Shrub
Roselle
Hibiscus sabdariffa
Varieties We Carry
StandardHibiscus sabdariffa
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 9.
LightFull Sun
WaterModerate
Mature size5-7 feet × 3-4 feet
About Roselle
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a fast-growing tropical annual — also called Florida Cranberry or Jamaica Sorrel — widely grown in NE Florida for its fleshy, deep red calyces used to make teas, jellies, and sauces. It produces pale yellow flowers with dark red centers and is ornamentally striking in the summer garden. Hardy in zones 9–10; grow as a warm-season annual in NE Florida, sowing after the last frost. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Yellow, Red
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
J
F
M
A
M
JNow
J
A
S
O
N
D
This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
New foliage emerges. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat.
Bloom season. Foliage may begin to change or drop. Ideal planting window.
Dormant — drops foliage. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Light
Roselle requires full sun — at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In NE Florida it thrives in the warm summer season; shade reduces vigor and calyx production significantly.
Water
Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist; Roselle is productive with moderate, consistent moisture but does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. In NE Florida, natural summer rainfall usually meets needs; supplement during dry spells. Nematode pressure increases in continuously wet soils — practice crop rotation.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in well-drained, fertile sandy or loamy soil. In Florida, root-knot nematodes are the primary pest; use nematode-resistant planting sites and rotate annually. Fertilize at planting with a balanced fertilizer and side-dress mid-season to support vigorous calyx development. Direct sow or transplant after last frost; in NE Florida, plant in late spring through early summer.
Similar needs
Abelia
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $14.95Same conditions
Almond Bush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $59.95Same conditions
Blackberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $14.95Same conditions
Blueberry
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $9.95Same conditions
Brazilian Red Cloak
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $64.95Same conditions
Bush Clover
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
From $14.95Same conditions
You may also like
Common questions
Is Roselle a good plant for St. Augustine?
Roselle is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 5-7 feet × 3-4 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.