Variety traits

Double-flowering — Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L.

A morphological trait expressed in the conversion of stamens and carpels into sterile petal-like structures (petaloids), which leads to an increase in the number of petals from 5 to 30 or more.

In the reference 7 varieties crop Chinese hibiscus, where this is mentioned in the description.

Double-flowering in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is evaluated through quantitative indicators and flower type classification. Simple forms have 5 petals and 46 to 101 functional stamens. Semi-double cultivars contain 8 to 12 petals, whereas fully double forms have 16 to 30 or more petals, with a significant reduction or complete absence of normal stamens.

In breeding, types of double-flowering are distinguished based on the degree of organ substitution, including the anemone type with shortened central petaloids. The level of double-flowering can be unstable and depends on lighting conditions and agricultural practices; if these are disrupted, the cultivar may revert to simple flower forms.

This trait directly affects the biology of the species: due to the sterility of most stamens, double flowers rarely set seeds, making vegetative propagation the only method of reproduction. At the same time, double-flowering increases the lifespan of the flower on the plant to 2–4 days, compared to 1 day for simple forms.

General information about the subject — on the page Double flowering / Reversion.

Sources8

Varieties of Chinese hibiscus mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.