Florida Plant Profile #4: Cranberry Hibiscus

[@susanchavez8197]

I use the new leaves in my salads and the flowers are gorgeous!

[@LisaGansky]

I make iced tea with my cranberry hibiscus, it's great! Just boil the leaves, strain it, and refrigerate. Add some lemon juice too, if you like. Pour it over ice & enjoy a very refreshing drink!

[@windskatha]

I grow mine in containers and no one realizes it is a food plant. they are a stunning addition of color in the garden and the flowers are striking. You can make a tea out of the leaves and flowers which have a lot of antioxidants and is said to help control blood pressure and diabetes. I like to trim and prune mine a little to get it to have a more bushy shape and keep it small. The young leaves have the best flavor in my opinion and by pruning it you get more new growth.

[@LisaGansky]

Cuttings work about half the time. I've put a few in various spots in my yard.

[@memartin2188]

Will this grow in areas that get no direct sunlight?

[@coreyellerbe]

I'm not sure, to be honest. I've only grown it in full sun. I'd give it a shot, though, just to find out.

[@memartin2188]

@@coreyellerbe okedoke, thank you for responding! I have some cuttings that have been ready to plant for over a month but my only available spot is fully shaded. I will try it out!

[@coreyellerbe]

@@memartin2188 let me know the results.

[@memartin2188]

@@coreyellerbe will do!

[@lanapayne593]

My understanding is that it will grow in partial shade, however they need sunlight to make that stunning red color.

[@RavenPoe-bz7qx]

When do i sow rhe seeds, can i sow them in summer? Thanks

[@coreyellerbe]

I believe you can, though I've never started a plant from seeds. If you can find a plant that you can take cuttings from, that would probably work better.

[@RavenPoe-bz7qx]

@@coreyellerbe Thanks! I bought the seeds from an Etsy seller in Florida.