Tangled Branches: Cultivated
happenings in and around my zone 6b gardens in northern Virginia and in central Virginia
Friday, October 03, 2008
Today's Color: Red
With special emphasis on the Malvaceae family.
Three malvaceous plants - new to the garden this year - will all be invited back next year.
Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' is a very vigorous foliage plant with medium-red leaves. It topped out around 6 or 7 feet in a moist soil and afternoon shade, but is a more manageable 5 feet up close to the house. And these were plants started indoors from seed this spring. It responds well to pinching and pruning, rapidly growing side shoots. I like the leaf color - it's not so dark that it makes a black hole in the landscape, but dark enough for contrast. I especially liked it next to the 'Dallas Red' Lantana' and various Cupheas, including 'David Verity' shown here.
Abutilon 'Voodoo' has such attractive flowers that I'd probably buy it again even if it doesn't prove hardy here. What's that? It might be hardy here? Good question. I bought this one locally and the plastic label said "hardy to zone 7". I assumed it was a mistake. But Plant Delights is offering it and they have some astonishing things to say about how much cold it can stand: “Not only did it continue flowering into the upper 20s, but it kept green stems and leaves down to 20 degrees F”. Very interesting. I'm going to leave it outside all winter and see what happens. I'd always thought of Abutilons as annuals or houseplants.
I've already gone on at some length about Hibiscus sabdariffa, but I wanted to brag here about the jam I made from it. I made it on Monday and by Friday I've become addicted to it. I think I'll have enough calyces to make another batch or two this season - I sure hope so anyway. Four plants is plenty, but I still want more.
