Hibiscus: Fancy Hibiscus, 1 by DavidFranzman

DavidFranzman wrote:
Hi Cat

I'm sorry you had problems with Winn. He was my first provider of hibs also. I found Winn engaging and very helpful since I didn't know anything about hibs at that point. I don't even know what happened to those plants but I remember Winn very well because when I opened my business I wanted to be as accessible as Winn was.

I still have a soft spot for him (in a manly sort of way of course). I didn't buy more plants from him after that but not because of any problems. I found other providers is all.

All of those plants you have seem to be on their own roots rather than grafted. Many varieties are strong plants on their own roots but some really need to be grafted. I am thinking that your plants are languishing on their own roots. Others will tell you that if careful own roots plants will do just fine but I disagree with that. I have seen literally thousands of plants languish because they were on their own roots and that when grafted they were beautiful.

I would suggest you take a look at the roots of those plants. See if they look healthy! If not try giving them a bath of 10% bleach solution. Sometimes there just isn't anything you'll be able to do. A weak plant is a weak plant but your's look like they have an inadequate root system to me.

David