There are two types of hibiscus, the sturdy and the tropical. The largest difference between the two is the foliage: tropical hibiscus foliage is usually larger; it’s glossy and dark green. Hardy hibiscus leaves, on the other hand, tend to be slender and they are dull and heart-shaped. Only tropical hibiscus blooms in shades of orange and just the tropicals bear double blooms. Tropical hibiscus plants usually grow in containers in regions where temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, so that gardeners can bring them indoors for protection. The tropical hibiscus is best grown outdoors just within U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and over.

Bright Orange Hibiscus

Bright orange hibiscus may be labeled from the nursery as “golden orange,” and you will find many to choose from. “Too Hot To Handle” grows on a Mammoth bush and bears 6- to 8-inch single blossoms which are orange with a pink eye. “Electric Orange” takes its title from the veins arising in the flower’s stark white eye which turn bronze as they radiate toward the blossom’s border.

Red/Orange Hibiscus

Orange hibiscus flowers that border on red are sometimes called “hot” orange. “Picante,” published in 2011, blooms in flowers which contain a combination of red, orange and yellow. If you’re looking for a bigger flower, consider “Thermal Resistance.” This hibiscus creates 7- to 8-inch blooms that are red at the eye and gradually turn orange to the edge. Another large flowered orange variety is “Venetian Pepper,” with a deep maroon eye and variegated orange, red and yellow petals.

Light Orange Hibiscus

Light orange hibiscus flowers have a tendency to begin blooming yellow and turn orange, or another way around. Since its breeders claim this hibiscus’ eye looks like a cherry, they called the variety “Apricot Tart.” A medium-sized bush, it’s great for container growing and bears large 7- to 9-inch apricot-hued flowers. “Pumpkin Pie” produces flowers which may grow as large as 10 inches in diameter, in shades of yellow and orange with a pink eye.

Orange Double Hibiscus

“High Definition” describes this flower’s amazing colors: red, orange and yellow. This is an ideal double flowering hibiscus for container plantings. “Magic Moment” tropical hibiscus primarily blooms in fluffy bright orange against dark orange flowers, but you could discover some petals with various shades of orange, from dark orange to apricot.

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