The intense heat is beating down so I escaped to the garden centre to have the impression of cool temperatures whilst amongst the flowers, plants and shrubs. In fact, it was possibly even hotter there but all the greenery and blooms made it far more bearable!
The hibiscus flowers caught my attention with their delicate petals and pale colours that appear so refreshing and light in the blazing heat and bright light. These were not the 'dinnerplate', Tropical hibiscus (
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and were therefore smaller in diameter and did not have the same long central staminal tube protruding from the pit of the petals in that distinctive, eye-catching fashion. I once saw a hummingbird feeding from one of these a number of years ago in South America - it was entrancing!
Incidentally,
Sinensis means 'Chinese' as this type of hibiscus was considered to have originated there, with extensive cultivation of the flower. European explorers and traders brought specimens back with them in the 17th century, ultimately leading to hibiscus becoming a horticultural staple as so many other flowering plants, shrubs and trees that we hold to be quintessentially English. The one hibiscus that I would love to see one day is the 'Japanese Lantern' (
Hibiscus schizopetalus) as it is like no other....
The hibiscus
H. Syriacus Althea, also known as the 'Rose of Sharon' has an exotic aspect yet perhaps less extreme than some of the other hybrids. Some varieties have double petals and ruffles, referred to as 'chiffon' - how perfect! And the darker hearts of the flowers seem to seep out, and to burst out into another colour arrangement, like ink running freely.
Or then fade back again, to become soft white...
Rather like tissue paper... Pure, cool and calming, especially when it is 36 degrees outside.
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