Pavonia Flamboyant® - Rock Rose

The Pavonia 'Flamboyant' is a small hybrid bush with an exotic appearance renowned for its generous, continuous flowering from May to September. Its flamboyant flowers, similar to those of hibiscus, display a red colour sometimes washed with orange. They are less wide than hibiscus flowers, but produced profusely, even in dry and hot climates. Its only flaw is a lack of hardiness (-5°C). Growing it in a pot allows you to enjoy its charm on a balcony or terrace and protect it from frost in winter like a citrus plant.

The Pavonia 'Flamboyant' belongs to the Malvaceae family. It is a hybrid whose parentage is not specified. It originates from shrub species native to South America, mainly Brazil and Argentina. The Pavonia 'Flamboyant' has shiny green foliage that more or less persists in mild climates during winter. The leaves have a slightly puckered appearance, with a dentate edge. They are of a medium green colour, slightly fuzzy, and enhance the flower colour. This bush offers continuous flowering throughout the growing season. The flowers, measuring about 5 cm in diameter, consist of 5 vermilion red petals, sometimes tinged with orange, surrounding a prominent yellow pistil. Each flower only lives for a few hours, but they continuously renew between May and September. This fast-growing small bush generally reaches a height of 1m to 1.2m and a spread of 50 to 60 cm. It prefers a sunny exposure and tolerates brief frosts around -5°C. Its heat requirements are higher during the flowering period. The growth of this bush is moderate but regular, and it only requires minimal maintenance once well established in the ground.

The Pavonia 'Flamboyant' is a beautiful plant for Mediterranean gardens or patio decoration in a container. This variety can be paired with Lantana 'Shamrock Red' with its vibrant flowering and Plumbago 'Dark Blue' blooming in a lovely blue all summer. The Hibiscus syriacus 'Red Heart', with its white flowers and red centre, will also make a good companion.