Hibiscus that grows in stalk form

Question

Hi, I was told by a landscaping contractor, who was able to find it in his plant species book, that this hibiscus species was very rare. He had never come across this species in his 25 years.
My “oriental hibiscus ? grows in stalks”.
The root system has become very large, with a circumference of about 3×4. The root system is sturdy and intertwines within itself under the ground, some of the outer roots traveling downward into the ground 3ft plus. You can dig under the plant and find a hollowed area, where you see the main base. It was very interesting.

The plant was at a home we moved to in 2005. I noted two separate plants. The plant in front had some sturdy green stalks that were growing straight up, some of the slimmer stalks on the sides were starting to lean. I bought the largest circular garden hoops I could. I left the plant growing behind alone. A couple stealthier stalks leaned against the house, the others laid on the ground like snakes, the blooms still flowering.
I have moved it 2 times since 2005, and it did just fine. I don’t feel I could move the entire plant now because it has been developing here for 7.5 years.
In Michigan, it starts to sprout-with little green nuns around the old stalks- in June, then blooms end of July, August, September…until it becomes too cold and the stalks become dry and brown in color, and then can be snapped off in the fall of early spring.

Is this truly an oriental hibiscus? I have been to every garden shop, and researched on-line and have not found anything remotely close to this species.

Answer 1

No, this will be one of many hardy Hibiscus cultivars. The Oriental cultivars will not survive in your area. Although they are rare in nature, they are not rare in cultivation, being used heavily in gardens that don’t drop below freezing. It is very difficult to pin down something to its exact cultivar, so you may never get it properly identified.

This article will help you to care for Hardy Hibiscus: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/outdoor-hibiscus-care.htm