Malvaceae; native to Europe and Asia.

Germination: For best results, clip seeds before sowing, or soak them in water-they will sink when they are ready to be planted. Sow outdoors where the plants are to grow, after all danger of frost is past or indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside, covering the seeds and maintaining a temperature of 70-75° F. If the seed is soaked or clipped, germination can take as few as 3 days; otherwise, it takes 10-15 days.

Growth: In spring, space seedlings 12 inches apart in full sun or light shade in rich, well-drained soil. The plants tolerate alkaline soil, salt, and wet roots. They are dormant in winter.

Appearance and Use: Floriferous and vigorous plants, up to 6 feet tall, display disc-shaped blooms from mid-summer till frost. This easy-to-grow, rugged annual is used as a hedge or background planting. The blooms are excellent for cutting.

A. manihot (Sunset Hibiscus) - An annual, 5-6 feet tall, with 6 inch yellow blooms with dark brown centers.