Hibiscus

Hibiscus moscheutos

Scorpio 

Adaptations, Living Colorfully

Hibiscus is a shrub known for its large showy flowers and for medicinal tea made from the flowers and leaves.  Hibiscus flower blooms in white, yellow, pink, purple, peach and orange. Some versions change colors as the flowers age. In warm climates, tropical hibiscus can grow up to 20 feet; flowers are 3 to 6 inches across, with some up to 12 inches across. Flowers bloom almost continuously in tropical climates.

Hibiscus enjoys sun and well-drained soil. Tropical hibiscus, also called China Hibiscus and is the  National Flower of Malaysia, does not tolerate freezing temperatures.  Hardy perennial hibiscus, also called Rose Mallow or Swamp Rose, and hardy hibiscus shrub (Rose of Sharon) will tolerate cold weather. Hibiscus attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.

Hibiscus originated in tropical regions in Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is the state flower of Hawaii.  

As a tea, it has been used in many cultures for blood pressure. It has also been used to lower body temperature and to treat digestive issues and infections. Hibiscus has also been examined for its antioxidant properties.

Hibiscus teaches us adaptations - it came through many adaptations to survive in cooler climate and in areas far from its tropical origin in south Asia.We too can adapt to our surroundings, survive in any conditions, and still be colorful and bloom.

Hibiscus bloom nearly all year long, with tropical hibiscus flowering slowing down in very hot weather. For those who like to continuously move forward, a period of slow growth, whether personally, in relationships or in business, can be seen as a period of conserving energy and regenerating all of the elements needed for the next prolonged forward march.

Hibiscus shows us that it's fine to be big, to be splashy and colorful. Go ahead and be the life of the party, crate paintings with bold strokes, wear the bright colored clothes and give yourself full permission to live life boldly.