Phenology; November. Hibiscus sabdariffa L.

Let no one say it cannot be done: Behind the slightly political pumpkin people is a small field of sunflower, in full bloom on November 6, 2008.

The past two days have been overcast and cool. . . so not much got done in the gardens and it was not good photography weather. Today I awoke to sunny and hot, and for the first time this year I noticed the Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Roselle) blooming. . . several weeks earlier than 'normal.'



A proud sunflower that looks a little like Don King (to me), in full bloom this morning.

Another view of the sunflowers. While they are not all that tall, they are still spectacular.

In an effort to keep up with the Phenology Diaries. . . here, below, are images of the first blooms on the Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.).

Hibiscus are in the Mallow Family and the Rosemallow Genus. There are 40 species of Hibiscus known to occur in the United States.

Hibiscus sabdariffa L. occurs today only in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. I've planted it as a hedge row along the fences.

Normally, the Roselle bloom around the 4th week of November and continue blooming until heavy frost. This year they are a few weeks early.