Hollywood Hibiscus™ First to Arrive™ Tropical Hibiscus

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

3-5 Feet

Mature Spread

3-4 Feet

Growing Zones

9 to 11

Hollywood Hibiscus™ First to Arrive™ Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'JBN 12002') brings forth large, deep red blooms earlier than most hibiscus, showcasing color from late spring to autumn. This variety often reaches three to four feet tall, creating a bold statement in warm-climate gardens or sunny patios. Its reliable bloom production and eye-catching petals elevate any outdoor setting. Lush foliage complements the bright petals, and repeated flowering keeps gardens lively for months. 

Though not significantly fragrant, its tropical blooms attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This evergreen shrub remains lush in frost-free areas and demonstrates a sturdy, upright form that works in containers or garden beds. In our experience, it holds up well in heat and typically displays good resistance to common pests. Use it to brighten a poolside, form a lively border, or create a focal point on a balcony.

Hollywood Hibiscus™ First to Arrive™ Tropical Hibiscus Care

Plant this hibiscus in well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Full sun promotes the best flower production, though partial shade may be tolerated in scorching climates. Water consistently during dry spells, taking care to avoid soggy conditions. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer to maintain steady growth and continual blooms. Those in cooler areas may grow it as a container plant, moving it indoors once nighttime temperatures dip below 50°F.

Prune lightly to remove faded flowers and wayward branches, maintaining a neat form. Shortening overgrown stems helps the shrub remain dense and promotes ongoing bud development. In climates with cold winters, keep container-grown plants inside a sunny room or greenhouse and water sparingly. Pots should have adequate drainage, and repotting might be required every couple of years to give roots extra space.

Hollywood Hibiscus™ First to Arrive™ Tropical Hibiscus Spacing

Allow approximately 48 inches between plants for full-sized growth and better airflow in rows or mass plantings. Closer placement can create a thicker hedge effect, though additional pruning may be needed. For container use, pick a pot around 18 inches wide to accommodate maturing roots.  

 

Find the Right Variety

Compare Hollywood Hibiscus™

Compare flower color, bloom pattern, and the features that set each Hollywood Hibiscus™ variety apart.

Variety	Main Color	Flower Look	Why Choose It
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Earth Angel™	White	Solid white petals with yellow stamens	Cleanest, brightest white flower in the series
Hollywood Hibiscus™ First Lady™	Pink	Solid pink flowers	Best choice for a simple, uniform pink bloom
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Talk of the Town™	Pink	Light and medium pink with a magenta center	Layered pink color with a strong tropical center
Hollywood Hibiscus™ America's Sweetheart™	Pink	Pale pink edges, medium pink petals & deep magenta throat	Most detailed tonal-pink flower
Hollywood Hibiscus™ First to Arrive™	Red	Solid red petals with yellow anthers	Clear red coloring with an early-starting display
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Hot Shot™	Red	Large, bright red flowers	Strong straightforward bright-red choice
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Sunset Boulevard™	Orange	Bright orange with a very dark burgundy center	Bold orange-and-burgundy contrast
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Golden Globe™	Lemon yellow	Lemon-yellow petals with a red-burgundy center	Bright yellow flowers with crisp center contrast
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Rico Suave™	Yellow	Lemon yellow with bright red and burgundy center	Bullseye-style center against yellow petals
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Social Butterfly™	Yellow & pink	Yellow petals, blush pink center & deep magenta eye	Soft yellow-to-pink transition
Hollywood Hibiscus™ Disco Diva™	Orange & magenta	Creamsicle orange with ruby-magenta tones	High-contrast orange and magenta combination
Hollywood Hibiscus™ First to Arrive™ Tropical Hibiscus Plant Facts Growing Conditions Hardiness ZonesGrowing Zones USDA Zones 9 to 11 (perennial); grown as an annual elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown indoors elsewhere (outdoors year-round); grown in containers elsewhere (grown as a seasonal crop) Sun Exposure Part Sun to Full Sun (5+ Hours Direct Sun) Mature Height 3-5 Feet Mature Spread 3-4 Feet Growth Rate Fast Growth Habit , Upright Water Needs Consistently Moist Flowers & Foliage Flower Colors , Orange, Yellow Flower Description Vibrant, solid red flowers with bright yellow anthers Bloom Time Late Spring to Frost Blooms On New Wood ? "Blooms on" tells you which stems produce flowers, which decides when it's safe to prune. New Wood: Flowers form on stems that grow this season. Prune in late winter or early spring without losing blooms. Old Wood: Flower buds form on last year's stems. Prune right after flowering. Pruning in fall or early spring removes next year's blooms. Both New and Old Wood: Blooms on last year's stems and again on new growth, so it flowers even after a hard winter or a mistimed pruning. Prune lightly after the first flush of blooms. When to Prune Late winter to early spring, before new growth starts Foliage Color , Green Foliage Description Dark green, glossy Foliage Type , Semi-Evergreen Seasonal Interest , Spring Flowering, Summer Flowering, Fall Flowering, 3 Season Interest Garden Benefits AttractsBees Butterflies Hummingbirds ResistsDisease ToleratesHeat Safety FeaturesAttracts Pollinators Cut Flowers Low Maintenance Continuous or Reblooming Great ForBorders Combinations Containers Hedges & Privacy Mass Planting Specimen or Focal Point Wildlife Gardens Container RoleThriller Plant Overview Common Name Hollywood Hibiscus™ First to Arrive™ Tropical Hibiscus Also Known As First to Arrive Botanical Name Hibiscus rosa-sinensis '12002' Simple Plant Spacing Calculator Planting Shape Rectangle Circle Known Area Length (ft) Width (ft) Diameter (ft) Or enter radius below Radius (ft) Known Area (sq ft) Plant Spacing On-Center (in) Pattern Square (grid) Triangular (staggered) Fill edge gaps (max plants) Enter area to see results. Visual Preview Print / Save PDF Powered by SKU: HHFTHOLLY-GC Container Sizes Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors. Quart Pot Also Known As: Quart Plant Age: ~ 6 months - 1 year Plant Size: ~ 4"-8" Pot Size: ~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W Volume: 1.50 quarts 2.5 Quart Also Known As: 2.5 Quart Pot Plant Age: ~ 1 - 2 years old Plant Size: ~ 8"-12" Pot Size: ~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W Volume: 2.20-2.30 quarts #1 Pot Also Known As: #1 Container 1 Gallon Plant Age: ~ 1 - 2 years old Plant Size: ~ 10"-14" Pot Size: ~ 7"H x 7.75"W Volume: 2.26-3.73 quarts #2 Pot Also Known As: #2 Container 2 Gallon Plant Age: ~ 1.5 - 3 years old Plant Size: ~ 12"-18" Pot Size: ~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W Volume: 1.19-1.76 gallons #3 Pot Also Known As: #3 Container 3 Gallon Plant Age: ~ 2 - 4 years old Plant Size: ~ 12"-30" Pot Size: ~9.5"H x 11"W Volume: 2.32-2.76 gallons #5 Pot Also Known As: #5 Container 5 Gallon Plant Age: ~3-4 years old Plant Size: ~ 20" - 60" Pot Size: ~11" H x 10 1/2” W Volume: 3.5 - 4 gallons Learn more about container sizes. Best in Class Warranty We stand behind our plants with industry-leading guarantees to give you peace of mind. Arrival Guarantee We want your plants to arrive in great condition! If you notice any issues upon delivery, contact us within 3 days. Free 1-Year Plant Warranty Starting January 1, 2026 all bushes, perennials & trees purchased come with an extended 1-year warranty for added confidence. If your plant dies due to a health issue within a year, we’ll make it right. Learn more about our warranty Plants Shipping Now Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed. Shipping Destinations Plant Addicts ships to the lower 48 states within the U.S. Unfortunately, we do not currently ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or internationally. This plant cannot be shipped to the following states: AK, HI. These restrictions apply only to this specific plant due to agricultural regulations or other limitations. Other plants may still be available for shipping to these states. If you have any questions about shipping restrictions, feel free to reach out to our team! Close × Hollywood Hibiscus™ First to Arrive™ Tropical Hibiscus Related Categories ❮ ❯ Close × ! OK Cancel