When we think of hibiscus we tend to think either of the hardy shrubs in which Notcutts have specialised for so long or we think huge and exotic... say Hawaii.
But Shelley and Robert Antscheri of Burton Grange Nurseries in Cheshunt in Hertfordshire realised that large-flowered, exotic hibiscus can be grown here. They have rooted cuttings and plants available for the first time this year.
Seventeen varieties of these amazingly exotic, large-flowered, tropical style hibiscus are available to grow as conservatory plants - and to grow out on the patio in summer. And those flowers really are huge, up to 25cm/10in across, and come in a range of vivid colours including red, pink, orange and white with a number of pretty bicolours and also a few doubles. ‘Bon Temps’, in yellow with a rich rose centre, is illustrated above, while ‘Magnifique’, below, is a wonderful swirl of strawberry ice cream. Click on the images to enlarge them.
"We are a small family-run nursery specialising in growing and selling tropical hibiscus rooted cuttings and mature plants," Shelley told me. "We originally sourced our very unusual varieties from Florida, and we now create the cuttings and plants from our own mother-stock.
"We are the only commercial growers of these varieties in the UK and so far they are largely unheard of by the general public, although we are doing everything we can to change this! We have secured a small programme with Marks & Spencer this year.
There's more information about these spectacular plants and how to grow them, plus and a very tempting picture gallery, at the Burton Grange Nurseries website where you can also order online.