Quart Pot. Well rooted healthy plant ready for transplant. A rare and most sought after plant.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'El Capitolio' (often called the Red Poodle Tail or Bloody Mary hibiscus) is one of the most unique and striking cultivars in the tropical hibiscus family.
Its most defining feature is its distinct "crested double" or "poodle-tail" growth habit. Instead of a standard flat bloom, it produces a classic single row of flared red petals at the base, from which an elongated stamina column extends, terminating in a second, dense cluster of smaller ruffled petals.
AttributeDetailsGrowth HabitUpright, vigorous, and somewhat weeping/vining; naturally leggy if not pruned.Flower StyleSingle red base with white/cream highlights along the throat, leading to a dangling pom-pom crest.Bloom CycleExceptionally prolific; known to bloom continuously year-round in warm conditions.Sun RequirementsFull sun to very bright partial shade (6+ hours of direct light yields the best blooms).HardinessTropical (Zones 9-11). Will drop leaves below 45°F and needs protection from frost.
Pruning for Structure: Unlike modern hybrid hibiscus that stay dense and compact, El Capitolio has an open, arching, and somewhat wild growth habit. Regular pinching and strategic pruning in early spring are essential to force branching and keep it full.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter.
Feeding: Tropical hibiscus are heavy feeders but sensitive to phosphorus. Look for a fertilizer with a ratio close to K-heavy formulations (like 12-4-18 or a specific hibiscus food with a low middle number) to avoid phosphorus buildup, which can lock up other nutrients.
Because of its slightly pendulous, arching branches, it makes a spectacular hanging basket specimen when young, or an eye-catching patio container plant that can be easily overwintered indoors when temperatures drop.
Quart Pot. Well rooted healthy plant ready for transplant. A rare and most sought after plant.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'El Capitolio' (often called the Red Poodle Tail or Bloody Mary hibiscus) is one of the most unique and striking cultivars in the tropical hibiscus family.
Its most defining feature is its distinct "crested double" or "poodle-tail" growth habit. Instead of a standard flat bloom, it produces a classic single row of flared red petals at the base, from which an elongated stamina column extends, terminating in a second, dense cluster of smaller ruffled petals.
AttributeDetailsGrowth HabitUpright, vigorous, and somewhat weeping/vining; naturally leggy if not pruned.Flower StyleSingle red base with white/cream highlights along the throat, leading to a dangling pom-pom crest.Bloom CycleExceptionally prolific; known to bloom continuously year-round in warm conditions.Sun RequirementsFull sun to very bright partial shade (6+ hours of direct light yields the best blooms).HardinessTropical (Zones 9-11). Will drop leaves below 45°F and needs protection from frost.
Pruning for Structure: Unlike modern hybrid hibiscus that stay dense and compact, El Capitolio has an open, arching, and somewhat wild growth habit. Regular pinching and strategic pruning in early spring are essential to force branching and keep it full.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. It prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter.
Feeding: Tropical hibiscus are heavy feeders but sensitive to phosphorus. Look for a fertilizer with a ratio close to K-heavy formulations (like 12-4-18 or a specific hibiscus food with a low middle number) to avoid phosphorus buildup, which can lock up other nutrients.
Because of its slightly pendulous, arching branches, it makes a spectacular hanging basket specimen when young, or an eye-catching patio container plant that can be easily overwintered indoors when temperatures drop.
