Hibiscus Flower: Meaning, Symbolism, and Colors

Last updated on May 21st, 2023 at 09:08 am

Hibiscus is a commonly found flower, and you must have seen it daily. The petals of this pretty flower are soft like cashmere, and you will find the hibiscus plant growing easily in bushes.

The hibiscus plant is a member of the Malvaceae or Mallow family. These flowers grow abundantly in tropical and subtropical regions. There are many colors and shades of hibiscus. This is because there are more than 200 species of hibiscus flower.

A hibiscus flower will have a bright color and five big petals. The leaves are long with toothed edges. The hibiscus plant has dark green leaves, and the flowers are unscented. Long stamens grow in the middle of the flower.

Its characteristic features include 5 extravagant petals and a center that sports a pollen-heavy stamen. Scientifically known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, these plants can grow up to 10 to 15 feet in height. They also go by the names of shoe black plants, rose mallow, China rose, or the rose of Sharon. They are found in every color of the rainbow except green. 

The hybrids come in lovely gradients of yellow and red, pink and white, white and red, and more. Its splash of colors attracts pollinators. With over 300 species found around the globe, it blooms best in tropical and subtropical climates where humid temperatures abound.

What does the Hibiscus flower symbolize?

The flower has its name from the Greek word ‘Hibiskos.’ It is very common in Asian countries. Any hibiscus flower symbolizes good fortune, love, happiness, joy, and success, but the symbolism also varies according to countries and cultures. 

The people of Singapore call this flower ‘Bunga Raya’; here, a hibiscus symbolizes goodness and is used in celebrations.

Though the yellow hibiscus is Hawaii’s state flower, the red hibiscus is more common than the yellow ones. Owing to the short lifespan of this beautiful flower, it is associated with feminine beauty, youth, and innocence. Hawaiian women use hibiscus flowers to adorn their hair.

Everyone can understand whether a woman is single or in a relationship based on which side of her head she has put a hibiscus flower in! Hibiscus can also symbolize power, hospitality, and respect.

The Malaysians see the hibiscus as a symbol of vitality, while the Koreans link this flower with mortality.,

The hibiscus symbolizes elegance and beauty in North America and is linked with finding an ideal and attractive wife. Women considered perfect used to be gifted with these flowers.

In China, you can give any male or female a hibiscus to show admiration and appreciation. Here the flower is a symbol of glory, wealth, fame, and success. The flower is a popular ingredient for making natural food and hair dye.

The symbolism of hibiscus during the Victorian Age was very similar to how North America sees the flower. This flower symbolizes young and delicate feminine beauty.

The hibiscus flower encompasses the meaning of positivity, feminine beauty, and youth. These are linked with the hibiscus flower because it is an elegant and soft flower with a short life span. This popular flower is great as a gift or a hair-styling accessory. Many people have a hibiscus tattoo on their bodies.

The hibiscus flower also represents hospitality, romance, beauty, friendship, passion, and joy. This flower is believed to have originated in Asia. Now it is found in other warm places like the Caribbean, Polynesia, Florida, Australia, Hawaii, and New Zealand.

It is clear that in many places, hibiscus is associated with femininity. The hibiscus flower, meaning spirituality, has a lot to do with divine femininity. Female power is synonymous with the ability to give birth and nurture. Similarly, someone can also grow and take care of a hibiscus plant to pay respect to life on earth.

During our spiritual journey, the hibiscus reminds us not to forget the joy and recognize real beauty. Like daily life, we will also face many challenges on our spiritual journeys. When considered a totem, the hibiscus helps by bringing in beauty, romance, and love.

All in all, the hibiscus flower symbolic meanings are:

• happiness
• sunshine
• good luck
• virginity
• gentleness
• fame

Meaning of the Hibiscus flower colors

White color

White hibiscus is associated with purity, feminine beauty, and energy. When you give a white hibiscus to someone, it means you consider them to be beautiful and want to see them smiling.

These flowers are also connected to virtue, peace, clarity, and sanctity. It is a well-wishing flower that can elevate the receiver’s mood, convey your admiration for them, and is even offered to deities in worship in many cultures.

Purple color

The color purple is classy and mysterious. It is also associated with knowledge. Extravagant people love this special color. When you give purple hibiscus to someone, you are telling them that they are unique and special.

The purple hibiscus is the rarest and most unique among the Hawaiian flowers. It can be used to express your gratitude to someone special, cherish their eccentricity, or convey your unconditional love. Combining the breezy blue with the alluring red, the purple bloom also stands for unlikely connections in your life.

Pink color

Pink hibiscus is a symbol of friendship and love, and not necessarily romantic love. It has traditional ties with non-romantic and familial relationships. You can give a pink hibiscus to friends and family members. 

It stands for platonic affection and prioritizes all kinds of love. It is a gentle flower that embodies youth and can be gifted to children or friends. You can give it to any loved one to show your affection. It can gently and sweetly express to the recipient that you care about them.

Red color

Red has always been associated with love, passion, and romance. You can give a red hibiscus to your romantic partner to let them know how much you love them. If you are in a relationship, you can express your passion through it. Instead of a red rose, you can give your special person a red hibiscus on the next Valentine’s Day.

This red Hawaiian flower exemplifies romance and sensuality. When a woman wears it on her person, it signifies that she is available for a romantic adventure. When given to a man or woman, it signals that you are interested in them.

Yellow color

Yellow has long been associated with friendship. You can give a yellow hibiscus to a family member too. The color is cheerful and makes people feel optimistic, happy, and cheerful. You can give this flower to anyone to make them feel good.

This yellow Hawaiian flower meaning is the utmost symbol of amiability. It also typifies optimism, joy, and good luck. It is an apt choice for social situations and celebrations. The yellow bloom is a flexible and meaningful flower that can be given to just about anyone.

Orange color

Orange hibiscus symbolizes enthusiasm, gentleness, liberty, and encouragement. It makes the perfect ornamental fit for summer parties, and cut flowers can be placed inside the home to liven up the atmosphere.

Interesting facts about the Hibiscus flowers

• Egyptians used hibiscus flower tea as a natural aphrodisiac to improve the potency of men and women. 
• It was also used as a salve to treat wounds and a concoction for various ailments like fever, cardiovascular problems, and the common cold.
• This flower also has culinary and medicinal nuances as it is consumed as a delicacy by many countries.
• Mexicans popularly drink Agua de Jamaica, an iced tea from dried hibiscus petals. 
• Roselle juice is a favorite among Africans made from the Roselle species of hibiscus. 
• Iran consumes sour tea made from the hibiscus flower. The teas are abundant in Vitamin C and known to aid metabolism, lower blood pressure, and boost heart health. It even has anti-cancer qualities.
• This flower is also used to garnish salads and desserts in some countries.
• In India, hibiscus is a traditional shampoo ingredient and an effective remedy for eliminating lice. Hair dyes are also made from it.
• In Indonesia, it is known as the shoe flower as it is valued for its shoe-shining properties.
• Some hibiscus varieties have color-changing attributes that appear with age.
• The hibiscus was valued for its exotic nature in the Victorian flower language. The recipient of the flower was recognized as being exceptionally beautiful.

How to grow Hibiscus flowers

Hibiscus produces large trumpet-like flowers in various colors, depending on the variety grown.

1. Plant the hibiscus in moist, well-draining potting soil.
2. Place the plant where it can get 6 to 8 hours of full sun.
3. Water the hibiscus when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
4. Add an all-purpose fertilizer.

How to care for Hibiscus flowers

1. Water regularly when the hibiscus are in growth
2. Mulch the soil to maintain soil moisture levels and keep down weed growth.
3. Apply slow-release fertilizer once every spring.
4. Remove the lower set of leaves.
5. Prune out any dying, diseased, or damaged stems, excessively congested or crossing stems, and any growth in the wrong or unwanted direction.

Best time to gift Hibiscus flowers

This Hawaiian flower has an eye-catching appeal no matter who the recipient is. The plants can be gifted to people who value their vibrant tropical identity. 

The red blooms can usher in new romantic opportunities and are bound to be a swoon-worthy gesture of love for your significant other. Pink flowers can be gifted to your friends, family, and colleagues. If someone is going through a rough patch, the yellow hibiscus ought to cheer them up. 

White blooms can be sent to someone to remind them they’re beautiful just the way they are. Orange hibiscus makes the ideal gift for those whose kindness inspires you. Purple hibiscus can be reserved for special days and soulmates as it celebrates finding beauty in rare places and seeking the extraordinary within the commonplace things.

Conclusion

Hibiscus flowers have different colors, and they stand for different meanings. These flowers symbolize a lot of things. You can give a hibiscus in the color most suited to the occasion. It will signify fame, beauty, and youth. 

Beautiful moments may be temporary, but you can make them memorable by giving hibiscus flowers as a gift. These elegant flowers will make any occasion more memorable.

If you want to know and learn more about flowers, we at PansyMaiden can help you. Check out our fun, easy-to-read, and informative flower-related content that you will surely enjoy!