Looks like Hibiscus 'Fireball'. I've seen it available now and again at area nurseries.....or one can do mail order :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: Hibiscus 'Fireball'

That's it! The nursery calls it a true showstopper and it's true. My pic doesn't do it justice -- it is loaded with flowers and they are at least a foot across. I didn't know that hibiscus would overwinter here. Thanks Gardengal.

You're welcome, Dotty :-) There's quite a few hardy hibiscus, several species of which are native to various parts of this country, and a good number of hybrids like 'Fireball', most which behave like herbaceous perennials here. And then there's Rose of Sharon, Hibiscus syriacus, which is a very hardy (zone 5) shrub form. But not native :-)

Dotty, WOW, what a beauty. Let me know if you find anyone up our way carrying it. I might have to shovel prune something to fit it in but you know what they say, when there's a will, there's a way :o).

Annette

Gardengal, can I propagate Fireball? The owner said that they "hacked it back" to fit their border...I could sneak in at night and steal a cutting. Or ask them, that might be easier.

Divided foliage indicates H. coccineus involvement. If you find something about vegetative propagation of that species, same methods might work for this.

Since it is patented, that is technically a no-no :-) I didn't say this but it should strike from softwood cuttings. And ask first....no need to compound the crime!

Oh, that is stunning! Looks like it has interesting foliage too.

Yes, it has dark foliage which set the flowers off beautifully. Funny, I spoke to a friend yesterday who lives near this flower, and she had the same reaction as me -- almost drove off the road looking at the flower! It's a stunner.