Hardy Hibiscus - Pink Swirl 8-10 inches across

I grew these from seed last year (07) and can't believe they overwintered in Zone 6. These hardys are low maintenance except for an occasional feeding.

I love these and also those exquisite tropical hibicus! Just had to share this beauty.

Very pretty. I have three or four hardies and they are just beginning to shower me with blooms.

Wow, that is a lovely flower - kind of makes me hungry for Raspberry Sherbert!!

I was wondering how long it would take for hibiscus you raised from seed to flower.. I started quite a few from seed this Spring.. Where did you get seed for that one?

THAT is just beautiful. I love the colors. I harvested some seed from my deep red hardy hibiscus last year, started them this year and have several with buds. I am excited to see what colors they are.
This one I raised from seed 2 years ago. The flowers are over 12" round. I just love this stuff!
Marie
The picture is of the south side of my house. I don't like most of these, I got them from mail order and the pedals are small and they don't open all the way.
They will be replaced this fall.

McRee,

What a pretty contrast it would make if you put some red hardy hibiscus in with some of the pinks.. !

To Kathy and to all:

I purchased the seed from Burpee in 2007. I started the seed indoors (about March) until the plant was large enough and the weather warm enough to plant outside. Once they're outside, they just took off. They did bloom "the first year" around the end of July. I didn't know whether they would survive the winter, however, I am inclined to think that since they were in the ground (vs. a container) the roots were protected a bit more from freezing temperatures. Plus, they were heavily mulched, which also helped protect the roots. Snug :o)

Here is one of my pinks that I started from seed in 2006. The blooms are > 12". I can't believe how beautiful, but I would love to find one with the colors of yours.

Marie

Snug - I have to admit I'm not a big fan of hardy hibiscus because I havn't seen any that offer really nice coloration blends - but your picture has definatley changed my mind - it's ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!! Does it produce seeds - was it hard to germinate? What's the name of it - I'm definately in love!! :)

MyRee your garden is certainly popping with your hibiscus in full bloom it looks really pretty how you have them lined up - also I notice they don't look spindly at all (all the ones that I've ever seen around here are really spindly looking not at all bushy like yours) - what do you do to make them so bushy?

Ultimate Shopper:

Yes, this hardy hibiscus does in fact produce seeds, however, I purchased the seeds from Burpee . I haven't tried to sow the seeds directly from the plant yet.

It's name is Hibiscus Pink Swirl. It's very easy to grow--had no problem.

Snug

Ultimate,

Sorry for the delay in response. Life is just busy. Right now my sweetie are in Canada taking a road trip. WOW! what scenery!
Reguarding the hisbicus, I do nothing to get them bushy. I just let them grow. They preform well year after year and get bigger and bigger each year. Most of my new ones will be the deep burgendy, one that has bloomed looks almost black. This is their first year, but I have buds on at least half of the seedlings. I will mark their colors and plant accordingly. I have 50 seedlings left, I am giving them away to friends and family and people that stop to see the gardens. I will collect seeds from all my hibiscus this fall and send them to friends that want them.

My son that has been gone for 4 years at this time of the year is amazed at the size and beauty of them. He is my gardener while I am on vacation.

I am so excited, We will be going to Butchart Gardens in Victoria the next couple of days. I have wanted to visit these since I heard about them 5 years ago. A dream come true.

Marie

That is very pretty..... I am working on a small collection of Hardy Hibiscus... and have 6 so far...

I planted some seeds a couple of years ago, and they grew quite well, but just one tall stick with a few branches off of it, and they began to bud when the frost hit them... I mulched them heavily, but they didn't come back the following year... I might try it again , but keep the new plants in large pots the first year or two..

Carolyn

They're pretty slow to get going again in the spring--I think I've seen some people say that it's as late as June before they start coming up again. They're hardy to zone 5 so they shouldn't have any trouble with your winters. Unless maybe the seeds weren't actually the hardy kind?