Finally . . . it blooms!

I have watched and waited all Summer and most of Fall to see this Confederate Rose (hibiscus mutabilis) finally bloom! A friend gave me a cutting from his plant two years ago and the verdict has been out (on whether to keep the bush or not) until now. It's loaded with buds and my fear is that we'll get hit with an early frost. But, so far, so good.  The plant itself looks a lot like something that would grow on the side of the road - or in a garden  (think okra!). But, when there's not much else blooming - it comes as a welcome surprise just before November hits.

Propagation by cuttings root easiest in early spring, but cuttings can be taken at almost any time. When it does not freeze, the Confederate rose can reach heights of 15 to 18 feet with a woody trunk; however, a much bushier, 5 or 6 feet plant is more typical  of this area and provides more flowering. These plants have a very fast growth rate. The Confederate rose was at one time very common in the South (which is how its common name was derived). It grows well in full sun or partial shade, and prefers rich, well-drained soil. However, I have one of my two plants in a red-clay hole and it's doing just fine!