The large Hibiscus genus of over 200 species and many more cultivars includes annuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees.

A prime choice for sunny flower beds and container gardens, cranberry hibiscus is only winter hardy in zones 8 through 11, but it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors in cooler locations.

Other commonly cultivated Hibiscus species include althea (H. syriacus), Confederate rose (H. mutabilis), Texas star (H. coccineus) and rose mallow or hardy hibiscus (hybrids involving H.