Sea Hibiscus
Hibiscus tiliaceus
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 11, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Sea Hibiscus
Mahoe (Hibiscus tiliaceus) is a fast-growing, spreading evergreen tree native to pantropical coastal regions, bearing large heart-shaped leaves and yellow hibiscus flowers that deepen to orange-red through the day. It thrives in NE Florida coastal conditions with high salt and wind tolerance. Note: this species is hardy only in USDA zones 10–12 and will likely sustain freeze damage in zone 9b without frost protection; UF/IFAS rates it invasive in Central and South Florida. Starting at $34.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Alkaline, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Sea hibiscus performs best in full sun in NE Florida. It tolerates partial shade but flowering is reduced. Site in a wind-sheltered, frost-protected location as it is cold-sensitive at the northern limit of its range.
Moderate water needs; water regularly during establishment. Once mature, sea hibiscus tolerates short dry periods but prefers consistent moisture in NE Florida's sandy soils. Water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep rooting.
Tolerates sandy, loamy, or alkaline well-drained soils common to NE Florida coastal areas. Feed with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer to support its fast growth. Avoid waterlogged conditions which can cause root rot.
Similar needs
Buttonwood
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Sea Grape
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Autograph Tree
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Simpson's Stopper
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Natal Plum
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Oleander
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, sandy, salt tolerance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Sea Hibiscus a good plant for St. Augustine?
Sea Hibiscus is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with high salt tolerance, reaching 10-30 feet × 10-20 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.