Hollywood Hibiscus™ Rico Suave™ Tropical Hibiscus

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

4-5 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

9 to 11

Hollywood Hibiscus™ Rico Suave™ Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'JBG AH-21') displays golden petals accented by a bold red and burgundy center from late spring into autumn. This cultivar reaches about 3 to 4 feet tall and maintain a neat, upright form. Its repeat flower cycles bring reliable doses of color to sunny spaces. It was selected for enduring performance and ease of care in both landscapes and containers.

Its compact habit and glossy foliage stay appealing throughout the growing season, even when no blooms are open. This tropical shrub originates from warm regions and typically handles short dry spells once roots are established. It can serve as a lively hedge, brighten a border, or thrive in patio pots where a pop of color is desired. Our growers appreciate its low-maintenance requirements and general resistance to common pests.

Hollywood Hibiscus™ Rico Suave™ Tropical Hibiscus Care

Give it a location that enjoys full sun or at least six hours of direct light, and amend the planting area with well-draining, organic-rich soil. Water consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, and use a balanced fertilizer every two to four weeks for ongoing blooms. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH supports strong root development. In areas with colder weather, plant it in a container and move it indoors when temperatures dip below 50°F.

Clip away old flower heads to maintain a tidy look, and trim back any leggy stems for a more compact shape. Inspect for damaged or diseased branches and remove them as needed. In regions with harsh winters, overwintering in a sheltered indoor spot helps the plant stay healthy; water sparingly to avoid soggy roots. Container-grown specimens benefit from high-quality potting mix and may need re-potting if roots become cramped.

Hollywood Hibiscus™ Rico Suave™ Tropical Hibiscus Spacing

We recommend about 48 inches of space between shrubs in rows or mass plantings to encourage a full form. Closer spacing can be used to create a hedge, but more frequent pruning will be required. A container at least 18 inches wide accommodates young plants, giving them room to extend roots comfortably. 

 

Find the Right Variety

Compare Hollywood Hibiscus™

Compare flower color, bloom pattern, and the features that set each Hollywood Hibiscus™ variety apart.

Variety	Main Color	Flower Look	Why Choose It
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Earth Angel™	White	Solid white petals with yellow stamens	Cleanest, brightest white flower in the series
Hollywood Hibiscus™ First Lady™	Pink	Solid pink flowers	Best choice for a simple, uniform pink bloom
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Talk of the Town™	Pink	Light and medium pink with a magenta center	Layered pink color with a strong tropical center
Hollywood Hibiscus™ America's Sweetheart™	Pink	Pale pink edges, medium pink petals & deep magenta throat	Most detailed tonal-pink flower
Hollywood Hibiscus™ First to Arrive™	Red	Solid red petals with yellow anthers	Clear red coloring with an early-starting display
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Hot Shot™	Red	Large, bright red flowers	Strong straightforward bright-red choice
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Sunset Boulevard™	Orange	Bright orange with a very dark burgundy center	Bold orange-and-burgundy contrast
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Golden Globe™	Lemon yellow	Lemon-yellow petals with a red-burgundy center	Bright yellow flowers with crisp center contrast
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Rico Suave™	Yellow	Lemon yellow with bright red and burgundy center	Bullseye-style center against yellow petals
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Social Butterfly™	Yellow & pink	Yellow petals, blush pink center & deep magenta eye	Soft yellow-to-pink transition
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Disco Diva™	Orange & magenta	Creamsicle orange with ruby-magenta tones	High-contrast orange and magenta combination
Heartthrob™ Hollywood Hibiscus	Orange	Creamy orange, pale pink, magenta & white	One of the most complex multicolor flowers
Hollywood Hibiscus™ VIP™	Yellow & orange	Creamy yellow and orange petals with a magenta center	Warm multicolor bloom with a dramatic pink center
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Bloom Bash™	Red, yellow & orange	A coordinated trio of warm-colored blooms	Multiple warm flower colors on one plant

Need help deciding? Compare the complete Hollywood Hibiscus™ series →

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