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Native Plant Society of Texas

Heartleaf Hibiscus

Hibiscus martianus

Other common name(s):

Heartleaf Rosemallow, Tulipan Del Monte

Family:

Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley
Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

1
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Gravelly, Limestone, Caliche, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Maintenance

Drought tolerant. Trim off spent flowers to encourage blooming throughout the year, even in hottest weather. Mulch well to help it over winter in cooler regions. This plant grows in most soils and needs good drainage – do not over water!. Heartleaf Hibiscus is not cold hardy below 20 degrees. Grows well in a container gardens. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-October. Forms a tall, leafy stem. The leaves are silvery and heart-shaped. The flowers are bright crimson red, 2 to 3 inches across. The fruit is a capsule.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Remove the leaves from the bottom 2-3 nodes, leaving a few leaves at the top for photosynthesis. This helps the cutting conserve energy for root development. Encourage Root Development: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder, which stimulates root growth. This step is optional but beneficial for faster and stronger roots. Planting Time: Potting mix is ideal for rooting cuttings but not too dense. Create a small hole, insert the cutting, and gently tamp down the soil around it. Care and Maintenance: Water the cutting regularly and keep it in a warm, humid environment, preferably with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can dehydrate the cutting. You can also use a humidity dome or plastic bag to help retain moisture. Patience and Success: Root development can take several weeks to a few months depending on the environmental conditions and the type of rooting hormone used. Keep checking for new growth, which signals successful rooting. Once rooted, harden the plant before transplanting, ensuring adequate sunlight and care for optimal growth. Take cuttings in the spring or early summer. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem with at least 4-6 nodes (the bumps where leaves grow). Use a sharp, clean knife or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a node. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Hibiscus_martianus.html 2) https://earthone.io/plant/hibiscus%20martianus?srsltid=AfmBOorgy4CTy_bxZxmx9lNwcz14xcPNe5fBtJEP0RBr-LjcYcqrJ6e1 3) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-hibiscus-martianus/
Seed No Treatment Sow the seeds in well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist, and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. Seedlings usually emerge within a few weeks. Collect seed pods from your existing plant, allow them to dry completely. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-hibiscus-martianus/

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason