The hibiscus flower is ubiquitous with Florida landscape design in so many ways: hibiscus flowers are pictured being scattered by a Seminole woman on the official Florida state seal and in reality can be found growing all over the state. This colorful beauty, available in literally hundreds of varieties, is used as a focal point in landscape design as well as a uniquely Floridian hedge option. Our summers are heralded by the eye catching blooms of hibiscus in almost every color of the rainbow, and these beauties keep blooming all the way through fall.
Hot weather, humidity, rain, and abundant sunshine bring out the best in the hibiscus (which is why it is still blooming in October for Floridians). These plants need to be properly fertilized and pruned at the appropriate times, making the services of a professional landscape maintenance company an added bonus because not only will they care for your lawn and shrubbery, but a landscaper is also equipped to enhance the health and appearance of blooming plants like hibiscus.
Hibiscus is comprised of a vast genus of plants in the mallow family (hibiscus is also called rose mallow); the hundreds of species are native to warm-temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions all across the world! There are both annual and perennial herbaceous hibiscus and these plants with their large showy flowers can be woody shrubs or small trees. Flower colors may change in some species as the plant ages and most hibiscus are magnets for butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Because this flower is found all over the world, it is appreciated by many different cultures for its beauty and symbolism. Tahitian women wear one red hibiscus behind their ear to indicate they are available for marriage. The flowers are dried and eaten in Mexico and a tea can be made from hibiscus that has been proven to reduce high blood pressure. Varieties of hibiscus are the official national flowers of Haiti, Malaysia, and South Korea.
🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚
