HAWAI'I'S GARDENS
Hibiscus shrub thrives in sun
By Heidi Bornhorst
Q. I really enjoyed your article on Hawai'i's flowers. Are you familiar with a flower called rose of Sharon? I've only seen it once, and it reminds me of a rose or peony. Does it belong to the rose family? Is it a shrub, vine or tree? Do you think it will grow here in Waikele, and if it does, is there a nursery that sells it? My husband and I are really not gardeners, so I think we should stick to hardier plants such as plumeria, or do you have suggestions for the Waikele area?
— Grace, Waikele
A. Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus mutabilis, is in the hibiscus family. It is a tough shrub plant and would do well in Waikele. Plant it in as much sun as you can so it will flower and thrive. Add compost and cinder to your soil before you plant.
Ask at your favorite garden shop or landscape nursery, or scout old kama'aina gardens for this plant. It is easy to grow from cuttings. I just got some from my garden pal, Jo, who lives in the Punchbowl area.
Some other suggestions for Waikele: Hibiscus of all kinds, areca and Manila palms, croton (an old-fashioned colorful leaved shrub), bougainvillaea for color, plumeria for lei, mango for shade and fruit. There are many options for you. Happy gardening!!
IN BLOOM
Orchids are in bloom and abundant. You can find them at reasonable prices at plant sales, and they are easy to care for. Shop for some at one of
the many orchid society benefit sales (check our garden calendar). Talk story with the growers to find out the more subtle secrets of growing and re-flowering dendrobiums and other kinds of orchids.
The farmers' market at the Kapi'olani Community College parking lot from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturdays also is a great place to find orchids, new hybrid hibiscus from Jill Coryell, cactus and succulents from Nathan Wong and his gardener parents, plus fresh fruits and veggies, cooked food for us lazy gourmands, and lots of congeniality and socializing for all plant lovers.
The college's fragrant, flowering rainbow showers and venerable kiawe trees provide shade. You also can check out the xeriscape and native Hawaiian gardens on campus while you visit and shop at the farmers' market.
Heidi Bornhorst is a sustainable-landscape consultant. Send your questions to: Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; or islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com. Letters may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.
