Today's Hibiscus of the Day is Heartleaf Hibiscus (Hibiscus martianus).

This plant can be found in the ATP Plant Database at:
Heartleaf Hibiscus (Hibiscus martianus) .

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Heartleaf Hibiscus (Hibiscus martianus)

I got the seed for this plant from a member in Austin after seeing it and commenting on how beautiful it is.
The seed is heart shaped as well as the leaf. After soaking the seed overnight I planted it in a small pot and many of the seeds germinated, but I was only able to get two of the plants to survive.
Since it is cold tender in my zone I have kept them in pots, but they never grew very large, even after 5 years because of the pot limitations.
This plant is a good prolific bloomer and the red of the flowers seems to glow, I like it very much.
I think that this plant will do much better in a warmer zone.

frostweed said:I got the seed for this plant from a member in Austin after seeing it and commenting on how beautiful it is.

I have one plant that I grew from seeds you sent me. It just started to bloom about a month ago. I need to upgrade it to a larger pot this spring.

Yes, the hard part is getting this plant started. The seeds don't germinate much for me even with heat, and then it takes a while, getting it established. But once it's established, it's great and can even survive the drought when I got tired of watering it much. Winter temps aren't a problem for it here, even in the coldest winters. Really love the blooms!

I planted mine about.a year ago from a gallon sized pot from the nursery. Has doubled in size. Planted in mostly sun. Despite the constant rains last spring and the August drought, it had done quite well. Blooms sporadically. Planted near it are a few daylilies that have dwindled in size during the August heat and a named agapanthus that rotted in the May rains. But the heartleaf has steadily increased in size thru the summer. Can't wait til it fills up the area available to it. Mine is now about 12" tall and sprawls out maybe 24" across. I like this plant.....doesn't reseed like crazy like some and it withstands the weather extremes here (heat and rain).

Hmmm, this is a really adorable Hibiscus. It's definitely going on the "must grow it one day" list. I'm right on the cusp of zone 8 so it might be hardy with some protection or the right micro-climate. Thanks for the photos and info about it!