Picking tip
When placing in
a vase with water,
remove all lower
leaves that may
float below the
water line. As with
all cut stems, the
leaves will decay
when left under
water. Simply cut
short stems and
float in a bowl.Think of the colours of a tropical
sunset and you’re bound to find a
hibiscus flower in every shade! They
make spectacular flowering hedges
mass planted in a single colour but
will look equally stunning as a large
feature shrub or planted in a patio
pot. Hibiscus blooms are prolific in
summer, but often flower from spring
all the way through to autumn when
planted in the right conditions. When
picked as single flowers, they are
particularly long lasting with little water
making them a great choice for table
settings, wreaths or in a float bowl.Grow it
While many people recognise the more
common, warm climate, evergreen
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the genus
also includes the deciduous shrub
Hibiscus syriacus, which is especially suited
to areas with cool climates. Position
in full sun, and feed them generously
in springtime by forking in manure
around the base of the plant. In summer,
follow up with blood and bone.4
Hibiscus
Hibiscus syriacusHibiscus syriacusHibiscus
rosa-sinensis
‘Fascinatin’
Rhythm’Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Cockatoo’24 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS, FEBRUARY 2017 bhg.com.au