Hibiscus schizopetalus: One of my favorite tropical plants to grow in North Texas.
I drag this plant into the garage each winter, right before the first forecast of below-freezing weather. Nestled in the garage for the winter, the hibiscus goes dormant and drops all of its leaves.
Come spring, I drag it outside and prune it back severely. I remove all of the mulch and fallen leaves, top-dress it with earthworm castings and organic fertilizer and add a fresh covering of cedar mulch.
Then I sit back and watch it return to life… And it rewards me with these amazingly delicate blooms all summer long.
Hibiscus schizopetalus:
schizopetalus literally means split petals.
It is winter hardy in zones 10 and 11. Alas, I garden in zone 8a. I am thankful that hibiscus overwinter very well in this area and remain disease- and pest-free.
I bought my Hibiscus schizopetalus from a local nursery about ten years ago, though they can also be ordered from online suppliers.
the melodious garden 