Hibiscus: Wondering how to cross pollinate hardy hibiscus in Ohio, 0 by kljflower

kljflower wrote:
Just wanted to check back in - I was not able to get over to my Aunt's in time to get photos of hers - just now thought that maybe she took some pics - she used to take lots of pics but it is getting so hard for her to get around now. Thankfully, she has a man who is learning to take care of her garden so she can still enjoy her flowers. Will have to check with her as far as pics. Also did not get to talk to any experts yet - too much family stuff going on. I'm going to try to collect seeds - didn't think I needed to be in a rush, but some of the pods have opened up so wide and the wind is taking the seeds. Since they are done blooming, do you think I should still try to find an expert around here or wait until next year? I'm so hooked on this now - I saw a different red hibiscus at our little town's farmer's market that had the lacy leaves but decided not to move anything else into the mix yet.

Oh I must be sure to mention - while I have definitely not tried to use the leaves for toilet paper as that one article mentioned, I used that idea the other day when I was out in the yard and got my hands dirty without thinking about it (I'm sure no other gardener fanatics like me EVER do that.... like constantly!) and I thought about grabbing one of the lower leaves of the hibiscus and it was quite handy for that! Some of the leaves were bigger than my hand!

This is a rough collage I threw together...