Flower of an Hour (Hibiscus) - Seed

Flower of an Hour (Hibiscus).

This charming little plant is an annual Hibiscus and self-sows so that it comes back every year from last year's seeds. The delightful large flowers and interesting growth habit make it worth adding to your borders. This Hibiscus species grows to approximately 50 cm in height and blooms very profusely in summer to early autumn.

Beautiful seed pods

The flowers have a beautiful white-yellow color with a purple heart and are only open for a few hours a day. This is made up for by their numbers. On rainy days the flowers do not open. The open flowers are pollinated by insects that eat nectar, including bumblebees and butterflies. And what makes the plant very attractive is that as soon as the flowers fade, the inflated seed pods (lanterns) take their place. These pop open when ripe and spread their seeds throughout your garden for the following year.

A bit slow

The seeds germinate as soon as the soil is warmer, so sow in May to June. It can also be done earlier in March, but under glass or indoors in a pot. Flower of an hour likes a bright sunny spot, west-facing is perfect. Do not let the soil dry out and add some compost every now and then.