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Hello Casa de Campo Living readers! Welcome to our second article in the series of posts ‘Flowers in Casa de Campo’, an insight into the many different types of plants found across the Casa de Campo complex. Today we bring you the hibiscus which is one of our favorites!
The hibiscus produces beautiful blooms when properly maintained. It tolerates various climates and requires prepared soil that is rich in nutrients. Hibiscuses grow well when planted with other shrubs, but thrive when planted alone where they receive the entire supply of sunlight, water, and food.
This flower has more than 220 species that derive from the Malvaceae family and is generally found in warm environments. The species most typically found in the Dominican Republic is known as “Sangre de Cristo” or “cayena” (hibiscus rosa-sinensis), and is considered a national symbol and women often use it as a hair ornament on national holidays. Here in Casa, the Hibiscus flowers can be seen in neon pink and orange around hole #5 of the Links golf course, and we’ve also spotted the “Sangre de Cristo” around the Teeth of the Dog and Altos de Chavón.
THE HIBISCUS
- Hibiscuses are perennial plants that reach heights up to 8 ft.
- The hibiscus leaf grows between 2 and 3 inches long and is often three-lobed with a diamond or ovate shape, depending on the species.
- The hibiscus produces flowers that range in colors from red, pink, and white in the late summer and early fall.
- The flowers grow as large as a paper plate, reaching 6 inches in diameter.
- The hibiscus grows best in locations that offer full sunlight to some shade with ample moisture.
This is the second article of our series “Flowers in Casa de Campo”, in future articles you can look forward to reading about: the Jade Vine, the Mantequilla, the “tu y yo” and much more!
* This article was written by former collaborator Daniela Medina