The MGS Forum
Plants for mediterranean gardens => Trees and Shrubs => Topic started by: John J on May 23, 2013, 09:39:47 AM
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The first flower I've spotted on our Hibiscus tiliaceus this year.
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Oh, that is such a surprise! I have only ever seen it in the Seychelles and some Pacific Islands. Really lovely!
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Pamela, I have to admit that when I saw them for sale 6/7 years ago here in Cyprus I was surprised. Having only heard of them as tropical trees growing in almost mangrove-like conditions in coastal swamps my first impression was one of; 'Here we go again, someone else who hasn't done their homework regarding the plants they foist off onto an unsuspecting public. Charge a lot and then shrug their shoulders when the poor sucker comes back and complains that the plant has died'. Being ever the 'sucker' with the excuse that I'm experimenting, or 'pushing the envelope' as I believe the expression goes, I bought one. I took it home, chose a spot where it would be shaded to a certain extent from the worst of the sun and it's roots would be constantly in the shade, gave it a load of TLC for the first couple of years and waited to see what happened. Once it decided that it was not going to expire it shot up looking for the sun to the extent that last year we had to lop off the top to prevent it from touching the electricity cable leading from the poles outside on the road to the house. This seems to have bothered it not one iota and it is still flourishing. All this in an area that has no irrigation and is certainly nowhere near the swamp-like conditions that the books say it is said to favour. Then again I have yet to meet the plant that has read a book.
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Wonderful post John, echoing the thoughts and actions of many of us I am sure when tempted to buy something we know we shouldn't ;D and the closing thought sums up the situation perfectly.
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Our Hibiscus tiliaceus is still going strong with very little summer water. I took the photo this morning just as the flower was opening and before the sun had a chance to bleach the colour out of it.
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Beautiful photos! I saw this plant for sale at the botanical garden La Concepción here in Málaga at the weekend, so I assume it should grow well here too . I held off, but may succumb...
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Our plant is still around and has the first flowers of the season opened today, 3 of them.
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Haven't posted anything on here for a couple of years but our tree is still with us and has put out its first flowers of the season.
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Good to hear it is still growing and flowering John - lovey colour especially when it first opens