Hibiscus
Hardy or hearty, tropical or perennial, wildflower or cultivated plant, whichever hibiscus plant you have, they are a welcome spot of color in our gardens and homes. These members of the mallow family, give you show-stopping blossoms, provided you have sunlight and give them the proper care.
The hibiscus genus includes a wide range of flowering plants. Hibiscus flowers grow in many forms. Their petals may be flared, cut or fringed, single flowers or doubles, and colors can run the gamut, from whites to reds, yellows to orange. Size of blossoms vary with species, as do plant height and leaf size and shape. Some are deciduous shrubs, others form woody stalks, but die completely to the ground each winter, and others are tender, and must be brought indoors for the winter. Some bloom non-stop, even indoors provided with the right care, others bloom most of the summer, and still others only bloom in the fall. Hibiscus plants are in the same family as okra and cotton--two heat lovers. As such, hibiscus plants typically don't get started growing until the air and soil temperatures have heated up, so be patient in the spring and wait for your perennial forms to sprout. Knowing which plant you have, will determine how you take care of it.