Gossypium harknessii (San Marcos Hibiscus)

Shrub

For the low deserts, it’s hard to beat San Marcos Hibiscus for adaptability and good looks. Native to Baja California, Mexico, this plant thrives in full sun and reflected heat exposures. In fact, it is one of the most popular plants for right-of-way landscapes in the City of Palm Desert, CA, where summer temperatures sizzle. Forming a rounded mound to 3-4 feet tall by 5-6 feet wide, this shrub is evergreen, with thick, heart-shaped glossy green leaves. Large yellow flowers with 5 distinctive red dots appear intermittently in the spring, early summer and fall months. San Marcos Hibiscus prefers native rocky soils without added organic matter. No fancy soil prep for this beauty! It is also very salt tolerant.

At a Glance Summary

Type: Shrub
Size (H x W): 4ft x 6ft
Flower Color: Yellow
Hardiness: Zone 9: 20˚F

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