In most cases untilo the flower dies to keep out foreign pollen . Tell me what can hibiscus be crossed with besides
hibiscus ?

Thanks for your reply. When I wrote my original post, I'd just done a cross. Well, it worked! I harvested the seed pod on Sunday and found 11 seeds inside. I have not planted them yet. As for what to cross hibiscus with...there are other species in the Hibiscus genus that will cross with H. rosa-sinensis. H. rosa-sinensis is actually a hybrid already. I know that H. schizopetalus is another species that will readily cross with H. rosa-sinensis. The cross I did was of one H. rosa-sinensis with another of the same species, just different cultivars.

Hello Gardeniarose and Farmfreedom, When conditions are right you do not have to use a bag. However, I agree a bag increases your chances, but if using plastic bags and the sun is out, be careful of not cooking the staminal column and pads. I have found aluminium foil, very carefully wrapped around the upper staminal column and stigma pads, does the job just as well and is able to reflect heat if the sun comes out.

Other species compatible with Rosa Sinesis are H.Lilliflorous, H.Arnotiannus, H.Waimea, H.Fragilis, H.Nasali(possible species), H.Cuban Variety (possible species) and a few others - names elude me, but I do know the Mallow species are not compatible and Syriacus is said to be in one book, but not in others. I have tried this cross and it will not take with Rosa Sinesis. Much more info is available on Hybridizing Hibiscus on other sites specific to hibiscus. Otherwise I'll try to help here if you have further queries.

Happy hybridizing.
Regards, Brian Kerr.

Hi Brian. I just did another cross this morning and I used the aluminum foil. Seems to be a great idea. Now why didn't I think of that??