Red El Capitolio Hibiscus, El Capitolio Bloody Mary Hibiscus, Red Poodle Hibiscus

Description

The large glowing red 'parent' flowers of the original El Capitolio Hibiscus appear to have a second smaller, frilly double flower that is stuck on the end of a long narrow stalk creating a 'poodled' effect. The El Capitolio Hibiscus have the potential to flower throughout the year under good conditions and with enough warmth and sunlight.The large blooms often have a streak of white and may even revert to single Hibiscus flowers during the short days of winter. Their unique form, flower size, vigor, and flower power all make the El Capitolio Hibiscus types some of our favorites for large tropical specimens. They can also be used as formal or informal shrubs for hedging and screens, as tree forms, or even trained into large espalier. Caterpillar host: Gray hairstreak

Tropical Hibiscus are sun and heat loving, medium to large, tropical shrubs with excellent flower power and even some salt tolerance making them popular choices for warm inland as well as coastal climates. Their pollen and nectar rich flowers attract a host of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. They are commonly successfully used as landscape shrubs in the warmer parts of zone 9 and throughout much of zone 10.Remember that these are truly tropical plants and will likely suffer at least some damage from even brief freezes. For more on how to successfully grow Tropical Hibiscus in portions of zones 9 and 10 see the following publication from Texas A&M's AgriLife Extension service titled "Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) For Galveston County and the Texas Upper Gulf Coast"or click the "More info from Universities…" link to the left.Tropical Hibiscus make for showy, free-flowering container plants where not hardy. The larger growing varieties are easily trained into tree standards or can be grown as large shrubs or shaped into hedges. Tropical Hibiscus flower on new growth and so need to have ample nutrients, regular moisture, as well as moderate amounts of sunlight available to maintain adequate growth and flower production. As container plants, Tropical Hibiscus will benefit from an annual re-potting or up-potting along with appropriate root and top pruning.Note:If an otherwise seemingly healthy Hibiscus isn't flowering, is dropping yellow immature buds and lower yellow leaves it may be getting too dry between waterings. Thoroughly water to moisten the entire root-ball each time you water. Allow the soil to become slightly dry between waterings approximately to a depth of between 1/2" deep for small containers to 1" deep for large containers. Never keep the soil soggy. Avoid using a saucer or empty any excess water from it 30-40 minutes after watering.