jdubu Loc: San Jose, CA

I wonder if we are having a cross view of flower types... I think of hardy or perennial hibiscus as the really open petal forms that can be 3-6 inches across when fully open, while here the flowering maple (abuliton) looks similar, but the petals don't curve out (like a fuschia) when open, but usually maintain a closed bell look and are smaller blooms to 3", like your second photo. Both will survive winter, dying back, and coming back when the weather warms up.

I don't know of an annual hibiscus, but then having killed a few, I suppose that made them annuals! I like what I like and grow and kill many plants as I blunder along in my yard. I have a few types of mallows in my yard, mainly to attract insects, but also for their beauty. I know them as mallows, hibiscus and flowering maples as sold at the local nurseries. Whatever they actually are, at least we are all enjoying them in our homes.

angela k Loc: Long Island

My hibiscus has a huge flower, it's just that I shot it when it wasn't fully opened. Here is a link that I shot last year with it wide open.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-409572-1.html

The tropical hibiscus, to me, have beautiful flowers, but since I have cats, I can't bring it indoors in the winter.