Product Description

Hibiscuses have entered an era of increasing popularity as garden designers and home gardeners rediscover the fine attributes of these wonderful plants. Here is the only book that covers the species and cultivars of the genus Hibiscus completely and in detail. Barbara Perry Lawton surveys both kinds of hibiscus: the tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate plants whose pure, clean colors are such grand assets to modern gardens and homes, as well as the hardy perennials and shrubs that thrive in spite of snow, ice, drought, flood, or poor soil, bearing bright flowers year after year. These classic flowers have a long and fascinating history. The book chronicles the history and traditions of their use in addition to those of Hibiscus relatives such as hollyhocks, okra, and cotton. With more than 200 species, there is great diversity in the genus Hibiscus. Barbara Perry Lawton introduces all gardeners, expert and novice alike, to the possibilities offered by these plants. A photographic gallery of hibiscuses illustrates the richness of the many species and cultivars from which the gardener may choose.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #800189 in Books
• Published on: 2004-09-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 184 pages

About the Author
Barbara Perry Lawton has served as editor and manager of publications for the Missouri Botanical Garden, president of the Garden Writers Association of America, and weekly garden columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Customer Reviews

Not for novices
I had hoped this book would have practical advise for beginners, and lots of pictures, and how-tos, such as how to prune, when and where, but I was disappointed, too much information and history that I did not need to know. Not much help for those with plants in containers, and those in the Northeast.

For the Hibiscus Lover
If you are someone wanting to read more about the history and species of Hibiscus, but don't know where to look, Barbara Perry Lawton's book is the place to go. Her book covers everything from history and breeders to native ranges and detailed explanations of more than 200 species of Hibiscus.
This book is full of useful information for anyone wanting to learn more about growing these beautiful plants in their garden. Chapters on propagation and cultivation are included and highly informative.
This is a great bok for the advanced gardener that would like to learn more about this interesting plant group.