Does it need full sun?

Yes, it thrives in full sun for the best flowering.

Can it grow in a pot?

It can be kept in a large container but will eventually need pruning to manage its size.

Plant guide

Sea hibiscus.

Talipariti tiliaceum

Pronounced tal-ih-pah-REE-tee til-ee-AY-see-um

Also known as Sea hibiscus, Waru

The sea hibiscus is a beautiful, salt tolerant shrub or small tree often found along tropical coastlines. It produces stunning, large yellow flowers that shift to a deep red as they age throughout the day. It is a fantastic choice for coastal gardens or as a bold ornamental specimen.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub or tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 3 to 7 days
Mature size: 20 to 30 feet
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Year round in tropical climates

Care

Keep this plant in a spot with plenty of sun to encourage the best flowering. Watch for yellowing leaves which might mean it is getting too much water, and keep an eye out for common pests like aphids. It is very forgiving once established and handles windy, salty environments well.

Watering: Water deeply when the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth.
Repotting: Move to a larger container once the roots begin to circle the pot.
Soil: Well draining sandy or loamy soil
Soil pH: 6.0 to 8.5
Temperature: 10 to 35°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 50 years.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: This plant is not considered toxic to humans.
Children: The plant is generally safe, but the woody stems and seed pods could pose a minor choking hazard if ingested.
Contact allergens: The fine hairs on the leaves and stems can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: Pollen may cause mild reactions in those with severe seasonal allergies.
Edibility: The flowers and young leaves are edible, but always ensure they are harvested from areas free of pesticides or pollutants.

How to identify it

Heart shaped leathery green leaves
Large yellow flowers with dark centers
Flowers turn reddish orange by evening
Smooth gray bark on mature trunks

Height: 3 to 9m
Spread: 2 to 6m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: yellow, red, 5 to 12cm
Fruit: brown, Year round

Problems to watch for

AphidsCommon
Scale InsectsCommon
Salt StressUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, summer, fall
Overwintering: In cooler climates, move the container indoors to a bright, frost-free location. Keep the soil slightly drier during the winter months.
In containers: It grows well in large containers, but ensure the pot is at least 50 liters to accommodate the root system.

Stem Cuttings

1. Take a 15 cm cutting from semi-hardwood growth.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Dip the end in rooting hormone.
4. Place in a moist, well-draining potting mix.
5. Keep in a warm, humid spot until roots form.

Plant near other salt tolerant species to create a cohesive coastal landscape.

Grows well with

Sea Grape · They share similar coastal environmental requirements.
Beach Sunflower · It makes a great low growing groundcover beneath the tree.

Similar species

Hibiscus · They share the same family and similar flower structures.

Science

Family: Malvaceae
Genus: Talipariti
Order: Malvales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical regions of the Old World.
Conservation: This species is widespread and not of conservation concern.

It is a pioneer species that thrives in coastal environments and mangrove edges.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental hedge, coastal erosion control, traditional cordage, culinary flower

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 6/9
Soil reaction: 7/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 9/9
Moisture: 7/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need full sun?: Yes, it thrives in full sun for the best flowering.
Can it grow in a pot?: It can be kept in a large container but will eventually need pruning to manage its size.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Talipariti is derived from a local Malabar name, while the specific epithet tiliaceum refers to the resemblance of its leaves to the Tilia or linden tree.

Good to know

The inner bark produces a strong fiber historically used to make rope.
It is highly salt tolerant, making it perfect for seaside gardens.
The flowers open yellow in the morning and turn reddish by evening.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.