Hibiscus: Wondering how to cross pollinate hardy hibiscus in Ohio, 1 by Michael_Ronayne

Michael_Ronayne wrote:
Katharine,

In spite of my best efforts to freeze my Hibiscus seedlings this past spring, by putting them out too early, one Hibiscus grandiflorus beat the odds and finally bloomed this morning as show in the attached photograph. The flower was immediately self pollinated, to ensure that I would get some seeds, and then cross pollinated with two Hibiscus coccineus (Texas Red Star) flowers which also bloomed this morning. Plant Delights is selling this hybrid as Hibiscus 'Red Flyer' but it is not clear which Hibiscus is the pod or pollen parent:
http://www.plantdelights.com/Catalog/Plants/Hibiscus-Red-Fly...
I may do a two-way cross on this one.

The color and conformation of the flower in the attached photograph is typical for wild Hibiscus grandiflorus and resembles the shape of your original white flowers but there is still something different about the shape your Hibiscus. White Hibiscus grandiflorus have been reported but I have not been able to find any photographs. Someone did some serious work with your Hibiscus. I just wish I know who it was.

Once I obtain some seeds and get a few clones started from the side branches, I will have to decide if I am going the take this Hibiscus in for the winter or take a change on it outside.

My Hibiscus coccineus survived outdoors last winter in Zone 6b, under less than ideal conditions, and I just may take a change with Hibiscus grandiflorus if I have backup. Plant Delights is reporting that Hibiscus grandiflorus will survive to Zone 6.

Mike