"Bob Hobden" wrote in message
...

"Paul Luton" wrote after
Bob Hobden wrote:

I've collected the seeds before but never got them to germinate yet
these are self sown, typical!


We have two hibiscus syracus and pulling up the seedlings is a Forth
bridge chore.

You surprise me, we have had one for many years, "Diana" a pure white
double, and the aforementioned white with red centre and have yet to ever
get any seedlings, in fact I don't remember ever getting any seeds on
Diana.
I'll have to take more interest and learn how to germinate them, plenty of
room for some plants on the allotment, might just get something
interesting with a bit of crosspollination.

Bob,
Your double form, Diana, probably won't make seed, as the petals of double
flowers are petaloids (or similar growths) which form in place of the sexual
organs. It is the reason why double flowers (of all kinds of plants, not
just Hibiscus) last longer than single flowers - they simply can't be
pollinated, and so don't 'go over' as quickly. Semi-doubles offer the best
of both worlds: more petals for the gardener, but still nectar for the
pollinating insects.

Your single flowered form should set seed, however.

Spider


For those that haven't got or seen a mature plant of Hibiscus syracus it's
a wonderful plant when a decent size and will be covered in blossom about
now every year. It's down sides are it is slow growing and slow to start
into growth each year but there are some cracking varieties if you search
around. Not that they look their best in the GCs, that's if you can find
any there.
They can easily be pruned to keep them at the size you want, and pruning
will improve flowering.
--
Regards
Bob Hobden