The Canadian Hibiscus Society is a cross Canada group of fanciers dedicated to the growth and culture of hibiscus. More information can be found under Membership. There is also a Yahoo Group site at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CanHibiscus/ . Here you will find others who have the same passion, daily photos and news about hibiscus from around the world.

What is a hibiscus?

A member of the malva (malvaceae) family which includes okra

Hibiscus rosa- sinensis is the most popular of the species, other popular species include H. moscheutos (Southern Belle) and H. syriacus

H. rosa-sinensis has been cultivated for hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of years. Grown in China as an ornamental flower, there are reports from early explorers of them growing around temples. The potent red flower gained popularity and was introduced into such areas as London , Europe, India and of course, Hawaii . Early hybridizers began crossing this new arrival with the three species native to Hawaii and soon began to cross these results with 33 species imported from other countries. The results so impassioned the Hawaiians that in 1923 they passed a law making the flower the symbol of the territory of Hawaii

Did you know that a hibiscus flower worn over the right ear indicates you are single and looking for a mate? Worn over the left ear indicates you are married.

Photo credit: Dick Johnson