Think you know hibiscus? We bet you don't know these

It’s surprising how many folks name their plants as if they were pets.

A shrub I’m sure would receive a lovely feminine moniker is an East African hibiscus known as fringed hibiscus and parasol hibiscus.

The species is H. schizopetalus, with schizopetalus meaning "cut petals." Indeed, few blossoms rival the exquisitely frilly, pinkish-red flowers borne by this 6- to 12-foot charmer. The blossoms, activated by breezes, dangle on lengthy stems and are themselves poised above long columns that end in a cluster of pink stamens.

Fringed hibiscus – much used by hybridizers to lend a graceful aspect to their creations – thrive on moderately enriched, mulched sites in full sun. They’re about as hardy as more common hibiscus. Propagate with warm-season cuttings treated with root-inducing hormones. Plants are available online.

My favorite hybrid hibiscus is Anderson crepe, a shrub that responds to occasional pruning by developing dense branching and an abundance of medium-sized light-pink blossoms. Anderson crepe (up to 12 feet tall) can easily be cultivated as a miniature tree in sunny locations, though a sturdy supportive stake is recommended.

This hybrid flowers more readily than most others during the heat of midsummer, often flowering year-round when winters are mild. Although it’s an adaptable shrub, Anderson crepe responds to good care by flowering more heavily. Irrigate during hot, dry spells in spring and autumn. Propagate with warm-season cuttings. Plants are available online.

Another notable hibiscus that local plant lovers can add to their landscape is rose of Sharon. It’s a shrub that’s extremely familiar to transplanted northern gardeners but largely unknown to natives of South and Central Florida. This deciduous species (Hibiscus syriacus), from Western Asia flowers freely from early summer deep into autumn, displaying single or double blossoms in white, pink or shades of blue.

They don't bloom all year?So what? It's a shame to shun these seasonal perennials

Averaging 8 to 12 feet tall and nearly as wide, rose of Sharon features dense branching, small leaves and – if left unpruned – a vase-like shape. In our neck of the woods, the species and its varieties do best in bright, filtered light, especially during mid-day. Heavy mulching and a springtime application of time-release fertilizer is recommended.

If you prune rose of Sharon plants to control size or increase branching, do so in late winter. Other deciduous hibiscus that produce plenty of colorful blossoms include confederate rose (H. mutabilis) from East Asia and swamp rose (H. moscheutos), from the Southeastern United States.

Plant to ponder: Little John Azalea

Little John Azalea is grown more for its burgundy-colored new growth than for its dark-red springtime flowers. When set in light shade or a north-facing location, this azalea grows up to six feet tall and develops a mounding form. Azaleas are propagated by cuttings. Little John is available online.