Posted on: Saturday, March 11, 2006
SATURDAY SCOOPS
Hibiscus heaven
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Jill Coryell, of Mokule'ia, has created about 7,000 types of hibiscus through hybridization, including, clockwise from bottom left, Joe Friedman, Lt. Col. Frank Carlos, Blue Suede Shoes, Marilyn Valenzuela and Maxine Hanna.
RICHARD AMBO | The Honolulu Advertiser
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WHERE TO GO
Where to find Jill Coryell's Hibiscus Lady hybrids: 7:30-11 a.m. today and most Saturdays at the Kapi'olani Community College farmer's market April 2 at the Lyon Arboretum plant sale For more information, reach Coryell at hibiscuslady@hawaii.rr.com or 637-9995.ALSO: Hybrid hibiscus are available through Charles Nii Nursery at the Lyon Arboretum's on April 2 plant sale; and May 20 and 21, and June 17 and 18 at Thomas Square plant shows. For details, call 395-9959.
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If you're searching for a new bloom to grow in your garden — maybe something to add vibrance to your yard — consider Hawai'i's state flower, the hibiscus.
"They really are easy plants to grow, and are so very beautiful," said Jill Coryell, 59, of Mokule'ia.
Coryell would know. Nicknamed the Hibiscus Lady (also the name of her business), Coryell hybridizes hibiscus — a process in which new flowers are made — and has created some 7,000 different types over the past seven years. Her hybrids come in magnificent hues, including bright coral and bubble-gum pink.
"It's good for a person looking for their first hibiscus plant to talk with a knowledgeable nursery person before purchasing," she said. Customers can inquire about characteristics such as colors, types and sizes of flowers.
A hibiscus plant can cost $9 to $20, and may be growing on its own roots or it may be grafted.
Coryell offers these tips on caring for hibiscus:
The most important conditions for hibiscus to thrive are regular watering and good drainage.
If a yard lacks good drainage, dig a hole two to three times the size of the pot, mix both compost and black lava cinders with the dirt you've removed, and return the soil to the hole.
Regular pruning — even a little bit off the top of the branches — will encourage more branches to develop.
Hibiscuses don't need fertilizer to grow, but they will thrive if you feed them a water-soluble fertilizer every month or so. The optimum fertilizer would have a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio of 2-1-3 with minor elements. It's important that the middle number (phosphorus) is low.
Sprinkle some epsom salts around the base of your hibiscus, but not touching the trunk. Then water them in — the plants love it. They also respond well to fish emulsion.
To control pests, spray the undersides of the leaves weekly with a hard spray of water. It will blast off bugs and any eggs they may have laid.
Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.
