The Mallow family (Malvaceae) has 100+ genera (let’s call them cousins). Okra is a native of Ethiopia (which is also home to beans, peas, and coffee). Cotton is another “cousin”. The Blue Mahoe of Jamaica is a large tree with 6 inch orange/yellow flowers that turn crimson during the day. It is used for cabinet making and is also native to Cuba (where the inner bark is used for cigar wrap). Other genera include Rose of Sharon. Hollyhock and of course, Hibiscus.

The Hibiscus genus has 200+ species including Tropical Hibiscus with thousands of varieties; and, the North American Moscheutos (so-called "Swamp Mallow")

Popular "Hardy Hibiscus" offerings are almost all based on Moscheutos. Here's how they differ from Tropical Hibiscus:

• It is a woody perenniel, dies back in winter. Last for at least 10 seasons.
• Actually requires cold weather. Won't do well in Florida. (Plant wintering evidentally involves production of hormones required for spring growth and flowering.)
• Propagate by cuttings, some by seeds. Water heavily until established.
• Does very well in wet soil, full sun. Tolerates drought.
• Buds are 2-4 inches long.
• Has large flowers up to 12 inches: white, pink, red, plum, no yellows (last 1 day).
• Relatively few varieties, no doubles.
• When they die back in winter, prune dead foliage, and when the ground is frozen, mulch heavily to keep it cold.
• They will probably be the last thing to sprout in the next Spring, fertilize early and lightly tip-prune after initial growth. But they grow rapidly up to 8 ft in height.
• Disease resistant, but look out for spider mites and Japanese beetles. On the internet you can use a special Google search to locate books containing information about hardy hibiscus.

Much of the above information is based upon the book, “Hibiscus”, by Barbara Lawton Perry.