Scientific Name |
Hibiscus tiliaceus |
Group |
Dicot |
Family |
Malvaceae |
Duration |
Annual |
Origins
The Hawaiian Hibiscus is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It is Hawaii's state flower. The state flower used to be the Red Hibiscus, but was later changed to the Yellow Hibiscus. The flowers are full, conspicuously large, and bright yellow. Some have a bright red center. The staminal tube surrounds a long, slender style. The flower is four to six inches in diameter, some reaching as much as twelve inches in diameter. The flowers form in single or small clusters. If you would like to see these beauties at their best, they only open from two to four in the afternoon and close from nine in the morning to one in the afternoon. They grow three to fifteen feet tall. The Hawaiian Hibiscus is the only species of yellow hibiscus.
How to Grow
In order to be successful at growing the Hawaiian Hibiscus, there are some tips to follow;
1. The climate must be tropical. A greenhouse is best to use.
2. Use a pot. This gives you more options to grow the Hibiscus better than planting it in the ground.
3. Keep the fertilizer light and often.
4. Keep insects away from the plant.
5. Prune to enhance growth.
To successfully grow hibiscus, you must first learn the difference between a tropical hibiscus and a hardy perennial hibiscus. They are definitely different, and therefore require totally different growing conditions.
There are several ways to tell the difference between the tropical and hardy perennial varieties. Tropical hibiscuses have dark green glossy leaves, sporting 3-4 inch flowers that are either single or double in colors of yellow, orange, pink, or red. Also, tropical hibiscus can have blossoms of salmon, orange, yellow, or peach with double flowers.
Hardy perennial hibiscuses have foliage of medium-green with dull looking leaves that are heart shaped. Their flowers of white, red, or pink are much larger than those of the tropical hibiscus. When in doubt, check with a reliable nursery center before purchasing your hibiscus. Nurseries and garden centers often sell both tropical and hardy perennial hibiscus, and you will want to make sure you know which one you are purchasing.
For more Information go to:
www.aloha-hawaii.com/hawaii/island+flowers/
www.absoluteastronomy.com/topics/hibiscus
www.organicgardens.articles.com/Article/Beautiful-Hibiscus-Flowers/10450
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