Hibiscus x denisonii (Denison's Hibiscus)

120 (160)cm, Denison's Hibiscus used to be a mysterious plant until 2023. Since a new revision and publication it is now regarded to be a very old stabilized polyploid and fully fertile hybrid, involving probably three species, namely Hibiscus boryanus, Hibiscus fragilis and Hibiscus mabberleyi. The latter was formerly included in the now superseded taxon Hibiscus denisonii, yet in 2023 it was separated and described as a new species of its own. While some other plants, formerly also included in Hibiscus denisonii, had been recognized to be of hybrid origin and thus these were renamed to present Hibiscus x denisonii (note the "x" in the new name!). Hibiscus x denisonii is sometimes confused with Hibiscus storckii, which is a different species and which at present does not seem to be in cultivation. All plants being sold as Hibiscus storckii are in fact Hibiscus cooperi. Hibiscus x denisonii is an evergreen plant with glossy dark green, leathery leaves and ornamental, pale rose flowers with some bluish shade, especially on the second day. If grown under glass petals tend to stay paler to almost white. It appears very likely that from Hibiscus x denisonii (or at least involving an offspring named 'Hale Blue') the very first bluish, maroon and greenish flowering, modern tropical hibiscus hybrids were created in the 50ties of last century. Unfortunately 'Hale Blue' hasn't been seen again for the past 30 years and is probably not in cultivation anymore. Hibiscus x denisonii almost shared the same fate with little more than a handful of specimens left at some point. Yet it could be saved in the very last minute and is now available again to the broader public. This will give new opportunities to create some more modern lines of bluish, greyish, maroon or greenish flowering tropical hibiscus hybrids. Hibiscus x denisonii is a stabilized hybrid which comes true from seeds. This means that seed grown plants will be almost identical to the mother plant with very little variation. It is easily grown in any rich, well drained substrate in full sun throughout the year and reduced watering in winter at a minimum of 20°C. Seeds from all Hibiscus species in section Lilibiscus (e.g Hibiscus arnottianus, Hibiscus clayi, Hibiscus cooperi, Hibiscus x denisonii, Hibiscus fragilis, Hibiscus genevii, etc.) germinate unevenly over a period of several months. Keep pots in a warm spot and the soil slightlly moist until germination will occur. Only 3 packages are still available. VI-X.
5 seeds per package.

U.S. customers only: seeds cannot be shipped to the U.S.