FloridaLandscapeIQ
Sea Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus) growing in South Florida
Grade Florida #1

Sea Hibiscus — South Florida Plant Guide

Hibiscus tiliaceus

Family: Malvaceae · Tree

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Landscape Uses

coastal treespecimenprivacy screentropical gardenwindbreak

Style Tags

tropicalcoastalnaturalisticresort

South Florida Growing Guide

Light Requirements

Full SunPartial Sun

Water Requirements

Low3/10

Once established (12–18 months), Sea Hibiscus is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Moderate water during establishment. Once established, very drought tolerant for coastal conditions. 2x per week dry season.

Soil and Fertilization

sandylimestonecoastal sandymoist

Fertilizer: Balanced tree fertilizer 8-2-12 or palm special with micronutrients.

Schedule: February and September with balanced palm/tree fertilizer.

Salt Tolerance

High (8/10) — suitable for coastal locations

Suitable for coastal planting across all 5 South Florida counties.

Mature Height
1530 ft
Mature Width
1525 ft
Growth Rate
fast
Water Demand
3/10
Florida Grade
Florida #1
Installed Cost
$$$
USDA Zones
10a, 10b, 11
FLEPPC Status
None
Iguana Rating
6/10

Where to Buy in South Florida

Find Sea Hibiscus at South Florida nurseries — check availability and pricing at nurseries near you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast does Sea Hibiscus grow in South Florida?

Sea Hibiscus has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Sea Hibiscus safe for pets?

Yes, Sea Hibiscus is considered pet-safe.

How much water does Sea Hibiscus need in South Florida?

Low water needs (3/10). Once established (12–18 months), Sea Hibiscus is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Sea Hibiscus tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Sea Hibiscus has high salt tolerance (8/10) and is well-suited for coastal South Florida, including areas with salt air in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Collier, and Monroe counties.

Is Sea Hibiscus available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Sea Hibiscus is classified as: allowed. Allowed.

County Availability in South Florida

Miami-Dade County

Allowed

Allowed. Non-restricted.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

View County Guide →

Broward County

Allowed

Allowed. Good coastal Broward County tree option.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

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Palm Beach County

Allowed

Allowed but limited by cold sensitivity in northern Palm Beach County..

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

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Collier County

Allowed

Allowed. Good coastal Collier County option.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

View County Guide →

Monroe County

Allowed

Allowed. Naturally occurring in Keys coastal areas.

✓ Coastal OK

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

View County Guide →

Full ordinance references and permit requirements available to Professional subscribers. Always verify current county requirements before installation.

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Ask about Sea Hibiscus

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.