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Hibiscus - Sunset
Seed Packet

Hibiscus - Sunset

Abelmoschus manihot
Elizabeth Lawrence wrote of this in 1942, "on sultry mornings, flowers of Hibiscus Manihot Sunset look as cool as lemon ice." This rare flower of soft yellow with a dark burgundy eye unfurls from teardrop-shaped buds. Its lobed leaves resemble maple leaves, and later in the season, its large seedpods are covered with silky white hairs that catch the light and glisten. Watered during dry spells, they will flower abundantly until frost. An 1894 catalog lists this tropical beauty.
SKU #S228
$5.00
Growing Companions
Verbena - Tall
Verbena - Tall
Hollyhock - Rugose
Hollyhock - Rugose
Grass - Feather 'Pony Tails'
Grass - Feather 'Pony Tails'
Details
Approximate Seeds Per Packet
15
Lifecycle
Annual; tender perennial
Perennial Hardiness Zone
8,
9,
10
Annual Hardiness
Tender Annual
Mature Size
6' h x 3' w
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Rich, moist, well-drained
Season
Summer to fall
Color
Lemon yellow shallow funnel flowers with violet centers.
Features
Great for containers
Heat or Drought Tolerant
Attracts Butterflies
Attracts Bees
SOWING INSTRUCTIONS
Depth:
Scarify by chipping or filing seed and then soak in warm water for about an hour. Barely cover.
Sprout Time:
7-30 days
Seed To Bloom:
14-16 weeks
Starting Indoors:
Start in pots 8 weeks before last spring frost. Keep at about 70°F with evenly moist conditions by placing a humidity dome over the containers until germination occurs. Vermiculite is the preferred growing medium to prevent fungal problems.
Starting Outdoors:
Only in zones 8+, direct sow in early spring.
WHEN TO SET OUTSIDE
2-3 weeks after last springtime frost
PLACEMENT & CULTIVATION
Sunset hibiscus is a stunning flowering plant that not only adds beauty to your garden but also attracts butterflies and bees. It's versatile and can be grown in large containers on the patio or used in the mid to back border of a garden. The plant's seed pods are also eye-catching, covered with silky hairs that shine when backlit. Native to Southeast Asia, sunset hibiscus is related to the okra plant and is a common ingredient in Asian cuisines, including its leaves and flower buds. This tropical plant thrives in hot and humid climates, but surprisingly, it can also grow quickly and flower reliably in northern gardens.
Final Spacing:
2-3'
Water Requirements:
Medium Water Use
Watering Details:
Keep evenly moist, but not soggy.
Soil pH:
Prefers neutral but will tolerate slightly acidic to slightly alkaline
Fertilizer:
Fertilize every couple of weeks with an organically sourced water-soluble fertilizer.
Diseases & Pests:
Place in an area with good circulation to prevent powdery mildew and rust. If such issues do arise, plants can be sprayed with an organic fungicide. If slugs are a problem, treat the surrounding soil with pelletized iron phosphate.