Thursday, June 23, 2011

What’s Blooming in the Bioswale- Scarlet Hibiscus

One of the most striking blooms native to Florida is the Scarlet Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus).  It’s brilliant red flowers can reach the size of a human hand and create a show-stopping display when planted in clusters.  The plant itself grows into a shrub-like formation with multiple flower spikes in subsequent years.  The Scarlet Hibiscus is a moisture loving plant that is ideal for rain gardens and bioswales.  It can also be grown successfully in a patio pot.  If grown in a pot it is recommended to have a catch tray beneath the pot which can act as a reservoir for water.  The Scarlet Hibiscus blooms well in full sun, but will also grow in partial shade.