Like fine wines, hardy Hibiscus come in red, white and pink (or “blush”). Gardeners, like lovers of fine wines, are usually on the lookout for something that strikes their fancy. Something they can use as a big, showy anchor or dramatic focal point in their gardens. These exclusive series of hardy Hibiscus from Green Leaf Plants are sure to appeal to their palates.
The Cordials series, from Blooms of Bressingham®, is the tallest in the collection at 42″-48″, and all have bold, uniquely shaped leaves and sturdy habits. ‘Brandy Punch’ features foliage with striking hints of bronze, purple and green that forms a dramatic backdrop for its big pink flowers. ‘Cherry Brandy’ has the same great foliage, but with large solid red blooms. ‘Cinnamon Grappa’ has green foliage cut like maple leaves and solid red flowers. ‘Peppermint Schnapps’ also has maple-shaped leaves and big candy-pink blooms spiked with distinctively darker stripes and splotches. Allan Armitage named two of these varieties, ‘Peppermint Schnapps’ and ‘Brandy Punch’, to his top five list of favorite hibiscus in the University of Georgia trials this year. A third Green Leaf Plants variety (Carafe Bordeaux, below) also made his list.
There are two other series – Vintage Carafe and Vintage Splash – differentiated by their mature size. Carafe hibiscus grow to 36″ and Splash series varieties are more compact at 30″. Carafe Bordeaux has huge 9-10″ red flowers infused with pink. Carafe Chablis has the same size flowers in gleaming white, with the faintest hint of delicate pink surrounding the center. Carafe Grenache has strong, true pink flowers that measure 7-8″ across. Splash Pinot Grigio has 9-10″ dinner-plate-sized blooms with snowy white petals, kissed with subtle pink at the outer edge. Splash Pinot Noir, perhaps the most exciting selection in the Vintage series, features neat, compact plants liberally doused with robust red blooms.
Cordials and Vintage hibiscus are not only beautiful but very sturdy, with excellent branching, and a trademark look: dense and full. And they love hot weather, blooming non-stop through even the most sultry summer days.
For more information on all of Green Leaf Plants’ exclusive hardy Hibiscus varieties, visit their website or contact Christine Kelleher by e-mail or phone at 800.232.9557, ext. 2512. Ordering information is available from Customer Service at 800.321.9573.
Source: Aris Horticultural Services
