Okay - question to you experts out there - what's the difference between Exotic Hibiscus and Tropical Hibiscus? My sister and I have been having this debate for a few months now. There's nothing on the web that states what the difference is. Is exotics just referring to the color variations found or does it have to do with the specific type of leaf and flower structure?
Hmmmm, tropical refers to a plant that is not hardy and there are there are both tropical and hardy varieties of hibiscus. Exotic is just another word for tropical.
I always thought of 'exotic' as a marketing word. I just thought they were either hardy...or not(tropical). It will be interesting to hear the answer/s.
I concur with ardesia and gardeninglory. Exotic is just a marketing tool - same as tropical.
I agree with Amanda Taylor and the others that exotic is another term for tropical....
So, who won the debate???? LOL
OK My turn LOL. I think the real question is in the HYBRIDIZATION. I myself own Tropical commons, hardys and the Tropical Exotic HYBRIDS which are much more tempermental than commons and hardys. You cant just cut a hybrid back in the winter, they will usually die if in a freeze. Exotic is basically a term to say "different" or "Unusual" "Intreaging" "Beautiful" and probably a few more to grab your attention, but it is an attention getter for marketing, you are right. Something to realize is that there is a chance that there may be only 1 or 100 of a hybrid available in the country and to own 1 is sometimes an honor. This makes it rare. I can get exotic hybrids all day and they are all beautiful in their own way, but I look for the rarities now for myself. It takes literally years to develop a hybrid that is worthy of releasing and the expert on this would be Barry Schlueter. I have never in my life met someone as dedicated to genetics of the plant. It is an honor even knowing him. He works genetically to develop the best available hybrids evaluating the bush as well as flower and he has mastered it with a true passion for what he does. Many other hybridizers just look for the flower and may end up with a beautiful bloom and a horrible plant. Another point in hybrids or Rare is the fact of grafting. Many hybrids are beautiful, but their root system is unable to support the plant so we have donor roots from lets say a "Common" Pride of Hankins which is a wonderful donor for our beauties and this plant allows us to graft and grow rare hybrids that would never be able to root on their own or even if they did, die early. There is truly a difference. But I agree with the exotic word. Just a marketing tool but many people do not understand the concept of hybridization so we say EXOTIC also for a better understanding. They all prefer a tropical climate. Just my thoughts and opinion everyone has them ;-)
This message was edited Oct 23, 2007 2:32 PM
Robert, just learned something new. Cool beans!
Matt says hi, and yes, I finally got my Curly Top. Matt told me a lttle birdie told him to hold it for me. Thank you Robert :):):)
Wow - I love this forum - it's so informative! Thanks for the feedback - after reading Robert's info - I think the debate is settled - we're both right! :) the hybrid process & care along with color (rariety) variations.
I've learned that the bloom isn't always the main factor to consider. I've been growing hibs for 5 or 6 years now, wintering over in my basement...Yes we want the ones we think are gorgeous, but the growth pattern or type has become an important consideration for me. I don't really care for the tall upright growing ones. I have to have them potted in 5b and they get top heavy and eventually lean to one side and often, disrupt themselves doing it. So I tend to steer away from that type of growth... I'm sure IF there was one I couldn't live without, I could tie it to a support, but I like the bushier types cause they work better for my situ. Thanks Robert, very informative, I always learn something from your posts and appreciate your honesty..
