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Growing on the High Plains

Growing on the High Plains: Hardy Hibiscus

By Skip Mancini

Published August 26, 2021 at 7:47 PM CDT

Today's episode will sweep you off to a tropical island, making you murmur, "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore."

I have a dinner plate-sized place in my heart for the hibiscus flower, which always serves as a reminder of a cherished tropical vacation. But these flashy exotics have since been adapted for cooler climates, so you can often find them -- and their cousins like the "swamp mallow -- around our region. My hybrid "hardy hibiscus" does well on the High Plains, despite presenting as pekid at times. Their bright, warm hues and soft, flapping petals offer a splash of color fit for the islands.

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Growing on the High Plains Growing on the High Plains

Skip Mancini

Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.

See stories by Skip Mancini

HPPR Features

Growing on the High Plains: The Case of the Mystery Melons

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Today’s Growing on the High Plains slices into a controversial veggie that’s beloved in the South while raising eyebrows (and upper lips) of those from the North.
HPPR Features

Growing On The High Plains: Much Ado And Adieu, Azalea

Skip Mancini

The High Plains region isn’t for everyone, especially azaleas, which adorn themselves in an array of reds and blues – when, that is, they're planted pretty much anywhere but here.On today’s Growing On The High Plains, I’ll talk about the trials and tribulations I've shared with azalea plants have faced together and about my final farewell to the finicky flower.
HPPR Features

Growing on the High Plains: Lovely Lavender

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Today on Growing on the High Plains, we're going to keep it clean with a walk throught he wafting felds of an aromatic herb most associated with washing.…
HPPR Environment

Growing On The High Plains: House Plants For Health Care

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We often choose to surround ourselves with living organisms because we can indeed feel their presence. After more than a year of lockdown, quarantine, and…