HIBISCUS

Flamboyant Queen of the Tropics

By Georgie Kennedy

ALTHOUGH THE HIBISCUS is well known as the Queen of the Tropics, it is also a popular houseplant in our climate to be grown inside in a container over the winter and taken outdoors to enjoy our summers.

Hibiscus is a large genus in the mallow family (Malvaceae) encompassing hundreds of species native to warmtemperate, subtropical and tropical regions. It can range in size from low container-size shrubs to trees taller than 6 metres (20 feet), ideal for windbreaks or privacy.

The flowers are trumpet-shaped, with five or more petals, ranging from 4 to 18 centimetres (1½ to 7 inches) across. The stamen filaments are fused into a conspicuous protuberance. Flowers can be single or double and come in a wide array of colour combinations. Each one is precious. The bud bursts into bloom one morning while the sun is shining, and that night it folds itself up and fades away. This is the reason hibiscus is rarely used in a bouquet of cut flowers.

Glamorous Chinese Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), with its many hybrids and showy colours, is easily the world’s best-known tropical shrub and flower. Around the world, it has many common names such as Flor de Jamaica, Rose Mallow, Lipstick Flower, China Rose and Shoeblack Plant. Some hardy varieties can withstand windy, salt air so you may notice them while on a warm beach vacation:

• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis variegatus, simple red flowers and attractive foliage.

• Tall, willowy ‘La France’, white or soft pink with lacy petal edges.

• Dangling Japanese Lantern (Hibiscus schizopetalus), frilly red petals.

Hibiscus Care

Like all drama queens, Chinese Hibiscus hybrids demand attention. Indoors in the Toronto area, you can try to mimic their ideal conditions by providing:

• A sunny location near but not touching a southfacing window;

• Premium potting soil with organic matter;

• Good drainage; (Hibiscus cannot tolerate wet feet.)

• Occasional misting;

• A rest period from October to February. Leaves may fall off, but water sparingly

If you want to enjoy your hibiscus outdoors during the growing season follow these tips:

• In late winter, add slow-release fertilizer and prune severely, just above a node.

• Gradually introduce it to the patio for a few hours a day when temperatures rise above 13°C /55°F. Too much direct sun at once can burn leaves so be patient.

• Once it has adjusted to its new environment, the plant can be repotted and started on summer fertilization.

• Excessive shade reduces flower production. Place it in the warmest part of the garden where it will receive day-long sun sheltered from winds.

• In early September, prepare to return it indoors. Cut back to within 10 to 12 cm (4-5 in) off the main stems, clean the surface of the soil and hose off the entire plant to remove insects.

• Tropical hibiscus does not tolerate temperatures below 3°C (37°F) so act before the night air drops too low

Hybrids are susceptible to a multitude of problems. Nutritional deficiencies, over-fertilization, poor drainage and drought can cause flower buds to drop. Sooty mould and fungus gnats are other possible issues. Consult your local nursery or go to the Toronto Master Gardener website for more detailed care instructions: https://www. torontomastergardeners.ca/askagardener/indoor-hibiscus/

Tropical Flowering Plants by Kirsten Albrecht Llamas (Timber Press, 2003) is an authoritative and comprehensive horticultural book on the topic.

Reported Uses for Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

1. The flower can be rubbed on shoes as a shoe polish.

2. Fibre from the stem is used in the manufacture of clothes, nets and paper

3. The flower is used in red zinger and other herbal teas for its many minerals and vitamins.

4. Sorrel, a Caribbean Christmas drink, is made from the fruit of certain hibiscus, with ginger, pimento, sugar and optional rum.

5. Dried hibiscus is an edible delicacy. It can be candied and used as a garnish in champagne.

6. A single red hibiscus is traditionally tucked behind the ear of a Tahitian woman to indicate her availability for marriage.