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 praeteritus forms a tall, slender, erect shrub with small deeply toothed leaves with delicate pink to red flowers from spring to autumn.