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Hibiscus 
Tropical Hibiscus
• Perennial Hibiscus • Texas
Star • Confederate Rose • Rose-of-Sharon
Hardy or hearty, tropical or perennial, wildflower or cultivated plant,
whichever hibiscus plant you have, they are a welcome spot of color in our
gardens and homes. These members of the mallow family, give you show-stopping
blossoms, provided you have sunlight and give them the proper care.
The hibiscus genus includes a wide range of flowering plants. Hibiscus
flowers grow in many forms. Their petals may be flared, cut or fringed, single
flowers or doubles, and colors can run the gamut, from whites to reds, yellows
to orange. Size of blossoms vary with species, as do plant height and leaf size
and shape. Some are deciduous shrubs, others form woody stalks, but die
completely to the ground each winter, and others are tender, and must be brought
indoors for the winter. Some bloom non-stop, even indoors provided with the
right care, others bloom most of the summer, and still others only bloom in the
fall. Hibiscus plants are in the same family as okra and cotton--two heat
lovers. As such, hibiscus plants typically don't get started growing until the
air and soil temperatures have heated up, so be patient in the spring and wait
for your perennial forms to sprout. Knowing which plant you have, will determine
how you take care of it.
Tropical Hibiscus
The tropical hibiscus or Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis),
has the most prized and showy flowers, but it isn’t winter hardy, so must be
moved indoors for winter protection, or new plants purchased each year. These
have become a popular addition to our gardens each summer, and have become
readily available statewide. Flowers range in color from pinks, to reds, yellows
to orange, with single flowers or doubles available, all with shiny, evergreen
leaves. Plants range in size from small 4 inch pots to standards or even braided
topiary specimens. This plant has been widely cultivated, and there are hundreds
of cultivars world-wide. They make excellent container plants or nice annual
color in a hot, sunny spot in your garden. Each flower usually only lasts a day,
sometimes two, but a healthy plant should have constant bloom. They prefer a
well drained soil, and frequent application of fertilizer in the summer to keep
blooming well. Flower buds may drop if the plant is moved to a different
climatic area–such as indoors to out, or vice versa. They may also drop buds if
the soil gets too dry. Whiteflies can be a problem. If you do choose to
overwinter your hibiscus plants indoors, give them a cool, sunny room, and allow
them to stay on the dry side. Prune them back one third to one half in late
January or early February, to keep them full and bushy.
Perennial Hibiscus
The perennial Hibiscus moscheutos – our common rose mallow or marsh
mallow can be found statewide in swampy areas. Large white flowers are the norm,
on this tall growing plant. Numerous cultivars have been released as ornamental
perennials, giving us the ‘Disco Belle’ series of two to three foot tall plants,
to the larger ‘Southern Belle’ with six foot plus stalks. These plants bloom
from June through early fall, with flowers as large as dinner plates. Colors
range from white, to pink to maroon, with some bi-colors thrown in. While the
plants do form large woody stalks, they die completely to the ground during the
winter. They don’t begin to grow in the spring, until the soil temperature has
warmed up. Give them room to grow, since they can be quite large, over time. The
more sunlight the better, and they do much better in a moist environment with
high organic matter. The large, coarse leaves often are chewed on by various
leaf eating insects. Unless it really takes away from the beauty of the plant,
it doesn’t hurt the flowering ability at all. Woody seed capsules appear after
bloom. They can be planted in the spring, but often benefit from soaking
overnight before being sown. You can also scatter seeds out in the fall, and
allow them to come up in the spring.
Texas Star
Another perennial hibiscus, is the red blooming Texas Star or Hibiscus
coccineus. Deep red, funnel shaped flowers are borne on this tall growing
plant. Growing six to eight feet tall or higher, this plant can be identified by
its lobed leaves. It also performs best in full sun, and in moist conditions,
but can tolerate drier sites in partial shade. Crosses between this species and
other perennial species have resulted in the ‘Lady Baltimore’ and ‘Lord
Baltimore’ species which have pink flowers with red centers and vibrant red
flowers respectively on four to five foot tall plants.
Confederate Rose
The last perennial hibiscus that is not as commonly grown, but worth growing,
is the Confederate Rose or Hibiscus mutabilis. It has the potential for
being the largest of the perennial hibiscus, growing 15 feet or more in one
season. While not 100% winter hardy except for in the southern part of the
state, this hibiscus has powderpuff-like blossoms, which open either white or
pale pink and turn a darker shade late in the day. It blooms in the fall only,
but is a show-stopper when in bloom. It too dies back to the ground, but in
moderately hardy areas, you may want to take cuttings before frost hits.
Rose-of-Sharon
Another member of the hibiscus genus is the common, old-fashioned
Rose-of-Sharon or althea, Hibiscus syriacus. This deciduous shrub can be grown
statewide in full sun to partial shade. Single flowers or doubles are available.
It blooms from summer through frost, in good soil or bad. While the old
fashioned plants were limited to lavender, white or pink flowers, many new
selections are available today, with salmon flowers and bi-colors. It blooms on
the current season growth, so pruning should be done in late February, prior to
new growth beginning. It can be kept in shrub form, or pruned into a small tree.
Regardless of which hibiscus you choose, they all have something to offer,
and for the most part, are easy to care for. Most of these plants should be
available now at your local nursery. If you need some extra color (and who
doesn’t) add some hibiscus plants to your collection.
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