Hibiscus Plants and Summer to Fall Flowers

‘Lord Baltimore’ Hardy Hibiscus, Sept. 2014

This year, there are two Hibiscus varieties in my gardens; the Hardy Hibiscus, ‘Lord Baltimore‘ (photo top left), and the Luna (Tm) Hibiscus, ‘Hibiscus moscheutos Luna‘ (photo lower left).

For years, the ‘Lord Baltimore’ has dependably returned; this year (after the drought experienced over the last several years), this hibiscus pushed up very few stems (a total of 6) from the established roots. So, I propagated 2 cuttings — from the first two shoots — when they each reached about 6 inches length above ground. The propagation was successful, and I now have 3 of the ‘Lord Baltimore’ Hibiscus.

Hibiscus moscheutos Luna (Tm), Sept. 2014

I purchased one of the new Luna varieties in May — this one has the alternating pink and while colors on the petals, with deep magenta at the center. So far, the plant has increased to more than 4 times the size it was when transplanted. This one also produces seeds (no such luck for me with ‘Lord Baltimore’). So, I’ll be trying those soon!

Hibiscus plants are related to Okra plants, so they can both tolerate the Texas Sun in Summer. My best results for growing these and seeing the blooms is:  1) loose, well-drained soil, 2) water weekly when establishing, then weekly only if there has not been at least 1 inch of rain during the week, and 3) dead head (remove) old blooms.

These two plants are both in my new raised beds — with the daylilies, lantanas, and oxblood lilies. I’m hoping for blooms to continue up until the first frost (mid-November around here) but with snow already in the northern states — we may be challenged by winter this year!