Hibiscus

A few years ago, maybe three, I bought a hardy hibiscus on impulse. I had no idea where I would put it or how big it would be. I didn't know a thing about it except it was a nice plant that should produce pretty flowers.

What an understatement! That plant turned out to be about four feet tall and maybe the same width. The blooms are the size of dinner plates! Mine has three colors of blooms; pink, white, and a combination of the two that varies from barely there to a medium shade of pink.

There is difference between hardy and tropical hibiscus. I have both. The tropical is a tree. The tropical must be brought inside for the winter, a real annoyance if your space is limited. The hardy is just what it implies, tough enough to withstand cold temperatures.

My tropical was given to me last year. I doubt that I would have bought such a large indoor plant for myself. It has large red blooms that appeared in the fall. We'll see what it does this year.

I believe I will look for more of the hardy type. It is stunning in bloom and I would love to have another.

Photo courtesy of freenaturepictures.com