Variegated Mahoe (Sea Hibiscus)
Scientific Name: Hibiscus tiliaceus
Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade. It grows and flowers best in bright light, but it can tolerate some shade.
Height: Typically 20–40 ft. tall in Florida landscapes, with a broad spreading canopy that can reach a similar width.
Plant Spacing: Space about 15–25 ft. away from structures, driveways, sidewalks, patios, pools, and other trees. If used as a screen or informal buffer, allow enough room for the canopy to spread naturally.
Growth Habit: Fast-growing evergreen to semi-evergreen tropical tree or large shrub with a broad, rounded canopy, large heart-shaped leaves, and hibiscus-like flowers that open yellow and age to orange or reddish tones.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 10–11; cold sensitive and may be damaged by frost or freezing temperatures; moderately drought tolerant once established but performs best with regular moisture; high salt tolerance, making it useful in coastal Florida landscapes.
Maintenance Info: Moderate maintenance. Mahoe grows quickly and may need pruning to maintain shape, clearance, and structure. It can be used as a large shrub or trained into a small tree. Plant where it has room to spread, and avoid tight spaces where fast growth or weak branching could become a problem. Provide regular watering during establishment.
Best Uses in the Landscape: Excellent for coastal landscapes, tropical privacy screens, informal buffers, large background plantings, seaside gardens, wildlife-friendly landscapes, and tropical flowering accents. It works best where a fast-growing, salt-tolerant tropical tree or large shrub is needed.
Plant Info: Mahoe Tree is native to tropical coastal regions across the Old World tropics and is also found in coastal Florida and the Caribbean. The name Sea Hibiscus comes from its hibiscus-like flowers and its ability to grow near coastal areas with salt exposure. The flowers are especially interesting because they often open yellow and then deepen to orange or red as they age. In Florida landscapes, it is a good choice for customers who want a fast-growing tropical look with coastal toughness and colorful hibiscus-style blooms.
