Hibiscus: Hibiscus acetosella - Red Sheild in particular, 0 by Michael_Ronayne

Michael_Ronayne wrote:
I just wanted to let everyone know that I am proceeding with an attempted hybridization of Hibiscus acetosella (Red Shield) from Africa and Hibiscus aculeatus (Comfort Root) from North America which I had previously speculated might be possible. Attached is a picture of my starter tray with H. aculeatus on the left and H. acetosella on the right, which will be planted this weekend. Behind the starter tray are two potted H. aculeatus which survived a killer frost this spring when I put my Hibiscus seedlings out too early and lost most of them. OK, I should have listened to my Mother 50 years ago when she warned me to never plant before Memorial Day in New York City!

I am using the Deno Method, with seed nicking, to start all my Hibiscus seeds and achieve a very high germination success rate. In the attached picture, you might have noticed that the larger seedlings are in the back of the tray. Using the Deno Method I was transferring the seeding from the paper-towel germination material in the order that they germinated and one of the consequences was that the earlier germinating plants also grew faster. We are only talking about a few days difference in germination times but the difference in growth rates was noticeable. Also the earlier germinating H. acetosella had a greener color. This is a VERY preliminary observation of my part and the tests need to be repeated.

Assuming that I get any flowers on the H. aculeatus and H. acetosella this year, which is a long-shot, I am going to have to overwinter both Hibiscus species this winter in Zone 6B. I know the DG members are keeping H. acetosella in Zone 6b or colder, so I would like your input on how you overwinter H. acetosella and when do you move the plants to a more protected environment?

Is anyone in Zone 6b or colder, obtaining flowers on H. acetosella and if so at what time of year? In addition, I am planning to expose some of my H. aculeatus, with protection, this winter to see if any survive.

Mike


This message was edited Jul 24, 2010 2:42 PM