How to grow rosella in a raised bed

Rosella is a beautiful tropical hibiscus grown for its tart red calyces — the makings of jam, cordial and the famous rosella tea. A striking, productive plant for a warm-climate raised bed.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun, loves heat
• Spacing: one plant per 1 m
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 5–6 months

When to plant: Rosella is frost-tender and needs a long, warm season — plant in spring for an autumn harvest. It's a natural fit for tropical and subtropical gardens. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing it in a raised bed: Plant into rich mix in full sun and give it room — it grows into a big, handsome shrub. Pinch the growing tips early to make it bushier and more productive.

How to use it: It's the fleshy red calyx around the seed pod that you harvest, for jams, sauces, cordials and tea. The young leaves are edible too, with a tart, spinach-like tang.

Common pests: keep an eye out for aphids and caterpillars, though flowers are seldom much bothered. See our safe pest guide.

Common problems: the main one to watch is powdery mildew, usually in damp, crowded conditions. Good airflow prevents most.

Where to plant it: A statement warm-climate plant; give it a sunny corner of its own. See our companion planting guide.

More growing guides: butterfly pea, sunflowers and borage.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Zmu'az4Z, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.