The genus Hibiscus belongs to the Malvaceae family which consists of more than 2000 species. It is native to warm temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Ranging from perennial and annual herbaceous plants to woody shrubs and trees.

Members of this species are often noted for their showy flowers and are commonly known simply as hibiscus. The family name, Malvaceae, is derived from malva the Latin name for marsh-mallow. The generic name is derived from the Greek word hibiskos, which was the name Dioscorides gave to Althaea officinalis (possibly derived from ibis, a stork, as these birds feed on some species of mallow).

Hibiscus pedunculatus is a delicate, lovely, indigenous hibiscus, with bright pink flowers on elegant stalks.Pedunculatus means ‘with a peduncle’, an inflorescence stalk, referring to the long flower stalks of this species. Naturaly found in Mozambique and South Africa.  

Pink Mallow small, elegant, erect, shrubby perennial that grows up to 150-200 cm. The lower part of the shrub is woody and sparsely branched. Slender stems and rough leaves are covered in short hairs. Leaves are mostly 3, sometimes 5 lobed, and have toothed margins. Large, solitary, slightly drooping, pale to dark pink flowers are carried on long peduncles in the axils of the leaves. Hibiscus pedunculatus grows fairly fast and will flower profusely, but flowers lasts a day. The flowering time is often all year round, but mainly from April to November. The fruit is a capsule and the seeds have a cotton-like floss. The pollen of the flowers attracts insect pollinators such as butterflies, also attract sunbirds in tropics.

Pink Mallow prefers moist, hot summers. It will not stand heavy frost. In a cold, frosty garden, it might do well a warmer, sheltered spot. It is a relatively fast-growing plant, provided it is planted in fertile, rich and well-drained soil. Enrich the soil with a considerable amount of compost and organic material. Hibiscus pedunculatus may be pruned towards the end of summer.

Pink Mallow can be propagated easily by stem cuttings or from seed. The most effective way to propagate this species is by doing it vegetatively. Stem cuttings should be taken, during spring or summer. It does best, planted in full sun but can also tolerate light shade quite well. It needs a moderate amount of water and should be kept well watered during summer.

Use In Landscape: Hibiscus pedunculatus is an attractive, long-flowering garden ornament which can be planted in groups using 3–9 plants together, or as an informal border. Planted to the middle or back of a mixed shrub or perennial bed it shows itself off best. In this situation its long slender branches allow the flowers to peep out from around and behind other shrubs. It can also be used as a container plant.