I usually don't like rooting things in water, but I've found Hibiscus mutabilis (confederate rose hibiscus) very easy to root that way. Just be sure to plant it as soon as a decent amount of roots are present. Early spring is probably the best time for rooting cuttings, but they might do OK even this time of year. I would give them plenty of protection during winter, if started this late.

P.S. I'm sure you'll be able to get one, but if not, come to the spring ETPS (and give me plenty of early warning) and I'll bring you a rooted cutting or two.

I've tried rooting them in water in the past, with no success. BUT---I think that might be because I've always gotten them through the mail, when they were days old. I found one in a yard here locally and begged a cutting---and it's getting little nubbies already! Say I should pot it as soon as as I get some actual roots?

Yep, the roots formed in water are very inefficient when transferred to soil. I wouldn't let the cutting spend too much of its resources growing water roots, because they won't be as beneficial when planted.

The amount of root system I would allow to grow before transplanting is one of those things that you kind of know when you see but can't easily describe. I guess I'll just leave it as...transplant as soon as you think there are enough roots for successful planting.

Hey Sis,

Did you want any more of the pink swamp hibiscus? I have like 10 million seeds...

YES!!!

Here is some great information on rooting:
http://www.trop-hibiscus.com/rooting.html
And here is a nursery in Chattanooga that has some outstanding species at a reasonable cost:
http://www.greenthumbsgalore.com/shrubs.html

Boy I was set to order some But Tn. sales tax plus shipping is about twice as much as the plants. Maybe msbatt won't grab all of the cuttings at the swap. Norm