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Hybridizing Hibiscus

18 years ago

Any results would probably be sterile, but I am consdering trying some intergeneric crosses between hibiscus and some related plants in the area. I know this would be more likely to "work" if the choromosome numbers of the plants were the same.

Plants that I am considering:

1. Okra

2. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)

3. Marsh Mallow

4. Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

5. Some weedy relatives: Flower of an Hour (Hibiscus trionum) and Cheeses (Malva neglecta).

Has anyone had experience with any of these "experiments?

Thanks for your input.

Tom

Comment (1)

minibim
18 years ago
Marsh mallow is an Althea not a Hibiscus. Altheas and Malvas are different genus and aren't going to cross.

I don't think you will be successful with these and some of these are self pollinating also, but you've got nothing to lose.

However if you want your best chances of success, stick with Hibiscus within the same section as these will always be the most closely related.

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