Is it toxic to dogs?
Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacus · Malvaceae
Also called Rose of Sharon, Rose of China
Non-Toxic to dogs
No, if it is rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus): ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to dogs. ASPCA's hibiscus entries cover only that species, not tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), so check which plant you have.
Why it’s considered safe for dogs
Hibiscus is a showy, trumpet-flowered shrub that grows as a garden plant in mild climates and as a potted plant in cooler ones. ASPCA has two entries for it, titled hibiscus and rose of Sharon, and both also list the name rose of China. Both name Hibiscus syriacus and list it as non-toxic to dogs, with no toxic principle identified, so its flowers and leaves are not considered poisonous.
Those entries cover only Hibiscus syriacus. The potted tropical hibiscus sold in many garden centers is a different plant, Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and ASPCA's database does not rate it by name. If you are unsure which plant you own, check the tag or ask your vet before assuming.
The usual risks are indirect. Garden fertilizers and pesticides can poison dogs even when the plant is safe. And oleander, another shrub with large, showy blooms, is toxic to dogs, so it pays to be sure which plant is which.
If your dog ate hibiscus
A nibbled flower or leaf is rarely a problem. ASPCA lists hibiscus as non-toxic, though dogs that eat plant material may have a mild upset stomach with vomiting or loose stool.
Call your vet if the signs persist, your dog ate a large amount, or the plant was recently treated with fertilizer, insecticide or another garden product. Call right away if you are not sure the shrub is hibiscus, because oleander is another showy flowering shrub and causes drooling, belly pain, diarrhea and can be fatal. In the US, ASPCA Animal Poison Control is at (888) 426-4435 and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply); elsewhere, call your local emergency vet.
Do not make your dog vomit at home. Keep any product label handy for the vet.
Keeping your dog safe
Plant hibiscus where you can supervise your dog, or fence off the bed if your dog is a digger or a nibbler. Keep a tidy ground under the shrub so fallen blooms do not become a chew toy.
Store fertilizer and garden chemicals out of reach. Pet Poison Helpline notes that fertilizers can contain iron and added pesticides or herbicides, and that larger ingestions can cause serious poisoning. Follow the product label for when treated areas are safe, or ask your vet.
Label your plants. A tag with the Latin name helps you, a sitter and a vet identify a plant quickly. If you want other flowering shrubs that ASPCA lists as non-toxic, try camellias and roses.
Frequently asked questions
Are hibiscus flowers safe for dogs to eat?
ASPCA lists hibiscus as non-toxic to dogs. Flowers are not a normal part of a dog's diet, so a few may be tolerated but a lot could upset the stomach.
Is tropical hibiscus toxic to dogs?
ASPCA's database does not say. Its hibiscus entries name only Hibiscus syriacus, the rose of Sharon, and list it as non-toxic. Tropical or Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a different plant without its own ASPCA rating, so if your dog ate one, ask your vet or a poison hotline.
Is rose of Sharon the same as hibiscus?
Rose of Sharon is one kind of hibiscus, Hibiscus syriacus. ASPCA files the names hibiscus, rose of Sharon and rose of China under that species and lists it as non-toxic to dogs.
Could my dog mistake oleander for hibiscus?
Dogs do not choose by name, but owners can. Oleander has showy flowers and is toxic to dogs, with drooling, belly pain and diarrhea listed among the signs, so identify any shrub before you let your dog near it.
Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 30, 2026. Editorial policy