Tropical Hibiscus

Nothing says "tropical" quite as well as the beautiful Hibiscus bloom! 

Hibiscus Sanibel Single Yellow

These sizzling and cheerful colors are brilliant in the garden!

Part of the Mallow family, this genus is particularly large with hundreds of species native to warm-temperate, tropical and subtropical regions around the world.  Even in areas where Hibiscus cannot live outdoors, this pretty shrub can be grown easily in a container and enjoyed indoors or on a seasonal patio. 

Presidential Hibiscus

Lived in a pretty container on my screened porch

for 3 years before I transplanted it to the garden.

The amazing array of colors range from pure white to yellow, orange, red, purple and pink and every combination in between. 

Hibiscus rosa sinensis

This beauty was given to me by a good friend. 

I like to call it Hawaiian Punch.

There are double blooms and single blooms, ranging in size from 4 cm wide to larger than hand size.  There's also a variety named "Dinner Plate" for it's extra large bloom size.  Blooms of all varieties will drop in hot weather, though.  This is common.  Most Hibiscus produce the best blooms in full sun and cooler spring and fall temperatures in zones 9-10.

Hibiscus El Capitolio

This showy double bloom proved to be very cold hardy and robust.

Hibiscus Jane Cowel

This pretty peachy bloom reminds me of a peony!

The woody shrubs or small trees grow anywhere from 2 feet in special hybrids to 15 feet.  They can be trimmed back to form a hedge or left to grow in their natural form (hedge pruning will limit blooming as the flowers come from tips that will be cut off during trimming).  The showy leaves are a shiny, medium to deep green color that vary in size and texture, depending on the specific cultivar. 

Hibiscus Painted Lady

This lovely pink variety was a gift from another wonderful friend!

Hibiscus, in my experience, are generally quite hardy.  There are a handful of pests that can chew or suck the life out of them, though.  Watch out for caterpillars, grasshoppers, aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites and white flies.

Aphids

An attack like this one can happen before you know it.

I spray with a strong water stream.

Fun fact: Hibiscus comes from the Greek word ἱβίσκος (hibískos).  There is also a new version of fancy Hibiscus called HibisKISS, grown for it's large, colorful blooms that are grown on their own root stock vs. grafted.

Hibiscus Pure Yellow

I love this variety so much I have two of them in my yard!

For more information or to get involved in an organization specifically focused on the gorgeous Hibiscus, check out the American Hibiscus Society, the International Hibiscus Society, or a local branch in your area. 

Can you pick a favorite?