Hibiscus

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. This is the species we see in the north with the classical “Hawaiin flowers”. These plants are becoming more evident in Auckland – perhaps due to climate warming?  Their stunning flowers originally only red, now come in so many shades, they can fit into many different styles of garden. Obviously the hot colours – red, gold etc bring an instant tropical look to any garden. But the pastels – pink & apricot look just as at home in the back of a perennial border. These evergreen shrubs will not handle frost. Other than that, they are extremely hardy and are still looking fresh and happy in our current dry conditions.  They respond well to pruning, and in fact with annual trimming make a great hedge or screen. I would prune in spring after frosts and before flowering.