Hibiscus
Most people think of hibiscus as those lovely tropical looking flowers from the South Pacific that are tucked behind one ear or the other, depending on your availability! In fact several hibiscus species are native to China, and when it comes to Chinese plants Peter Valder is an acknowledged authority. His latest book The Garden Plants of China has just been named the Gardening Book of the Year in England by the Garden Writers’ Guild.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
The most popular hibiscus grown in Australian gardens is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. Although widely known as Hawaiian hibiscus it was probably native to Southern China and south-east Asia, then along with dogs, fowl, pigs and bananas spread to the Pacific Islands long before Europeans reached that part of the world. Today it is very popular as an ornamental plant in most warm countries, and the original red flowered plant has undergone tremendous development. Hundreds of cultivars are now available, with double and semi-double flowers in all colours except true blues and purples. H. rosa-sinensis will grow in all the warm parts of Australia, and is worth a try in Hobart and Melbourne. In colder areas a warm sunny position is best, preferably with a northerly aspect and protection from strong wind, cold and frost.
Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)
This hibiscus is a hardy, deciduous shrub or small tree, usually with 3-lobed leaves. The flowers are single, semi-double or double, and they come in white, reddish purple and lavender. Europeans first saw Hibiscus syriacus in Syria, hence the species name, but it has been grown in China for hundreds of years and is mentioned in early Chinese literature and depicted in Chinese paintings. Peter recommends this plant for people who want to grow a hibiscus in an area where the winters are cold, because unlike Hibiscus rosa-sinensis it can stand cold down to -15