Cajun Hibiscus: The Unique and Beautiful Flower of the American South

Introducing the Cajun Hibiscus

The Cajun hibiscus is a unique and beautiful flower that is gaining popularity amongst gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Known botanically as Hibiscus acetosella, this variety is a cross between a traditional hibiscus plant and a roselle plant. The Cajun hibiscus boasts large, showy blooms in shades of red, pink, white or yellow with dark red veining or spots. The flowers can grow up to 6 inches wide, making a stunning statement in any outdoor space.

The History of the Cajun Hibiscus

This hybrid hibiscus was first developed in the early 2000s by horticulturists at Louisiana State University. They were seeking to create a new type of hibiscus that could withstand the hot, humid summers of the Gulf Coast region. After several years of trials, they developed the Cajun hibiscus - a sturdy, resilient flower adapted to the climate of the American South.

The Cajun hibiscus was named in honor of the rich Cajun cultural heritage of Louisiana. Its striking blooms and vigor made it an instant hit with gardeners in the region. Over the past two decades, its popularity has steadily grown beyond the Gulf states as well.

Cajun Hibiscus Care

One of the best qualities of the Cajun hibiscus is its low maintenance nature. This is a very hardy plant that can thrive with minimal care. Here are some tips for growing Cajun hibiscus:

• Plant in full sun to partial shade. Cajun hibiscus prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Well-draining soil is a must. Avoid wet, dense soil that doesn't drain properly.
• Fertilize lightly in spring and summer. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks.
• Prune back lightly after flowering to encourage branching and fullness.
• Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Provide 1-2 inches of water per week.
• Bring potted plants indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F.

With this basic care, Cajun hibiscus will reward you with continuous blooms throughout the growing season. It's even tolerant of light drought and humidity.

How to Buy Cajun Hibiscus Plants

Looking to add some Cajun hibiscus to your own garden? Here are some tips for finding these plants for sale:

• Check with local nurseries and garden centers, especially in the South. Many carry Cajun hibiscus in stock.
• Order from online specialty growers. Search for vendors that focus on unique hibiscus varieties.
• Visit farmers markets and neighborhood plant swaps. You may find someone selling divisions from an established plant.
• Join hibiscus enthusiast groups and ask about sources. Members often sell cuttings or extra plants.
• Shop for seeds and grow your own. Cajun hibiscus seeds are available from retailers like Eden Brothers and Evergreen Seeds.

When buying Cajun hibiscus, look for young plants with healthy foliage and no signs of disease, pests or root damage. Expect to pay $10-20 for a one gallon potted plant or $3-5 for seeds.

Cajun Hibiscus Varieties

One of the great aspects of Cajun hibiscus is the range of flower colors and forms available. Here are some of the most popular varieties you'll find for sale:

'Fireball' Cajun Hibiscus

This aptly named variety has large, scarlet red blooms with dark red speckles throughout. The eye-catching flowers can grow up to 6 inches wide on this fast growing plant. 'Fireball' typically reaches 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity.

'Cajun Sunrise' Cajun Hibiscus

Buttery yellow petals patterned with deep red veining give 'Cajun Sunrise' flowers a radiant, sunny appearance. The blooms are sizable at 5-6 inches across. This variety grows as a rounded, multi-stemmed shrub to 4 feet tall and wide.

'Mardi Gras' Cajun Hibiscus

Get ready for a party! 'Mardi Gras' Cajun hibiscus lives up to its festive name with lavender pink blooms decorated with prominent red spots. The red color deepens in cooler weather. An upright grower to 5 feet tall, its flowers can reach 6 inches in diameter.

'Bayou Night' Cajun Hibiscus

For deep, dramatic blooms, choose 'Bayou Night'. Each ruffled, purple-black flower has a bright red eye. Blooms are 5 inches wide on average. 'Bayou Night' has an upright, vase-shaped growth habit to 4 feet tall.

Landscaping with Cajun Hibiscus

The Cajun hibiscus makes a fantastic focal point or accent plant in southern landscapes. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your garden design:

Plant in Mixed Borders

Grow Cajun hibiscus alongside other heat-loving perennials like coneflowers, salvias, and lantana. Choose varieties with contrasting colors for maximum impact.

Accent Patios and Entryways

Place Cajun hibiscus in pots by outdoor living areas or near home entrances. The large blooms will greet you and your guests with tropical flair.

Attract Butterflies and Hummingbirds

Cajun hibiscus is very appealing to pollinators. Site it near seating areas so you can enjoy watching the flower visitors up close.

Grow as a Hedge

Use matching Cajun hibiscus as an informal, flowering hedge along a property line or to screen an unattractive view. Space plants 2-4 feet apart for coverage.

Repeat in Beds and Borders

Plant groupings of the same Cajun hibiscus variety for a bold mass of color. Monochromatic schemes have great visual impact.

Caring for Cajun Hibiscus in Pots

Growing Cajun hibiscus as a container plant is easy. Follow these tips:

• Use a pot at least 12-16 inches wide and deep.
• Make sure the pot has drainage holes to prevent root rot.
• Use a quality potting mix formulated for container plants.
• situate pot where it will get at least 6 hours of sun daily.
• Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Don't let pots dry out completely.
• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
• Prune lightly after flowering to control size and shape.
• Overwinter container plants indoors in a sunny window if temperatures fall below 40°F.

With some simple care, you can successfully grow Cajun hibiscus on your patio, balcony or front steps.

Cajun Hibiscus: A Unique Southern Flower

If you love exotic, tropical-looking blooms, the Cajun hibiscus deserves a spot in your garden. Hardy and floriferous, it delivers nonstop color through the hottest months. With so many flower colors and plant forms to choose from, you're sure to find a variety that's perfect for your landscape. Order some Cajun hibiscus today and enjoy a taste of the South in your own backyard.

FAQs

How big do Cajun hibiscus plants get?

Most Cajun hibiscus varieties reach 4-6 feet tall and wide at maturity. However, size can vary somewhat depending on growing conditions. In containers, plants stay more compact at 3-4 feet tall.

What colors does Cajun hibiscus come in?

There are Cajun hibiscus varieties with flowers in red, pink, white, yellow, lavender, and purple shades. Many have dark red spots or veining. New color varieties are always in development.

Is Cajun hibiscus cold hardy?

No, Cajun hibiscus is considered a tropical perennial. It can tolerate brief light frosts, but sustained cold below 40°F will damage the plants. In zones 8 and colder, grow Cajun hibiscus in containers you can move indoors.

Does Cajun hibiscus bloom all summer?

Yes! Cajun hibiscus flowers continuously from spring through fall frost. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flower production. The plants may take a short break during peak summer heat.

What is the best way to overwinter Cajun hibiscus?

In zones 8 and colder, overwinter container grown Cajun hibiscus plants indoors near a sunny window. Keep watering to a minimum and avoid fertilizing. Prune back in late winter before moving outdoors.