Hibiscus

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 "over winter" 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 bicolors 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.

Camellias

When you consider adding flowering shrubs to your landscape, many people consider spring as their primary bloom season, planting azaleas and forsythias. Yet there is a group of plants that can give you flowers from fall through winter, when we desperately need some extra color. Camellias can give you those blooms. While camellias are considered a true southern plant, if given the proper location, they can survive the winters with ease. Camellias are synonymous with southern gardening, yet they are not native to the south. Originally from China and Japan, there are approximately 65 wild forms of camellias, of which over a dozen forms are in cultivation. In the United States there are three or four commonly grown varieties, or hybrids thereof. Surprisingly, one of our most common beverages, tea, comes from a camellia--Camellia sinensis. It is one of the leading crops in India and Ceylon, growing up to 50 feet in height. The processed young leaves offer us tea. It is also grown as an ornamental in the deep south, as a much smaller plant, usually 5 - 6 feet. It would need to be brought into a greenhouse or given extra winter protection. There are a few of these plants in the north, but are more common further south. It blooms fragrant white flowers in September and October.

Depending on the variety of camellia, you can have blooms from early fall to early spring. Some varieties are hardier than others, and the further north you live in the state, the more limited you are in selections, and the more winter protection you may need.