Is this really a hibiscus?

[bettycomer]

I bought a plant this summer that was labeled a hibiscus.  It's leaves are similar to a maijuana plant.  It has a beautiful large red bloom, so I hope it truly is a hibiscus, but can not find a picture of it on any hibiscus web site.  Is there such a hibiscus cultivar that has those thin little feathery leaves?  Thanks.

[Nievesgirl]

do the leaves look like this ?



Here are the blooms



This species is Hibiscus acetosella

[Charlie]

That's a nice specimen, Kerry!

I think she may be asking about 'Texas Star' which is Hibiscus coccineus. It has red flowers, and green leaves that resemble marijuana. It is a cold hardy perennial plant.

Check out the photos.

Charlie

[bettycomer]

Charlie, you are on the money!  That is exactly what the leaves look like...thin and feathery like Texas Star.  And I was told it was winter hardy and that I should cut the stalks back after the leaves die.  Right now the leaves get real droopy and it seems to drink a lot of water.  Should I have it in total shade?  It is still in the same pot that I bought it in, and guess I need to find a spot in the yard to plant it in for the winter.  It was nice on my deck and I liked it being in a pot, although in a bigger one. Will it do better in the ground?  Thank you so much for identifying it!

[Darkhorse]

Hey Betty,

  It may seem like it's very thirsty just because it needs to be potted up.  Plants in this situation can be watered very often and still wilt quickly.  Have you looked at the root ball?  If the roots are circling the bottom of the pot, time for a bigger pot, and voila!  Problem solved. 

Welcome!

Jordan