Confederate rose thrives in our Cape Fear region's sandy soil

Dear Roger: Could you please send me information on the Confederate rose? What kind of soil do you plant it in? Can you root it? — Kirstie

Dear Kirstie: These very showy, tall plants prefer rich soil and good drainage. Our Cape Fear region sand, with the addition of a little compost and fertilizer, is perfect.

Water is needed every four days or so in very sandy soil. Full sun is best, but the plants will produce some blooms even under the shade of tall pines.

Watch out for voles. They are small mice with short tails. They eat plant roots, including daylilies, hostas, cannas and all members of the hibiscus genus.

This particular hibiscus is named  Hibiscus mutabilis, which means changeable hibiscus. Perhaps the name comes from the fact that the flowers in some forms lighten to nearly white, or show ever deeper rose tints, as they age.

The stems root easily in a glass of water in a sunny windowsill. But take cuttings before frost. After the stems freeze, they’re dead. Plants die to the ground each winter.

Dear Roger: Could you tell me where to buy harlequin glory bower in Lee County or Moore County? Can they be planted this time of year? — Emily J.

Dear Emily: The plant I have was a gift from a reader. In a column about 30 years ago, I praised the plant and complained that I did not have one.

I have been watching for sources since I received your email. I finally found one on the internet, but could find none in Lee or Moore counties.

One online source is BotanicalSpirit, which sells as 6- to 12-inch tall plant for $18. BotanicalSpirit is a Canadian company but ships the plants from Georgia. You may pay in U.S. dollars with a U.S. credit card.

The website is botanicalspirit.com/clerodendrum-trichotomum-plant and the price is $18.

I mention this site because I liked its description of the plant:

"The fragrant C. trichotomum is in the Verbenaceae family and originates in Japan and China.

“It is a fast-growing, deciduous small tree to 20 feet tall and nearly as wide. It spreads from runners so can form a rather large patch in no time at all.

“The tree bears a thick coat of large, rough textured, heart-shaped leaves.

“At the branch tips are borne the most amazing clusters of flowers. The flowers undergo a color change as they mature and range from white, to pink, to reddish.

“These gorgeous flowers emit the most heavenly fragrance, reminiscent of jasmine. They attract butterflies and moths in droves.

“The flowers are followed by equally attractive ultra-blue berries, which are set upon the red calyxes. The berries persist into winter unless eaten by birds. This tropical-looking plant is is one fantastically beautiful species in every regard, and it is a mystery why it isn't more widely cultivated.”

Send your questions and comments to Roger at orders@mercergarden.com or call  424-4756. You may write to Roger at 6215 Maude St., Fayetteville, N.C. 28306