Japanese Lantern Hibiscus

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outstanding flora

Hibiscus ‘Japanese Lantern’ (Hibiscus schizopetalus)
This African hibiscus has an upright and spreading form which highlights the deeply curved petals and dangling stamens. Grow in rich, well-drained soil and provide plenty of water and fertilizer. Flowers form on new wood, 
so, prune regularly to maintain a nice shape and stimulate more blooms.

Tropical hibiscus can add a colorful splash to container plantings or as indoor flowering plants. Hibiscus schizopetalus, with various common names including fringed hibiscus, skeleton hibiscus,  Japanese lantern, and pagoda flower, is a native of tropical East Africa, including the countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The distinctive flowers with their frilly petals and long slender column are described as looking like an Asian lantern, a chandelier or a parachute.

The hibiscus gets it's name from Japanese lanterns like those seen below.

Japanese Lanterns
Urabon, known as, "Feast of Lanterns," is an annual summer event in which the Japanese honor deceased ancestors. Paper lanterns are intended to guide the spirits of ancestors home.

Paper lantern is crafted from tough pressed pulp reinforced rice paper.

Since, Japanese lantern hibiscus is a tropical hibiscus it is best grown in containers or hanging baskets in hardiness zones 5-8. It needs an abundance of sun, water and rich soil.

Further Reading:

Smithsonian Flora : inside the secret world of plants.