All about Roselle
Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) may look like a humble version of its showy cousin, the Hibiscus, but this fast-growing, short-lived plant holds back a surprise treat. Its flowers aren’t flashy—until they fade. The calyces (the part of the flower that surrounds the growing bud) will swell at the base, turn deep red, and gleam like tiny rubies in the sun.
Florida pioneers even nicknamed it the “Florida Cranberry” in homage to its tart flavor and crimson color. And the excitement continues in the kitchen: Those jewel-toned calyces are often steeped to make jewel-toned refreshers such as Agua de Jamaica in Mexico and sorrel throughout the Caribbean.
In 2024, the Garden’s roselle crop flavored a limited-edition beer dubbed “Hibiscus Kiss” by Ankrolab Brewing Company, one of our Bayshore neighbors.
Find roselle in the Kapnick Caribbean Garden until it’s harvested in the fall.
More Blooms—and Natural Insect Repellents—for your Summer
Bay rum tree (Pimenta racemosa)
- Spring and summer
- Buehler Family Foundation Enabling Garden
Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
- Late spring to early summer
- Scott Florida Garden, near the Preserve
Marigold (Tagetes)
- Late summer to fall, especially during the Día de los Muertos Celebration
- Container plantings throughout the Garden
This article first appeared in the Summer 2026 issue of Cultivate, the Garden’s magazine.
