Hibiscus trionum – Flower-of-an-Hour

Explore Hibiscus trionum (Flower-of-an-Hour) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Hibiscus trionum | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Flower-of-an-Hour, Bladder Hibiscus

Family: Malvaceae

Appearance: An annual herb with branching stems, deeply lobed leaves, and pale yellow to cream flowers with a dark purple center. Each flower opens for a few hours but blooms are produced continuously through the season. Fruits form inside a distinctive inflated, bladder-like calyx.

Type: Annual

Evergreen / Deciduous: N/A

Layer: Herbaceous layer

Root System: Shallow, fibrous root system

Height: 20–60 cm

Width: 20–40 cm

Lifespan: Annual

Growth Rate: Fast

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Bees and other insects

Toxicity: No significant toxicity reported for humans or livestock

Hibiscus trionum | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: North Africa, Middle East, Central Asia

• Companionship: Not commonly used in companion planting; no strongly documented beneficial or antagonistic relationships

• Invasive Range: Naturalized widely, and considered weedy/invasive in parts of Europe, Australia, and North America

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 9–11

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: None

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: High tolerance

• Drought: High tolerance once established

• Shade: Low tolerance – needs full sun

• Flood: Low tolerance

• Wind: Moderate tolerance

• Maritime: Moderate tolerance

• Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance

• Fire: Low tolerance

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun

• Soil Moisture: Dry to moderately moist, well-drained

• Soil Type: Sandy or loamy soils; thrives in disturbed or low-fertility ground

• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline

Propagation

• Seeds: Primary method; germinates readily in warm soil

• Cuttings: Not commonly used

Hibiscus trionum | Functional Uses and Benefits

Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.

Edible: Not widely used; young leaves consumed in some traditional cuisines (regional)

Medicinal: Used traditionally for soothing skin irritations and minor inflammations

Cosmetics: Occasionally used in herbal preparations for skin-softening properties

Animal Feed: Not significant

Fiber: No

Timber: Not applicable

Firewood: Not applicable

Wind Break: Not suitable

Fence: Not suitable

Cover Crop: No

Mulch: No

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data

Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees and beneficial insects

Pest Repellent: No documented repellent properties

Wildlife Supporter: Provides nectar and pollen for insects

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