Anderson Crepe Hibiscus doesn’t steal all hearts.
Anderson Crepe Hibiscus trees: What’s not to love? Well, a couple of things depending on which Plantopinions expert you ask. But they’re just small things. This charming garden classic with exquisite soft pink flowers boasts arching branches that sway your gaze and is best used as an alluring focal point. See if this unique ornamental is the right match for you.
Joe Mantkowski, ArtisTree VP Landscape Design:
What I really like about the Anderson Crepe Hibiscus is how it adds instant grace and beauty to a landscape. It’s a true ornamental centerpiece in every sense of the word, with showy pink flowers producing off and on all year long. I personally prefer to see it in its natural form to show off its unique cascading canopy, but you can keep it manicured as well. Pairs well with a variety of different shrubs, groundcovers and ornamental grasses.
Clinton Lak, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:
Anderson Crepe Hibiscus has an interesting and pendulating airy form grown as a small tree or large shrub. Very nice tropical color, too. However, it’s not a regular in my arsenal because it’s susceptible to both pests and “blow over” during wind events (since they are top heavy and shallow rooted). I recommend the Seminole Pink Hibiscus as a hardier option. In my opinion, it has a nicer bloom and foliage, plus it’s less susceptible to blow over.
Chris Culp, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:
I do like the Anderson Crepe Hibiscus as a small accent tree. It has nice weeping characteristics and a beautiful pink flower. It’s a low-maintenance evergreen and blooms pretty much all year around. But like all hibiscus trees, it has a weak root system and generally has to be tree-braced even after it’s established because of a broad, top-heavy canopy. This isn’t as critical if you plant in a protected area. If your heart’s not set on pink, you could always consider a Jatropha, which is another smaller-form tree but with red flowers that bloom nearly all year long.
Brian Clouser, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:
Anderson Crepe Hibiscus trees look great once they’re established and get some size. Definitely not something for a uniformly manicured landscape or an impatient homeowner as it takes time to reach a weeping form (give it a couple of years). No major concerns about using these other than excess watering and pests like aphids and potentially deer. Otherwise, I like them. Their unique form and flowers make them a great specimen or small anchor tree. If you want big instant flowers, I’d go with a regular pink variety instead (‘Seminole Pink’ or ‘Painted Lady’ if available). Favorable opinion from me but they aren’t for everyone. I’d include Desert Cassia as something similar in form but a little larger.
Elisabeth Owen, ArtisTree Landscape Designer:
The Anderson Crepe is a beautiful tree I don’t use frequently but do try to use more often when space allows. The white cultivar is absolutely stunning and I feel can have the most impact. It seems to be more rare. They’re better used alone or sparingly to serve as focal points rather than overwhelming the landscape design by using too many. Place the tree so blossoms can fall without being in the way. They can be messy and will stain pavers or concrete. These are fast growers. Regular hibiscus trees can be kept about 6 to 8 feet, but these grow taller — 10 to 12 feet or more — and have a wider spread. Make sure you plant in full sun and water on a regular basis, letting it dry out in between. Aphids or scales are common issues on all hibiscus trees and should be monitored during warmer months. I recommend hand-pruning these in spring — late March to early April. Pruning is key to maintaining the shape of the tree and its growth habit. They’re small enough to be put in a large focal point bed but shouldn’t be placed too close to a walkway, drive or house.
Conan Michel, ArtisTree Landscape Operations Manager:
To give you a bigger picture, hibiscus is a beautiful flowering plant that thrives in South Florida, with approximately 300 different varieties that come in many different colors. They grow fast, flower well and are a colorful addition to any yard. In fact, I think everyone should have at least one hibiscus plant in their landscape! Of these, the Anderson Crepe Hibiscus is a particular favorite of mine when grown as a weeping tree. But you can also grow naturally as a shrub. To look their best and keep flowering, all hibiscus plants need full sun, regular fertilization and well-drained soil. If you’re going for a tropical feel and like pink, the Anderson Crepe is an excellent choice.


ArtisTree “Plantopinions” is a roundtable debate between ArtisTree experts on the virtues of various plant specimens. Sometimes there’s consensus and sometimes not. In the end, you are the judge.
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Category Landscape Design, News, Shrubs, Trees
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