Rosella – Hibiscus sabdariffa

Plant family: Malvaceae

Plant origin: New South Wales and Queensland.

Fruit description: The fruit of Rosella is the fleshy red calyx and the green seedpod inside it, produced in profusion in Summer and Autumn.

Flowers: The flowers are white, yellow or pink, with a purple centre, each lasting about a day. They are 5cm in diameter, and are produced in Spring, Summer and Autumn. They are edible.

Growing conditions: The Rosella is a pretty Summer Annual shrub growing quickly to about 1.5 metres tall. The long pointed green leaves have pretty red stems. It likes warmth, full sunshine and rich soil, fertilised with good compost or manure. It can grow just about anywhere.

Uses: Rosella fruits make excellent jam, desserts, cordial, tea and sauces. They have a beautiful rich crimson colour. Use the red calyx that is wrapped around the green seed pod. The dried calyx is used to make tea with a lovely red colour and a flavour like rosehip tea. The pods and calyxes can be frozen. The leaves can be eaten, they taste like a spicy spinach. The stems are fibrous and can be used like jute to make strong baskets and mats. The flowers are edible and look beautiful as a garnish or the petals can be scattered through a salad.

Medicinal uses:

Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating.

Harvest time Pick the red fruit when they are big and brightly coloured in Summer and Autumn.

Plant relatives The Rosella plant is related to other Hibiscus plants.

Special features:

Grown by method: Seed Grown Pot size: 100mm

Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 1.5 metres high by 1.5 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 1.5 metres high by 1.5 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.

Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: 100mm