Though many of the plants in the Hibiscus genus grow in tropical or semitropical regions, several hardier species such as this one are native to North America. Experimental gardener Thomas Jefferson included this species of hibiscus in his list.

Perennial plant, bush height is 1.5 m, leaves are dark green, heart-shaped, flowers are very large, up to 30 cm in diameter, pink with a cherry eye, blooms for a long period of time, from July to September.