The first time I traveled to the Caribbean I was stunned by the beauty. It wasn’t just the crystal clear water but that it seemed hibiscuses were blooming everywhere. Now when I see some in a landscape or containers, I have visual memories of the islands. It’s funny how plants can mentally take us to where either our budget or time won’t allow.

In Savannah, Ga., we get about 265 days of frost-free weather each year, meaning our backyards can resemble the exotic look of the Caribbean. Yours can, too; you may have fewer growing days, but I assure you that the hibiscus is a born bloomer, giving you one of the best buys for your gardening dollar.

The tropical hibiscus is known botanically as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and originated in China. It is kin to our well-known swamp hibiscus or mallow. Today there are hundreds of varieties available in most colors you could want other than blue. There are even those that change colors throughout the day, two of my favorites being Rum Runner and Voodoo Queen. Some hibiscus flowers even have double blossoms. The flowers generally stay open only for a day but are produced for months during our long growing season.

Once you start giving them partners, however, their beauty will become even more stunning. In the landscape nothing can create the island look more quickly that partnering with coarse texture foliage like bananas and elephant ears. By all means do that, but go even smaller or micro in your target of partnerships. Consider using coleus of all colors.

Plant your hibiscus in well-drained, well-prepared beds because they absolutely cannot take wet feet, but use a good layer of mulch to keep the soil evenly moist through the season and of, course, to make weed control easier.

Choose a site with plenty of sunlight. Morning sun and filtered afternoon Hibiscus blooms on new growth so it is important to keep it growing vigorously throughout the season. Keep them well fed and watered during droughty periods.