Hibiscus: Hibiscus 'Old Yella' and Other Horticulture Myths, 1 by Michael_Ronayne

Michael_Ronayne wrote:

Gourd wrote:Hi Mike,
I have this same one on your first two photos. They don't look yellow, but are really gorgeous. Mine is in the ground which is/or used to be field planted many years ago, and now is my back yard. It may be like Blue River and Blue River 11, the first one I had was a beautiful big flower. The one I have now is smaller and not as pretty, looks alot like a ROS. to me. or the TX star hib. I don't care for this one I've got.

Do you know of anyone that has the first Blue River? I'd love to have that cultivar.

All three photographs are of Hibiscus 'Old Yella', which starts out yellow and quickly fades to white as it opens. If your Hibiscus don’t open as pale yellow buds, they are most likely not Hibiscus 'Old Yella'. There are several other Fleming Brothers hardy Hibiscus which resemble Hibiscus 'Old Yella' when fully opened. If you have an interesting Hibiscus, please post pictures of the flowers and leaves.

Hibiscus ‘Blue River II’ is named for the Blue River in southern Oklahoma. If there was a predecessor for Hibiscus ‘Blue River II’ it was not released commercially and is not referenced in any of the literature I have reviewed. Attached is a photograph of my Hibiscus ‘Blue River II’ which is a prolific bloomer with large pure white flowers. Hibiscus ‘Blue River II’ is also a prolific seed producer but if you grow Hibiscus ‘Blue River II’ from seeds it is not authentic, for that you need a clone of the parent. Attached is a picture of the Hibiscus ‘Blue River II’ in my garden.

Mike