Plant Profile: Hibiscus

Jerry meets with Ida Dagan in Brisbane, a passionate collector, breeder and fan of the most tropical of flowers - the heavenly Hibiscus.

Queensland is a world centre for hibiscus diversity, and Ida’s suburban garden is no exception. She started her collection with just one plant, and it has now grown to a living catalogue of around 300 different varieties.

How to create Hibiscus Hybrids

Select the two plants you wish to hybridise
Rub the pollen from the anther of one flower onto the stigma pads
of the other
Make an aluminium foil cover for the pollenated stamen which
prevents the bees from further cross-pollinating, or the rain from
washing the pollen off
Once the flower has died and dropped off, cover the seeds still on
the plant with a small bag, meaning none will be lost if they fall off
All the hibiscus in Ida’s garden are grafted onto the rootstock of
the “Ruth Wilcox” variety, an older, stronger-rooted hibiscus than
many others. The best time to undertake this, according to Ida, is
from early spring through to early summer.


How to graft Hibiscus
Start with strong, known hibiscus rootstock like Ruth Wilcox
Notch a small slice into the top of the rootstock
Cut the base of the scion (or top stock) into a V
Slot them together, and use grafting tape as required.
Sit plants aside, in a hothouse or similar for around six months,
misting often
After this time, they should have developed a strong stem and
root system, and be ready for planting.


How to plant Hibiscus
Dig a hole twice as deep as the pot
Place a small handful of slow release organic fertiliser and some -
blood and bone into the base of the hole
Water this in with diluted seaweed extract
Place a small amount of soil over the top of the fertiliser and
place plant into hole (minimising root disturbance or loss of soil),
backfilling and firming soil
Water in with diluted seaweed extract, and mulch

Watch Gardening Australia on ABC iview: http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/gard...

SUBSCRIBE: http://ab.co/GardeningYouTube

About Gardening Australia:
Gardening Australia is an ABC TV program providing gardening know-how and inspiration. Presented by Australia's leading horticultural experts, Gardening Australia is a valuable resource to all gardeners through the television program, the magazine, books, DVDs and extensive online content.

Connect with other Gardening Australia fans:
Like Gardening Australia on Facebook:   / gardeningaustralia  
Follow Gardening Australia on Instagram:   / gardeningaustralia  
Visit the Gardening Australia website: http://www.abc.net.au/gardening

This is an official Australian Broadcasting Corporation YouTube channel.
********
Contributions may be removed if they violate ABC's Online Conditions of Use http://www.abc.net.au/conditions.htm (Section 3).