Surveys both kinds of hibiscus: the tropical, subtropical and warm-temperate plants, as well as the hardy perennials and shrubs which thrive in spite of snow, ice, drought, flood or poor soil. The book chronicles the history and traditions of their use in addition to those such as hollyhocks, okra and cotton. A photographic gallery of hibiscuses illustrates the richness of the many species and cultivars from which the gardener may choose.
Barbara Perry Lawton has served as editor and manager of publications for the Missouri Botanical Garden, president of the Garden Writers Association of America, and weekly garden columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.