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This particular flower was twice the size of my hand! Yes, this is the same type of hibiscus that is the state flower of Hawaii. You commonly see reds, pinks and yellows, but they also come in lavenders, bluish tones, whites, browns, golds and reds that are so dark that some people call them "black." Tropical hibiscus (rosa-sinensis) also come as singles and doubles. They are a tropical plant and perform best in tropical conditions. They do not tolerate frost well, but that does not stop people from growing them in Canada and northern Europe -- they are brought inside to avoid freezes or they are grown as annuals. Originating in Asia and the Pacific islands, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the national flower of Malaysia. It is closely associated with Hawaii, however the state flower for Hawaii is a native species of hibiscus, H. brackenridgei. Thousands of colors and combinations of colors (no true blue or black), some varieties have blossoms 2" in diameter and others, 10-12". Some with bushes that will only grow a foot in several years while others may grow to 15 feet if left undisturbed in the ground. Singles, doubles, some blooming almost every day, the variation in the tropical hibiscus family is astounding!