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. Tolerates humid heat.