very nice. Did you grow them from seeds? I have 10 that I started from seed about two weeks ago and they are looking great. I try to always keep the soil moist. Can these young plants get too much water?

Any tips appreciated.

Thank you,
Ian

Yes, this was grown from seed. It is at least 5 feet tall right now (2 years old). I have the white one also and when I give it too much water the lower leaves will turn yellow, so I guess they can get too much water. Just so the soil is "moist" they will do fine.

I bought a Star Hibiscus last year and planted it in my butterfly garden. I had beautiful red blooms all summer. This year when it started reappearing I was so excited. When it started to get so tall I staked it, but all it is doing is growing straight up and about 5' tall. How so I get it to spread out some or what do I do.

I am new to these also, someone sent me some seeds. I looked up some information and found this:
Once it gets about two feet tall, cut it back to about a foot tall to keep it more compact. If you want it to be long and tall, do not cut it back.

Read more: How to Grow Texas Star Swamp Hibiscus : eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5334970_grow-texas-star-swamp-hibiscus.html#ixzz0qbMWNqLM

They enjoy moist soil but not standing water as the roots can rot. I am also new in growing Texas Star Hibiscus, but enjoying the blooms. I have two different varieties as one has narrow leaves with they tapered blooms as "kmonceaux" posted and the other has a little broader leaves and a smaller rounded flower pedal but both are red. My white one died so I never got any seeds off as no blooms. It looks like there is starting to be a greater love for this plant despite the legginess of the plant. I am looking forward to having enough to cover my front wall of my flower bed.