Hibiscus trionum (Flower-of-an-hour)

Hibiscus trionum Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Hibiscus trionum hy-BIS-kus try-OH-num Common Name: Flower-of-an-hour Genus: Hibiscus
A seldom-seen annual or short-lived perennial, this easy-to-grow plant performs as the perfect filler in beds and containers. It forms a well-branched compact mound of deeply lobed, dark green leaves, which provide an interesting textural backdrop to its charming, hibiscus-type flowers. The flowers are truly stunning with their cream petals, purple-hued undersides, and deep burgundy centers. While each flower lasts only a single day, the plant blooms profusely all season and produces inflated seedpods. The flowers will not normally open on a cloudy day, but this is a small price to pay for such a gem of a plant.
Noteworthy characteristics: Flowers last only one day each. Interesting seedpods. Fast grower.
Care: Put plants in a sunny spot with moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
Propagation: Sow seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost or outdoors after danger of frost has passed.
Problems: Rust, fungal leaf spots, bacterial blight, Verticillium wilt, viruses, stem rots, root rots. Whiteflies, aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, mites, Japanese beetles, and caterpillars can also cause problems.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Habit Spreads
Growth Pace Fast Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Moderate
Characteristics Showy Flowers; Showy Seed Heads
Bloom Time Early Fall; Early Summer; Fall; Late Summer; Summer
Flower Color Pink Flower; Red Flower; White Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Indoor Plant
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Annuals,Perennials

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