Hibiscus sabdariffa / Flor de Jamaica / Rosella

Hi.

Does anyone know if this plant will grow in zone 7b (Atlanta GA). The following is all I can find; but I don't know if this means I can grow it here......

"Roselle is very sensitive to frost. It succeeds best in tropical and subtropical regions from sea-level up to 3,000 ft (900 m) with a rainfall of about 72 in (182 cm) during its growing season. Where rainfall is inadequate, irrigation has given good results. It can be grown as a summer crop in temperate regions. The fruits will not ripen, but the herbage is usable."

Do you think I can bring it inside in the summer and that will be ok??

I can't find the growing zones anywhere on the web. Help please !!!

Thank you !!!!
Willy.

This message was edited May 5, 2010 6:16 PM

Here ya go, Willy ( you can grow it in a container, dig it up in the fall from the ground, or treat it as a frost tender perennial.

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/roselle.html

http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/2113/

http://www.pfaf.org/database/plants.php?Hibiscus+sabdariffa

Thank you !!!

The first link you send me is where I got the only info I found. But the second link (here in this website ...... out of all the places in the web......) is where the info about the zones is..... thank you..... You have managed to answer all my questions about all the subjects. I'm impressed with your knowledge.

I think a container will do fine then....

Forgive my ignorance; but, how do I treat a frost tender perennial?

Thank you!!!

Willy

A frost tender perennial is one that is grown out of its' zone in the ground as an annual, or is container grown. We all grow lots of them, snapdragons, impatiens, vincas...these are all perennials in their native habitat, but we grow them as annuals. You would be surprised how many folks plant FT perennials and then dig them up and pot them over the winter...especially brugmansias.

Thanks for the accolade, but my secret weapon is GOOGLE....grin I have just figured out what key words work to get an answer.

As always, you are too welcome. Moon

Willy,
There is also a "hardy" hibiscus that WILL survive here in the Atlanta area. I have two and they are growing like crazy after turning into brown sticks during the winter. (Had me worried. My first time growing hibiscus.) I got mine at Pike's. Will post pics as soon as they bloom. They are real water hogs, though.

I had a tropical hibiscus on the deck last summer and it was beautiful. However, I have a bad ant problem and I didn't want to risk taking it inside for the winter ... so I just let it go. Here it is in its glory ... :-)

Judy
Newnan, GA

And here's the hardy Hibiscus ... called "The Clown." Can't wait until they bloom this year.

Hey Willy, here is a neat treat for ya. In Australia they make a wonderful jam from the H sabdariffa (Roselle). It tastes like a cross between wild plum and mayhaw and is really nice.

http://www.bushtuckershop.com/prod30.htm (finished product)


http://www.hibiscus.org/recipes.php (recipe for making your own)

Thanks to both of you!!!

Judy: The reason I want to grow Flor de Jamaica is Moon's latest post. (thanks for those links !!!)

I tried the marmalade a few years ago in Colombia and recently have been drinking tee in Honduras.
We have had some hibiscus plants in our garden before and they are really beautiful ..... I don't think the Flor de Jamaica is particularly beautiful compared with some of the others but I'd love some of that ice tee on a hot summer day.....

Here's one of the few we had in the past....... just gorgeous; isn't it?

It is too yummy to not share....grin. You are welcome. Moon

Willy, Well, okay. If you like tea and marmalade, go for it! And that is a gorgeous hibiscus you posted. Just beautiful! I saw some similar to that yesterday at Walmart and almost got two of them. A gorgeous peachy-pinky-yellow. I may still go back. (Please, Lord. Let me resist!) :-)

Judy,
In regards to the picture you posted is that a blue petunia? I've never seen one. If so where did you get it or can it be rooted from cuttings. It is gorgeous. And about the resisting part, I know exactly what you mean.
Angela

Angedawn, Louisiana Nursery in Baton Rouge has some wonderful Blue petunias. Check these out.

http://www.virtualplanttags.com/suite/?c=448289&cat=11&biz=#RES

Angedawn47,
That petunia is really more of a real deep purple than an actual blue (like a lobelia). I don't think I've ever seen a real blue one. I think I got it at Walmart. They are annuals here so it died with the rest last fall. It and the hibiscus are with their fellow plants in plant heaven (compost pile). I just thought it made a great contrast with the yellow of that hibiscus. Actually I'm a complete novice at this and that was the first container arrangement I'd ever done. I was lucky it turned out so purty. :-)

Judy, check out the link in my post above....there are some really close to blue petunias listed in there. You might be able to purchase them at a nursery, or get seeds.

Wow, Moon. that Plush Blue is really almost cobalt blue. I wonder if it's really that blue or if somebody did a PhotoShop job on it? Sure is pretty. LOL

I'm off my blue kick and am on a pink and red one this year. Will send photos as soon as I have some decent ones. Right now, all I have are the Knockouts going absolutely insane. I am starting my cottage garden from scratch and hope to really be able to share some stuff this year. Last year was more lurk and learn. :-) I was fortunate enough to be able to pay someone to come in and dig all my beds for me. Now I have to smooth, plant, edge and mulch. Will start a thread soon on the Cottage Garden forum.

I thought you might like that one....grin.I know that the camera/printer can change color a bit, but think the color is pretty close. We'll be waiting for tons of pretty garden pictures.