Blue River II hardy hib

[vicki]

I grew these from seeds picked at the Monet garden in town.
I think it's time to fertilize and pot up. Started 14 seeds, 12 germinated. Never grown much from seed, so do I pinch these or let them grow natural? TIA!

[vicki]

Was very excited to see new growth on my hibiscus that I started from seed last year.

[Ann B.]

Vicki,

I rarely see that dinnerplate hardies around here. If it weren't for Kathypat, I wouldn't have this dozen or so in pots right now. They have gotten huge, and most of them are about 1 foot tall right now. The roots are really too big for the one gallon pots, so I absolutely must get them planted so they won't wilt so bad when it doesn't rain.

I have a few purchased ones, but a couple of those do not produce seeds. I do have the Texas Star, and I received some seeds of a 'White Star' hibiscus from Bob in Texas. Those are growing quite nicely in the old gh, but need to be planted if we ever do get a real rainy spell. If not, they will go into bigger pots and kept watered.

One day, I hope to have enough that I can harvest seeds to share. It is fun to raise them from seed, isn't it?

That's why it surprises me that we don't see that many in landscapes around here. Once established, they do produce LOTS and LOTS of seeds.

Be sure to post a picture of yours when they bloom and let us know how they fair in your gardens.

[lbfoss]

Ann,
On the Texas Star, are they hardy in zone 7? How big will they get?? A few hiints on size will help me determine where i will plant the seeds you sent.
Linda

[Ann B.]

Linda,

My apologies... I just now saw this thread again and realized that I didn't answer it.

The Texas Star hibiscus is said to be hardy to zone 6a, so I believe you should be safe.

Vicki,

One of the Kathypat seedlings bloomed this morning. It is the only one that I see buds on this year. They are all struggling because of the heat and drought. The bloom this morning was white, and I looked up this thread because I remembered your Blue River. When I went outside, I peaked inside the bloom and it has a small red center.

It is pretty, but I couldn't get a picture because the power was out and the cd was in the computer. Without power, I could open the CD drawer to retrieve it. By the time power was back on, the flower had started to close.

I was surprised adnd pleased to see a white one. If I remember correctly, Kathy told me that they were mostly pinks.

I'll try to get a picture in the morning...

[Ann B.]

Linda,

The Texas Star will get about 5-6' tall and about 3-4' wide.

Here is the white hardy that I grew from Kathy's seeds....

[lbfoss]

Wow, aren't they lovely. I need to figure out where I would have them grow, and am eagerly awaiting the seeds to sprout.
Thanks for the photo!!
Linda