Did you know we have many native Hawaiian hibiscus? Some are fragrant, some have flowers that last two days versus the one-day bloom for most varieties. Some of these natives are the “mother” or “tutu/grandmother” of some of our favorite hybrids.
Hibiscus learning and growing is the theme of the Foster Botanical Garden’s Spring Plant Sale coming up Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is free that day.
Hibiscus is an old and new favorite for Hawaii gardeners. The natives are amazing and the hybrids are very epic too. Jill Coryell, aka the Hibiscus Lady, has made a second career for herself by learning all about the flower’s history in Hawaii, growing old favorites and creating new and wonderful hybrids. She will be at the garden with plants to sell and information to share in the popular classes offered at the event.
SPRING PLANT SALE CLASS SCHEDULE
>> “Hibiscus, Hybridizing and History,” 10 a.m. Jill Coryell will talk about our state flower and discuss hybridizing, which involves combining two different varieties of hibiscus to create new flowers.
>> “Native Hawaiian Plants,” 11 a.m. Your “Hawaii Gardens” columnist will explain how to successfully select, grow and maintain natives, and sign copies of my book, “Growing Native Hawaiian Plants,” which is available in the gift shop.
>> “Condos, Cubicles and Cabbages: Growing Plants Indoors,” noon. Brian Panee provides a primer for those who desperately want to stop killing their house plants.
>> “Success at Growing Orchids,” 1 p.m. Scot Mitamura breaks down the keys to understanding orchids.
I have a favorite childhood memory with the huge hybrids called “dinner plate” hibiscus because they can be as large as a dinner plate. Carolyn Morgan, my childhood BFF (our mothers met while giving birth to us at Kapiolani hospital), lived in a big house in lower Manoa. Her tutu had a prized garden of these fabulous hibiscus in many colors, all down in her lower terrace.
I loved to explore the garden and pick all the open blossoms and decorate their house with them. Carolyn was always a bit nervous that her quite formidable Tutu would not approve of us picking them. I would point out they would last only one day anyway, and this way Tutu could see them!
Many other plants will be featured at Foster Garden’s Spring Plant Sale. The classes are first come, first served, so come early and pick out some choice plants to bring home to your garden or condo lanai.
While at the garden, see the big, majestic trees, palms and more. Visit the conservatory full of rare and blooming orchids, amaryllis and other botanical surprises. Check out all the pretty flowering plants in the butterfly garden.
You can meet fellow “plant nuts” and learn more about botany, horticulture and Hawaiian history. All are joined together in our priceless city botanical gardens.
Heidi Bornhorst is a sustainable landscape consultant specializing in native, xeric and edible gardens. Reach her at heidibornhorst@gmail.com.
