Does anyone know what this is?

I saw this large hibiscus shrub/tree the other day, but didn't have my camera with me. I grabbed a few cuttings anyway and went back today to get a pic. Even if no one knows it, do you think it's worth growing? Actually I should just ask for your opinion. I think it's worth growing or I would have snatched a cutting, lol! It is so hard to find anything nice or at least interesting here, so I help myself to anything I find that's not "run of the mill". They're usually growing out through fences etc. so I figure they're "fair game" when they do that, lol!

Thanks!
vm

This message was edited Mar 23, 2008 12:30 AM

If you think it's pretty, then it's worth growing! LOL I think I've seen some double whitish flowered ones on some websites, it's late and I'm heading to bed but I'll try to remember where I saw them in the morning and post some links for you.

Thanks ecrane3! I agree and I do think it's quite nice actually. It might have breeding possibilities too, just for fun! It will make a nice addition to my garden, if the cuttings root, that is.

Very, very pretty, I'd grow it. So many of these older garden varieties do not have names, they have just always been there.

Thanks ardesia! I don't really care if it has a name or not actually. Just thought maybe it was an easily-recognized one and I would stick a tag on it or make a note. Naturally, there would be no way of telling for sure so it could never be used in a serious/official breeding program, not that that is my objective. I am very new to all these new, fancy, Hibiscus cultivars actually. I'm very impressed with ruffles lol, and you don't see them here at all!

I should have said it MAY be an older garden variety. Hopefully someone will have some ideas for you.

No, I think you are right ardesia! This shrub or tree, is at least 20 years old, which I think is fairly old compared to all the new hybrids/cultivars. There was a whole row of similar sized/aged hibiscus shrubs all across the fence in the front of someone's garden, right beside the sidewalk. They all looked like they had been planted roughly at the same time and were about 15 ft. tall. There were a couple of apricot shades and one that was very pale lavender, almost grey in fact. Naturally, I snatched cuttings from them all, lol! Do you blame me?

I'd snitch a few myself. :-)))))

Great, I don't feel so bad now. It's funny how I always have scissors, pruners, and plastic bags with me whenever I go out!

If it's that old then it's probably not one of the ones I've seen, most of the ones I know are more recent cultivars. The one that may be older is 'Elephant Ears', this website says it's an old favorite so maybe it would be a possibility http://www.exotichibiscus.com/catalog_process.cfm?cid=15#981

Thanks a lot ecrane3 - what a name for such a pretty hibiscus! It's a "show winner" too. I like that website and plan to go back later to browse more.

Very nice hibiscus.I love the old cultivars.You seem to be surrounded by all these lovely plants...oh what fun you'll have collecting.

Yes brical1, it's very cool. I never leave home without my "snitching kit", scissors, pruners, plastic baggies, etc. lol! I'm getting over my shyness as well, to ask people for seeds or cuttings. Here the people are very friendly and so thrilled when you show interest in there garden or something they have growing. They usually open their gates and welcome you in and then show you every plant they have lol, and don't let you leave with anything you want! I'm very fortunate.

I would love to visit Costa Rica but I am afraid I would have to move there instantly if I ever saw it up close and personal. I would never want to leave.

Funny ardesia! Yes, there is a lot to see and do here, especially for "plant people".
Many Americans, Canadians, and Europeans retire here so it's not an impossiblility - definitely affordable! I suggest visiting first, maybe several times to check out different areas and possibilities before taking the leap. Panama is another option and I think Americans are retiring more there now. One thing you would like about Panama is that they use U.S. dollars as their currency!

I agree with you Ecrane it looks very much like "Elephant Ears" the real name sounds Hawaiian and starts with a "K". I'm not home right now but will send a picture of mine when I get there. Hello Vanillaman, I will be home this next weekend and will put my part of the trade together this week or weekend. Thank you for your patience.

Anne

No problem AuntAnne, I'll be here. Thanks for your input. Look forward to seeing your elephant's ears!

This is the only other pic I took the other day, but it shows 2 flowers and is from a different angle.

That's almost certainly what it is. It looks exactly like mine. I have to work late tonight will come back on later with pics.

Anne

Thanks again Anne! I can certainly see why the name 'Elephant Ears', but it's not a pretty name for such a pretty flower. Something like'Angels' Wings' would be nicer as a cultivar name, lol!

Hope you are well!

Here's one I think.

Anne

This one might be better, I can't find any that show the pale pink strands in the middle.

Thanks Anne, they're lovely! Your's are definitely 'Elephants Ears' right? They do look very similar, especially your second photo. I think there's just something different, but I can't quite put my finger on it. Maybe it's the top petals or the spacing of the bottom ones and how they fall. Anyway, I appreciate you taking the time. As I said the name doesn't really matter that much, but for now I'll think of mine as Elephants Ears, until something more similar shows up. I hope mine root for me. I think they're a great addition to my small collection!

Elephant Ear it is, VAnillaman. Also known as Powder Puff and as White Kalakuaa, spelling uncertain. Unscrupulous nurserymen sometimes rename things to increases sales, much to the horror of the hybridizer. But this one has been around a long time and multiple names are inevitable. Highly recommended.
Barry

Thank-you BarrysHibiscus. I appreciate your expert opinion very much. It looks like it might be an interesting one to play around with and try a couple of crosses, but then I am far from that yet. I'm just trying to acquire some nice cultivars to grow here and enjoy. Names are so funny, aren't they. I don't think any of those 3 really describe this beautiful flower or are complimentary, lol! Of course I don't know what the Hawaiian name means. I'll have to investigate that one.

Thanks again!