Hibiscus

A lovely tropical plant that will grow in our landscape here in Tucson is the hibiscus.  It loves sun and has lovely tropical and lush foliage.  There are many varieties that have red flowers, yellow flowers, orange flowers, red with yellow, orange and yellow, blue.....well there are a lot varieties that were created for different zones. After this winter, most of the hibiscus were killed to the ground or completely killed altogether. For that reason, I have a mixed opinion on whether one should plant this lovely bush into their landscape.  Personally, I like hibiscus in pots or planters, but I won't be putting it into the ground due to the ugly results of last winter's freeze.

BUT.....I think you should consider this lovely plant because it adds a nice focal point around your garden. I put this plant in pots and move it into my shed during the winter to protect from the freezes.  You should water this plant regularly and it does LOVE sun.  HOWEVER, if you can protect your hibiscus from the afternoon's intense last two or 3 hours of sun during the middle of summer, it will do well. So it loves sun, but with too much of it,  the leaves will burn. It also needs to be fertilized regularly.....about twice a year.  Here is some info on how to care for this lovely tropical here in Tucson.

"In our hot, dry part of the summer, hibiscus blossoms tend to desiccate at the junction of the flower and stem, causing them to drop off prematurely. As we cool down and have a bit more humidity, the flowers have much more tendency to open fully and stay on the plant longer. There are so many great hibiscus varieties it would be near impossible to list the good ones, but it’s easy to say there is one to suit every person’s color choice. Tucson is not a tropical climate, but in many parts of the valley it is almost easy to believe that. The biggest differences are the temperature fluctuations and lack of humidity most of the year. If either of these plants is being added to the landscape at this time of year, it should be soon so it can get settled in before we get close to freezing temperatures. If it is going into a container, it is much more easily protected during a freeze.

Enjoy these tropical beauties. They will soon be at their peak!" End of article.  Source: http://tucsoncitizen.com/morgue/2006/09/15/26011-fall-is-peak-time-for-bougainvillea-hibiscus/

One last item friends.  I would be negligent in my duties as Spanish teacher not to mention another positive about his plant.  Mexicans make a drink from the leaves of hibiscus known as "Jamaica" (Ha-my-ca) which is created from dry flower petals.   You can buy them at the store in large bags.  It's a delicious drink served cold in summer or it also makes a great hot tea. Squeeze a bit of lemon or lime and voila! You will need to boil first and than cool. Simple. Easy. Delish! Here's a recipe.....

Jamaica Flower Iced Tea Recipe
(Agua de Jamaica)

4 cups water
1/2 cup dried jamaica flowers
1/2 cup sugar
Another 3 cups of cold water
More sugar to taste
1 lime, thinly sliced