Abelmoschus manihot

Growing over six feet tall this annual with hibiscus like flowers is a wonderful addition to the late summer garden. Abelmoschus manihot is actually a member of the okra family and is easy to grow in good soil with full sun. The flowers which last only a day are a beautiful pale yellow with a dark center. Every year I plant Abelmoschus manihot at our local public garden where I volunteer. They are planted in front of red leaved cannas which make a great backdrop for the flowers. The plants produce large amounts seed which are easily started indoors.

The weather has been warm and on the dry side over the past few weeks. The garden still looks great even though it is the middle of September. We usually don't get a killing frost here until early October which means a few more weeks to enjoy everything. I ordered bulbs this past weekend which should arrive in the next few weeks. Mostly tulips and minor bulbs to perk up the garden in Spring.