cultivated in countries like China and Thailand for the manufacturing of paper products.
USDA Hardiness Zones : 8b-10
JennysGarden.com...Plant images and gardening descriptions of Hibiscus cannabinus (Hibiscus Kenaf, October Rose, Brown Indian Hemp) growing in Jenny's Garden
