June 6, 2008

Calloway's Timely Tips for Gardeners

Timely Tip for July Gardeners From Calloway’s
Summer Hibiscus Blooms

The heat of summer can be lessened with the bright, vibrant flowers of the Hibiscus. This popular bloomer can be confusing if you don’t know which type you are planting. We’ll briefly discuss the different ones and their uses.

Tropical Hibiscus is great for containers on the patio or poolside. The glossy green foliage and bright colorful blooms provide a touch of the “tropics”! They are not cold hardy in the northern part of Texas and need some winter protection in Houston . Full sun and regular feedings will keep them happy and blooming throughout the summer season.

Hardy Hibiscus, or sometimes known as Perennial Hibiscus, will freeze back in the winter. Cut the stalks to ground level, mulch well and it will return in the spring. The foliage is not as shiny as the Tropical Hibiscus but the blooms are much larger (8-9 inches in diameter). Hardy Hibiscus grows 2 to 5 feet tall depending on variety and grows well in full sun in perennial gardens.

Lastly, the Rose of Sharon or Althea is also a member of the Hibiscus family. This deciduous shrub or small tree is an upright grower to 10 feet tall. Single or double blooms appear in summer in an array of colors. Plant in full sun in well drained soil. The Althea is a good background plant or small specimen tree.

As you can tell, we have a Hibiscus for any location. For more information on these colorful summer bloomers, visit your nearest Calloway’s/Cornelius store and ask for a Texas Certified Nursery Professional!