1. O’ahu, Hawaii

We often associate hibiscus with the crystal clear, blue, tropical waters of Hawaii and the balmy smell of sea salt and palm trees in the air. That postcard view is brought to life thanks to the Hibiscus Lady of Hawaii! Having over 20 years of experience in the business, the Hibiscus Lady grows a blooming nursery right on the North Shore of the island of O’ahu. 

Durgburg DREAMS of catching waves on those golden sandy beaches.Fun fact: 99% of the hibiscus that she sells has been created (hybridized) at the nursery itself! From our universe to hers, Rubynauts across the world say Mahalo to this spectacular nursery! 

2. Burkina Faso

The hibiscus flower is well loved in Burkina Faso and is more than just a pretty pink. In this region of the country, hibiscus is used for a variety of food and drinks like Bissap juice, syrup, tea, cocktails, ice cream, jam. This is in part thanks to Company Toussiana Shea Cosmetics and Edibles, one of the largest hibiscus farmers in the world! 

Located in the heart of the African savannah in the southwest of Burkina Faso, these growers make the most of the plant by not only using it for cooking ingredients but for cosmetics too (Zobo’s favourite use case is that “Heavenly Hibiscus Shmoo Shampoo” smell). From makeup to creams to soaps to anti-aging care, Company Toussiana is making the most of it, and we <3 that. The farm team is mainly female, and honors the growing history of its founder’s (Sella Nathalie Mariton-Outtara) family. 

3. San Diego, California

“Hidden Valley Hibiscus” - it sounds as good as the hibiscus looks! In this beautiful, sunny San Diego farm, they grow over 2000 varieties of the hibiscus flower. Not only do they grow a ton of hibiscus but they’re world renowned for the quality of this tropical flora, seen on TV shows such as Martha Stewart and the Home Shopping Network. The Shmoo’s told us about this one, (Shmoo’s LOVE Martha Stewart) and we’re so happy they did! 

4. Kfar Warburg, Israel 

One of Israel’s hidden treasures, the Hibiscus Farm located in Kfar Warburg is one of the greatest tourist attractions to explore this little known gem. In fact, this attraction is so shmectacular that each tour begins with homemade hibiscus ice-cream tasting - absolutely delishmous. 

In these tours, they walk through the actual hybridization of hibiscus flowers through the history of the farm itself. This one is not to be missed and certainly one for the books! 

5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 

Nested away in one of Malaysia’s most vibrant National Parks, the Hibiscus Garden is located in this massive 70 hectare heritage park. Lake Gardens – Tun Abdul Razak Heritage Park is home to a lush garden filled with Malaysia’s national flower: the Hibiscus! Little is it known to earthlings that this spot is our landing doc between parallel universes. Rubynauts like the smell.

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This Brazilian paradise is owned by Beth, a native Brazilian who is working hard to bring the beauty of hibiscus to Rio! It’s no doubt Beth is a seasoned hybridizer being the first female hibiscus grower in South America as she’s been growing hibiscus since 1966, the same year the 6th taste profile was discovered in the Rubyverse - coincidence? I THINK NOT. 

Beth spends her days caring for her flora across her 2 acres of land and sells them on an online Brazilian store to be loved by her local community.