A lot of years ago I brought home four tiny rooted cuttings of tropical hibiscus from a garden expo. Knowing they would never survive in my area with its strong cold winds and frosty winters, I potted them and positioned them beside a north-facing stone wall.
Three of the four survived and grew, and grew, and grew. Luckily, each plant had different coloured flowers. There was a bright red, a hot pink and a pale blush pink. Every winter they died right back and I pruned the stalks to the ground. Each spring there would be masses of healthy new growth. New flowers appeared for months. They were over-the-top, flamboyant flowers that made me feel happy to look at them.
Every two or three years I repotted the plants into bigger pots. Eventually, they needed such large pots that I wouldn't have been able to handle a bigger one. So, I started separating the root mass each time I repotted, giving me dozens of new plants to give away.
At last, a few years ago, I decided I couln't face the task of repotting and separating the roots again. While they were in full flower, I put them in front of the house with a 'Free to Good Home' sign. Within minutes, they had been claimed by a new owner. I hope she continues to enjoy them as I did for many years. Sometimes I regret giving them away, but I'm happy they went to a true plant enthusiast.
Recently, we were on holidays in Mooloolaba and came across a display of tropical hibiscus in a shopping centre. The grower was happy for me to photograph his flowers, which he was obviously passionate about. I hope their joyful colours brighten your day.
My experience proved that you can grow these beauties in southern states (if you can obtain them) as long as you plant them in a suitable microclimate. In warm, frost-free zones they are easy to grow and very rewarding. If you have friends who grow them, they strike readily from stem cuttings.
