Before you go searching the internet for the Aggie Hibiscus, read me out. I work at a nursery where the owners are Aggies from Texas A&M University. Texans know how faithful the A&M alumni are to their school, but for all my out of state/country readers, let me elaborate. It's almost cult-ish how Aggies are to their school and its traditions. These people bleed maroon and white. So it didn't surprise me when the owners happily renamed the Haight Ashbury plant to the Aggie Hibiscus. The plant wears maroon foliage and has a stunning maroon flower that would make any Aggie proud. I find it funny that I even call it the Aggie Hibiscus and have to catch myself when somebody asks me the name of the plant.
Haight Ashbury is in the Hibiscus family and is a perennial in zones 9-11. It reaches 4-5 ft when full grown and prefers full sun. The flowers attract birds, bees and hummingbirds. Also, this Hibiscus is drought tolerant and deer resistant. It makes a beautiful addition to any garden or even as a thriller in a container planting. This plant is a must for anyone who loves Japanese Maples but have failed in the heat. Before these plants were flowering, I must have been asked two or three times a day if thats what it was. I'd say, "Nope, that's our Aggie Hibiscus!"
This plant made my day! How 'bout yours?
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How beautiful. Do you think it would grow in my area? Phoenix zone 8b?
ReplyDeleteI would love to try it.
I know it would! I'm on the line of 8b/9a here in Houston and it thrives very well. It may get nipped in a hard freeze, but I don't think you'd lose it.
ReplyDeleteAND....and an additional attribute of this marvelous plant is that it roots very easily (let me repeat, VERY EASILY!) from cuttings!
ReplyDeleteMine have wintered over here, about 100 miles south of Sarah. I have had it 3 years now.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteFunny the Aggies favor a plant named after the hippies original "homeland" Haight Ashbury. Very pretty plant.
I just don't know if I could get one of those ... I went to OU! It is pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteWell, Amy, at least you are not a 'wronghorn', as my friend's 5 year old twins say. My friend is an Aggie, and they take it quite seriously. LOL
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous plant. Both my brothers and a neice went to Texas A&M, so I understand the Aggie craziness. Thank for sharing the plant. I'm putting this on my wish list.
ReplyDeleteLOL! How did I know this would start a school rivalry chat?
ReplyDeleteGulf Coast of Texas: overwintered fine, but seems to want a lot of water . . .
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