I picked up a couple of these from the mark-down rack this spring. Naturally, it was mis-labeled. But through research I've found out that it's a Red Leaf Hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella). But there seems to be a wide variety of them. I believe I may have the 'Haight Ashbury'. Red Leaf Hibiscus ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) It is a fast grower and got so tall and thick it had to be staked up to keep it from splitting. The foliage is so beautiful... cranberry/burgandy colored. It really stands out. Red Leaf Hibiscus -close ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden ) And everytime I see it close up like this, I expect it to flower. The only flower I've seen on it was when it was just a few weeks in the ground. Nada. Nothing. Zip since then. From what I've read online, some bloom late fall. So maybe I will get some flowers from it afterall. But either way... it's a keeper! With winter approaching, I'm not sure how to tend to it. It'll have to be transplanted either now or in the spring because it's just too big to keep where it's at. Anybody else growing this? Have heard of it? Seen it? Have any info on it?
Had a nice surprise over the weekend... the Red Leaf Hibiscus finally flowered... and lots of them. Red leaf Hibiscus ( photo / image / picture from cherylad's Garden )
Big indeed! I couple of the branches have broken even with it staked up. I keep saying "it's just too big for it's own britches!" :-D
That bloom is the most beautiful cranberry color, isn't it? And I like the foliage too -- very texture-y. It seems like everything loves growing in your garden Cherylad!
Your hibiscus certainly has the WOW factor Cheryl. The colour of its leaves are spectacular but now it has flowers it's absolutely stunning. It just goes to show that 'mark down', with some loving care and attention, can be more than worth the money.
Thanks Marlin! I really didn't do much. Just planted it and gave it water! I think the plant, itself, has to take all the credit!
Huge WOW-factor there! The plant itself reminds me of the little variegated Acers we grow for their foliage, but that bloom is breathtaking. I guess the plant is thanking you for giving it a proper home.
I love it! Sure wish I could find something like that on mark down tables around here I have bought a few things on mark down, one was a spiderwort. IT WENT CRAZY!!! I tried to move it but it's offspring keep popping up all over the yard :-o
The Spiderwort down here is considered a wildflower (or weed to some). I love see their little blue flowers popping up.
