Chimera plants are those where cells of more than one genetic makeup are found growing adjacent to each other in one plant. This is well exemplified in plants by variegation. Many plants have variegation and it is very well preferred in the ornamental industry. Even fruit trees and herbs produce chimera. This big bush below is our neighbor's. It is only one plant and constant pruning produced a more compact roundish canopy. Variegated stems are very prominent here because they are allowed to grow longer, without pruning excessively and allowing each branch to droop as it gets heavy with leaves.
There are stems that are fully green or normal. Lesser stems produce less chlorophyls, but plants like this are more beautiful as stand alone landscape plant.
Leaves vary in their chlorophyll concentration. The one above has more or less equal prominence of green and whites. Chimeric leaves often start with less chlorophyll when young, but develops more at maturation.
Even the stem color of chimeric plants vary. The above stem of a predominantly white leaves stem is red, while those from normal green stems are maroon with greenish tinge. However, this red flowered variety produce the same red-colored flowers, no matter whether the branch is variegated or normal.
The more challenging is when getting stems for propagation. When you get the branch having fully green leaves, it might be difficult to get variegation through time. So if it is variegation you are after, cut the stems with very evident variegation. This will ensure a constant production of chimera in the new plant.
Hello there :-) I wish this plant grew better here in Tucson. And it does alright for a little bit and then it always seems to die for me. I love all the variety you have at your place. So much color and form with this plant. Hope you're well :-)
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, i am much better, just a little cough producing allergy. I guess hibiscus doesn't like cold temps, just like me, hehe! Or probably you neglect it for many days while you're out birding!
DeleteI do agree that planting from cuttings can turn up surprises. I've tried many times to get the branch with the 'roseflakes' rather than the 'snowflakes' leaves but have not been successful. Btw your neighbour's shrub is lush.
ReplyDeleteI love the variegation in the middle photo - just stunning!
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful plant. Where I live it's hard to grow anything, we have a strange climate because of our elevation.
ReplyDeleteI've got a few of these wonderful 'Snowflake' Hibiscus growing here. They're amazingly hardy and a very popular shrub in my area of the world because they're so drought tolerant.
ReplyDeletei've always wondered why some plants have white leaves. thanks for this post.:p
ReplyDeleteGorgeous! I love the different coloured leaves.
ReplyDeleteThose big red flowers are so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! I love hibiscus flowers!!
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful variety of hibiscus.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting and beautiful bush.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful hibiscus especially with the variegated leaves.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful!!! I love this hibiscus and those variegated leaves. It is so large also. I wish this on would grow here but to cold I am afraid. Have a wonderful week.
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