Hibiscus schizopetalus (Ballerina)

Tropical hibiscus is a quintessential evergreen, with big, brightly-coloured blooms; but Hibiscus schizopetalus is a species that is very different, with its vigorous, open growth habit and long arching branches that tend to droop. The pendant bright red or coral pink flowers have elaborately dissected and recurved petals; and the long green leaves are deeply toothed. If pollinated, flowers may be followed by oblong seed capsules. This hibiscus is native to tropical East Africa in Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique, where it grows in open coastal forests. Although it is not native to Japan, it was given its common name because of the way the flowers droop from the branches in a manner reminiscent of Japanese lanterns. It blooms continuously in summer, especially after good rains, and sporadically the rest of the year.