Hardy Hibiscus

A few years ago at the local Ace Hardware, I saw that hibiscus were available. I really think they are beautiful, but they are a tropical plant and cannot survive our winters.  Right?  Not so.

There are hardy varieties now! I was a little skeptical but bought one and brought it home and planted it. It has been one of the best additions to my garden landscape that I've ever made!

They really do survive our winters. All you have to do is, in the fall when the canes die down, is cut them back a few inches from the ground. Leave the stubs mostly just to tell you where the plant is, as they generally come back in the mid-to later spring and all the growth each year, is brand new. I've never fertilized this guy. Just water occasionally. They are pretty forgiving and they are bigger and more impressive each year.

I thought the variety was “Cranberry Punch” and that is what I have called it all this time but I saw some information recently that made me think it is really “Cranberry Crush”  There are a few of these varieties that are hardy.

There are other colors and some worth checking out can be found in this Collection. Blue Bird and Helene are a couple that I covet.

I hope you have a great week! ~JB was here.