Hibiscus have two types of flowering habits: 'determinate' and 'indeterminate'. Cultivars with 'determinate' flowering develop flower buds near the terminal shoot and 'indeterminate' varieties develop flower buds at the nodes along much of the stem as well as near the terminal shoots. Therefore, 'indeterminate' cultivars produce more flowers and bloom considerably longer than 'determinate' varieties.

Most of the older genetics on the market are 'determinate' bloomers with flowers lasting for approximately one month during the summer. 'Indeterminate' flower consistently for 2 to 3 months or even longer.