Checking In: Luna Red Hibiscus in January

Here is a short before and after (or after-and-before in this case) when my parents gave me a red hibiscus [Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Red'] that they were keeping in a planter. My dad said it would do alright in the ground, so I stuck it by the downspout in late fall. I'm hoping it comes back this spring! I only got to see ONE flower open on it so far!

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Red' in January

Hibiscus moscheutos 'Luna Red' in January

Here are a couple photos from when I first put the hibiscus in, transplanting it from a container to the ground. It had a fairly warm wet Fall to hopefully develop some roots before drying up completely on top. I hope it comes back. I think this is my husband Chris' favorite plant we own, even though the tropical look doesn't at all match the north woods riverbed look I'm going for.

A couple progress photos from the day I put the hibiscus in the ground this last Fall. I used some leftover rocks from the front yard rock garden.

I documented the ONE and ONLY hibiscus bloom I saw, since I didn't get the plant until Fall it was all but spent for the season. It has a very tropical look to it, and nice color. Maybe I won't hide it behind a conifer afterall.