Earlier,I posted that Plectranthus was my new favorite plant,but this is my new favorite flower.I had seen this plant years ago,on Sanibel Island.Not knowing what it was(nor did the owner),they gave me a cutting,but,alas,it did not take.So,imagine my delight when I found it in a little nursery by our house.
It is Hibiscus Acetosella,"Red Shield."
It's small pink flowers open for one day,only for a few hours.The lady at the nursery told me to whack it back when it got to be about one foot tall,and it will bush out even more.I am trying to root that cutting,and so far,it seems to be taking.
Can you tell I'm catching up here? :-) I just got this plant last November for the first time. I'd never even seen it before and Duncheon's had them on sale. I bought 4 and put them in two different places (I always do that when I am not sure how a plant will do here). They did great until the freezes in January. Now they are leafing out from the very bottom... I think they will be okay in a few months.
ReplyDeleteHope yours do well ... I've heard they easily reseed themselves... that remains to be seen here. What I like about them is the color of the foliage.
Pretty color! I'm sure you took great pleasure in the "whacking back".... :)
ReplyDeleteStill raining here on and off, but there's more sunlight struggling to emerge.
Tink *~*~*
Getting ready for the Flower and Garden Festival
I have no trouble in understanding that this is your favourite flower - it could be anyone's.
ReplyDeleteHibiscus are beautiful flowers! The leaves on this one has a touch of silver in them - nice!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it is really hard to "whack back a plant" but we always thank ourselves when it comes back healthy and twice as large.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great looking flower. I thought the first picture was Coral Bells but it doesn't get that great of a flower.
ReplyDeleteLovely silvery foliage with a paper like flower! Looks like a poppy! Wishing you a colorful day!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a plant I have never seen before. Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing them.
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty! I don't think I've seen this plant before, the flower is gorgeous and even the foliage is very striking.
ReplyDeletethat is a ovely little flower, great photos,
ReplyDeleteGill in Canada
You must have a really interesting garden...
ReplyDeleteIt is enchanting and I really like the form and colour od the leaves.
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful, I love Hibiscus varieties the blue being my fave but your choice is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty. I'm glad you found a nursery that had it.
ReplyDeleteMy Today’s Flower’s post is at
More of Me - EG
I don't think I've ever seen one of these before. What a pretty pink flower.
ReplyDeleteSuch a pretty leaf and flower, is it of the Hibiscus family?
ReplyDeleteGreat choice for your favorite flower. Smiels B
ReplyDeleteA very lovely plant...I have some, but did not know the bloom lasted such a short time. Guess I'll have to pay more attention!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures and a very interesting plant..
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing!!
False Roselle (Hibiscus acetosella) has red leaves reminiscent of a Japanese maple. The flowers, which are open only a day, are used in salads. Young leaves can be added to salads or chopped and used in stir fries. Note the leaves are NOT sweet. make a tart cranberry-like flavored drink.
Thanks all for your wonderful comments.They are much appreciated.
ReplyDeleteguild-rez: I didn'tknow that;I just knew I really loved this plant.Nice to know about the usefulness of it,too.
Pretty pink flower. I have not seen this variety of hibiscus. I love the shiny silvery leaves, though.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had this! Gonna have to go on a hunt now. :)
ReplyDeleteDani-see Meem's post above.I got mine at Annie's Garden shed in Lutz.They had quite a few of them.If you need a cutting,I hope to have some.Keep in touch.
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