Hibiscus: hardy hibiscus cross Pollination??, 1 by Michael_Ronayne

Michael_Ronayne wrote:
Read my post in Wikipedia on “Cold-hardy Hibiscus cultivars”:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus_moscheutos

Many cold-hardy Hibiscus cultivars which are identified as Hibiscus moscheutos are in fact hybrids of Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus coccineus, Hibiscus laevis, Hibiscus militaris and Hibiscus palustris with indeterminate genetic contributions from each parent species. Some of these hybrids are pod sterile and others are pollen sterile and others can’t reproduce at all. What makes many cold-hardy Hibiscus cultivars acceptable ornamental flowers is that they don’t set seeds. Once a wild Hibiscus species plant starts setting seeds it stops sending up new flowers which is why you have to pick off the pods to keep it flowering. The good news is that most of the hardy Hibiscus on the market should have the same chromosome number so they should theoretically be compatible, unless the chromosomes have been doubled.

In the above Wikipedia post, look at links to the US Plant Patents. Some of there patents reference pod or pollen sterility in the genetic history of the cultivates. I have noticed that I am generally more successful germinating the seeds of pure Hibiscus species. Another big advantage in the successful germination of Hibiscus seeds during the winter is nicking the Hibiscus seeds. Here is an overview of the technique:
http://www.internationalhibiscussociety.org/seed_bank_seed_r...

Under the conditions, which I use to germinate Hibiscus, seed nicking is the only way that I can obtain satisfactory yields. People living in the Deep South report better results without nicking then I obtained with it. Given you location you should seriously consider nicking. If I get a chance I will post the seed nicking technique I use. Attached is a picture of nicked Hibiscus coccineus seeds.

If you read my full Wikipedia post you will note that Tropical-Hardy™ Hibiscus cultivars will be available in 2010. So don’t give up hope on the wild colors.

Mike