Delicate wonder

Hibiscus, the China rose, the tree hollyhock; call it what you will, this member of the mallow family is one of the wonders of the horticultural world. But it needs full sun, plenty of shelter from cold winds, and a free-draining, fertile soil.

Given the perfect conditions, it will stage a sumptuous show – months of huge, saucer-shaped blooms of various colours and rich green foliage.

There is, of course, an indoors version of the China rose, which, thanks to the popularity of the conservatory, is now not uncommon this far north of the equator.

Unlike its bigger cousins, it normally flowers for just a few days of the year, but given plenty of pampering and tender, loving care, it can bloom for weeks and remain happy and healthy for many years.

The lovely trumpet-like blooms come in a wide variety of colours, and although they don’t last long, they are abundant.

Keep the air around the plant’s leaves moist, ensure it gets plenty of light and warmth, and repot it every year, and it should thrive in an English summer.

The biggest threat to its survival is watering – both over-watering and under-watering. But get that right, and feed the plant (nothing in winter but regularly when there is active growth and when it’s in flower) and all should be well.

Eventually, a happy hibiscus can reach a height of six feet.