Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is quite large, containing about 200 to 220 species that are native to warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are often noted for their showy flowers and are commonly known as hibiscus or rosemallow. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees.

Hibiscus mutabilis versicolor, also known as the Confederate rose, Dixie rosemallow, cotton rose or cotton rosemallow, is a plant long cultivated for its showy flowers. Originally native to southern China and Taiwan, it is now found on all continents except Antarctica. Confederate roses tend to be shrubby or treelike in zones 9 and 10, though they behave more like perennials further north. Flowers can be double or single and are 10 to 15 cm in diameter; they open white or pink, and change to deep red by evening. Single blooming flowers are generally cup-shaped. Bloom season usually lasts from summer through fall. Propagation by cuttings root easiest in early spring, but cuttings can be taken at almost any time. When it does not freeze, the Confederate rose can reach heights of 3.7 to 4.6 m with a woody trunk; however, a much bushier plant 1.5 to 1.8 m high is more typical and provides more flowering. These plants have a very fast growth rate. The Confederate rose was at one time very common in the area of the Confederate States of America, which is how its common name was derived. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, and prefers rich, well-drained soil.