Hibiscus: A Confederate Rose In A Yankee Garden, 1 by Michael_Ronayne

Michael_Ronayne wrote:
Kay,

In my Zone, if it survives at all, Hibiscus mutabilis is a perennial which re-grows from the roots each year. I suspect that my Alma’s Star will never get much taller than the 7 foot plus height it now has for that reason. Some hardwood Hibiscus which can form trees in a particular Zone have the reputation for becoming invasive. The most notorious example is Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon) which is considered an invasive weed in many localities. I my Zone 6 garden I will never see Hibiscus mutabilis set seeds but it is useful to learn that you don’t have a seedling problem in Florida.

How long do your blooms last? I have flowers which are now going on 6 days and are showing no sign of stopping. With most of my Hibiscus it is 24 to 36 hours and the show is all over.

Attached is a photograph I took of Alma’s Star on the morning of October 25, 2011. It looks about the same this morning. The temperatures have been in the low 40’s at night and the unopened buds appear to be on hold for now.

Mike