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Most hibiscus gardeners in this area find that September and October provide the weather necessary to produce some of the year’s best blooms. That was the rationale, many years ago, for choosing the second Sunday of September for our Show. Several of us have heard Eric Golby say something to the effect that, all things taken into consideration, the second Sunday of September is the prime time for good blooms in this area.
Depending on whose figures you use, September is either the second or third wettest month, following August. Of course, "wet" is not necessarily a bad thing - as long as it doesn’t rain the day before or the day of our Annual Show! If you are taking the steps we have written about to minimize the damage excessive rain can cause, you may have relatively few problems. In fact, afternoon downpours cause mass confusion and disgust among numerous critters, thereby keeping their partying on your plants at a minimum.
However, during a period of summer rains, the water table can rise to six inches or so below the surface of the ground. In what are called "seasonally wet" areas, the water table is at or above ground level. The roots of your in-ground plants in such areas will die and rot away – and this can happen pretty quickly. If the plants you have in such areas are ones you want to keep, you can dig them up and place them in a well-drained, shady area with the roots covered. After the water drains away, prune back the plants and replant them, preferably with new soil.
Much of our summer rain comes in the form of thunderstorms with their accompanying winds. Therefore, check all plants, both in pots and in the ground, to see if they should be staked – or re-staked – to avoid their being rocked around by the wind. September is a prime month for hurricanes. It almost hurts to just write the word. There is really nothing that you can do for your hibiscus to prepare them for the eventuality of – you-know-what. Healthy, well-staked plants will suffer least. Of course plants in pots can be taken inside in hopes the inside is not outside after the you-know-what passes.
Quick, let’s talk about something, anything else. Continue regular fertilization and spraying programs. We continue to hear good reports about the use of Bayer’s Tree and Shrub as a spray. It seems that 2 tbsp per gallon gets the most mention as a dilution rate. If Bayer’s T&S is used, watch for spider mites. They will require the use of a miticide or the tried and true method of directing a spray of water under the leaves every day.
We all become attached to our plants, they become a part of the family, and we get to know their personalities. Most everyone will deny talking to their plants, but we all know that we do. And, of course, our plants listen to us. Hibiscus are well known as being somewhat mischievous and delight in doing just the opposite of what you’d like for them to do. It is because of this trait that hibiscus growers who enter AHS shows should never mention, within hearing of their hibiscus, anything about shows or when shows are to be held. Some have found that the use of a form of misdirection has provided additional show blooms. This simple ruse involves the occasional off-handed mention, within the hearing of the hibiscus, of the need for really nice blooms for a specific Friday. It appears that using the Friday prior to the show as the decoy day, is more effective than any other day of the week. Those using the "Friday Feint" ploy report more than a 50% increase in blooms on the "trailing" Sunday with, amazingly, 83% Gold Seal blooms. We love our hibiscus, but they sure are little dickens. (Editor’s note: Just so there is no misunderstanding – we are kidding.)
August October
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