John M
Orchid Addict
This is my favourite clone of hardy Hibiscus. I saw a mature clump blooming at the front of a local garden centre many years ago and I went in to ask if they'd sell me THAT plant. Well, they wouldn't dig up their specimen; but, they had other, smaller ones for sale. This plant is over 6 feet tall this year and the blooms are about 10" across. Each bloom lasts only one day. They are very prone to bruising and damage, even in a slight breeze; so, I've planted this in a very protected spot on the North side of my greenhouse, which also happens to be the front of the greenhouse. I get to see it every time I head for the door to go inside.
Each year, these plants get bigger by producing more stems than the previousl year. The roots stay dormant until about mid June and then, STAND BACK! From what looks like a dead clump of something from the previous summer, an explosion of new growth will suddenly shoot up. However, if left alone, all the shoots would just grow straight up with no side branching. So, to greatly amplify the number of flowers, I nip off the top of each stem when it reaches about 2.5 feet tall. This causes each single stem to branch out and make 5 or 6 side stems. Each side stem will carry the same number of flowers that the single main stem would've carried. So, by sacrificing the growing tip of each stem, I am multiplying the total flower count for the season by about 500 to 600 percent!
Each year, these plants get bigger by producing more stems than the previousl year. The roots stay dormant until about mid June and then, STAND BACK! From what looks like a dead clump of something from the previous summer, an explosion of new growth will suddenly shoot up. However, if left alone, all the shoots would just grow straight up with no side branching. So, to greatly amplify the number of flowers, I nip off the top of each stem when it reaches about 2.5 feet tall. This causes each single stem to branch out and make 5 or 6 side stems. Each side stem will carry the same number of flowers that the single main stem would've carried. So, by sacrificing the growing tip of each stem, I am multiplying the total flower count for the season by about 500 to 600 percent!