Native to tropical eastern Africa in Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique, the fringed hibiscus (Hibiscus schizopetalus ‘El Capitolio’) in its red form is the original red "poodle flower," with 3- to 4-inch blooms that flower in the upper leaf axils of the tall plant."Schizo" means split or cleft, referring to the exotic, frilly flower petals that are divided into deep, narrow irregular segments; "petalus" means petal. The delicate flowers hang from the stems on thin pedicels (stalks) up to 6 inches long with staminal columns dangling below. If pollinated, flowers may be followed by oblong seed capsules. The 5-inch, dark-green, oval, sharply toothed leaves grow on upright-arching stems. The El Capitolio varieties, like all the hibiscus ancestor plants, are vigorous, strong, fast-growing, large tropical plants that flower continuously in sunny and hot growing conditions with adequate moisture and good air circulation. Outside they can reach 8 feet tall in a large pot, although they can be trimmed to the size desired if they start to get too big. Hardy in USDA Zones 8 to 11, the fringed hibiscus attracts birds and butterflies and tolerates deer.