Hibiscus.............

My mind has been on hibiscus plants lately.  Everywhere one looks, they are blooming those huge, dinner plate size blooms.  So far I have seen light pink, dark pink, dark wine, bright red and white versions. I have seen pictures of yellow, orange and even blue flowers!  You are all seeing them too........... those big branchy plants that stand 5 feet tall.  I have been noticing them planted in rows at the edge of yards.  Some are individual specimen plants.  I saw one in Mankato that was tucked in a corner up against an east facing front porch.  Very nice! 

I saw an arrangement last evening at the Clay Center Country Club.  Wish I had had my camera and could have taken a picture but didn't.  There were 2 foot tall, big round dark red planters placed on each side of the entry steps.  There was a bright red hibiscus planted toward the back of each pot with peach colored "million bells" and a variegated sweet potato plant planted around the base.  It was just stunning! 

There are two distinct types of hibiscus, annuals and hardy perennials.  In my experience, the annuals have the same huge bright colored blooms but tend to be more compact and shorter. They have a longer blooming season as well.  I am sure the potted ones that I saw were annuals.  The downside to these is that they have to be replaced every year.  Honestly though, after seeing those in the big pots, I believe they would be well worth your time and money.  The perennials grow larger and branchier every season.  During the winter, they die down completely.  Spring brings no sign of them.  As the ground warms up, green shoots pop up.  Within weeks, the plant grows to the stage where it is wise to provide some support for it.  Otherwise it will become heavy with blooms and lay over on the ground.  I have mine planted in front of a utility pole surrounded by English Lavender.   I weed it, mulch it and put a wire frame in front of it and forget it for the rest of the season.  Pretty easy keeper!  I should also tell you that mine gets all afternoon full sun.  My neighbor has one that is identical to mine.  Hers was in a partly shady spot and it has stayed small with limited blooming.  She just moved it into the sun.  It should really take off now! 

The hot pink hibiscus in our yard.

If you have a spot that could use a blast of color late July-Aug try a perennial hibiscus.  If you have a spot for a big pot full of color, give that annual hibiscus a try!

Following is a list of perennial hibiscus that Kansas State recommends for Kansas growing:

Anna Arundel
Candy Stripe
Fireball
Lady Baltimore
Lasiocarpos
Hardy Hibiscus
Pink Cloud
Sweet Carolina

Our River Valley Master Gardener group has a display of Perennial Hibiscus planted at Utility Park in Clay Center.  They are planted in front of the rock wall across from the zoo.