Anne,
Thanks for your response! As I'm sure you've already figured out, I know virtually nothing about the hardy hibiscus. Looking at your pictures, I'd say mine are definitely seed pods. I guess I was confused because initially, when green, they look just like the blooms I've had previously. So my plant is now covered in seed pods. Do you know if that means it's done blooming for the season, or is this just part of the normal cycle?