July 19, 2008

A Tropical Touch

The pink bossomed hibiscus is Disco Belle. I am not sure what the red one is called, but the blooms remind me of velvet.

Nothing says summer more beautifully than a hibiscus. A red (or a pink or a white) hibiscus in the garden will surely grab center stage. H. moscheutos, the perennial hibiscus, is truly a favorite in the Southern landscape and lends a tropical flair with its huge brightly colored, saucer shaped flowers. The blossoms can grow from six to ten inches across. The plants can get anywhere from 4 to 6 feet tall and about half that wide. They prefer full to part sun and do like to be watered in the growing season. Like just about all plants, they prefer organic, well drained, rich soil. Normally my hibiscus begins to bloom (in late June) just as the Japanese beetles appear and the beetles do love the blooms as much as I do. But this year there have been no beetles munching (yet), and the hibiscus are probably the most beautiful I can remember them.

I can remember the first time I saw a perennial hibiscus in a friend’s garden. The glorious blossoms took my breath away. It seemed that beautiful perennial should be a staple in my garden too. I recommend you make it a part of your garden as well.