Hibiscus Malvaceae (Malvaceae) shrub or small tree, scientific name Hibiscus syriacus, or Althaea syriaca. Native to eastern Asia, colorful flowers, widely cultivated as ornamental plants. High up to 3 meters (10 feet), usually low-branching, plants were tower. Mallow like flowers, white, pink and purple to purple, usually dark red base; some varieties are double flowers. Section Garcinia (Clusiaceae) in the large calyx of Hypericum (Hypericum calycinum), also known as hibiscus.