FLOWER OF THE WEEK AT SOPCHOPPY DEPOT PARK

Scarlet hibiscus

By LYNN ARTZ, DAVID RODDENBERRY, and SANDY TEDDER

Few native flowers rival the stunning blooms of scarlet hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus). Large deep red funnel-shaped flowers with a prominent central column appear in mid summer. The 5 separated petals form a star shape 4 to 8 inches wide. Scarlet hibiscus attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees and feeds the caterpillars of many beautiful butterflies, skippers, and moths. Native bees nest in the hollow dead stems so leave the stems until they disintegrate. Scarlet hibiscus is an upright, open, multi-stemmed, semi-woody perennial. It grows 4-8 feet tall by 2-3 feet wide in full sun and wet to moist soil. Native to Wakulla County, it occurs along wetland and stream edges, and in freshwater swamps and marshes. Also called scarlet rosemallow, scarlet hibiscus is blooming now in the pond at Sopchoppy Depot Park.