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

Michael_Ronayne wrote:
Katharine,

Of greatest importance, I hope your husband’s and your health is improving. Your really can’t enjoy your garden when you are not feeling well.

The first order of business is to identify and tag the Hibiscus which are of interest. Any pure whites and pure pinks, with no red-eyes should be high of the list. You should have seed pods on many of your Hibiscus and should start collecting pods and putting them into paper sandwich bags or large envelopes which have been labeled. I collect the pods and all, and separate the seeds when I have time. Seed cleaning is an indoor task for me.

In about a month, if not sooner given you location, your hibiscus will go dormant and shed their leaves. Using the tags you applied earlier dig up or expose the root-ball and divide it into several clumps. Replant the clumps you want to keep and remaining clumps can be traded as bare-roots in a plastic bag to retain moisture. Be sure to trim the old growth back to about 6”.

I have been doing some reading on how Hibiscus Moy Grande was produced but it will take me several years, as multiple back-crossed will be needed to recover the white color with a Hibiscus grandiflorus flower and leaf conformation. The white color is a genetic recessive, hence the needed for the backcrosses. I have already started the first series of crosses to that end. The main breeding line will be Hibiscus Blue River II and Hibiscus grandiflorus with some Hibiscus Moy Grande and Hibiscus Blue River II crosses as well. Now if I can only resist the temptation of start germinating the Hibiscus seeds too early, like I did this year.

Attached is a picture of an 11” Hibiscus Moy Grande flower which just bloomed today on a 6 month old rooted cutting. This plant should be spectacular next year.

Via DM I will send you my contact information and some Hibiscus I have which you might be interested in. I also have a lot of seeds from the species cultivar of Hibiscus coccineus known as 'Blaze Starr' which will breed true. 'Blaze Starr' successfully overwintered in my garden in Zone 6B and my daughter's garden in Zone 6A, this past winter under less than ideal conditions. I suspect that 'Blaze Starr' just might make it in Zone 5 with a little protection. I have many other Hibiscus seeds but they most likely will not breed true as they have mixed genetic ancestry.

Mike