Hi Peg,

debbiep recently sent me some seeds for Hibiscus sabdariffa, and they are currently on their way to me. Perhaps she still has a few seeds left to trade. Maybe drop her an email and see?

In my experience, Roselle hibiscus really does need Zone 8/9 unless you want to baby it. Hibiscus acetosella (false roselle) is a bit less cold sensitive, but not much less!

If you put it right up next to a (well-heated) house along the south wall, and cover it with a cheap polyester blanket whenever frost threatens, it might survive. That is how I kept a few "Zone8" plants such as Angelonia gardnerii, non-hardy hibiscuses, and cannas alive when I used to live in Zone 7B. :)

Or, you could keep it in a 5 gallon pot so you can bring it into a protected area like a garage in winter. That's what I used to do with my "Zone 9" plants when I was in Zone 7B.

I happen to have some Hibiscus acetosella 'False Roselle' seeds for trade, if you'd like them. :)

In my local markets, dried H.acetosella flowers are sold interchangeably with dried Roselle flowers. I use them interchangeably in my herbal tea. These 2 plants are said to have similar culinary and medicinal uses by my holistic health practitioner.

Hibiscus acetosella 'Red Shield' is an attractive indoor plant, so it will look pretty while it's inside for the winter. :)

Other GW members who have Roselle listed for trade include:
Aserachi

Geraniumlover

Pinkangel420

Hope that helps! :)

Here is a link that might be useful: hibiscus roselle search results

I saw these listed at http://onaleeseeds.bizhosting.com/hibiscus_seeds.html

I have two plants that I am growing from seed. I don't have any extras but I can look to see who I got them from. I am hoping they will bloom this summer but I don't know that much about them. I am diabetic, too, so have a similar interest. I am also in 7b and plan to bring these inside for the winter, assuming they do well. If mine are covered in flowers, I will certainly save some seeds.

Becky

I live in N. Cal.. Purchased seeds from Baker Creek. Planted indoors Feb.15. Then greenhouse, then outside in 25 gal. pots. 5 plants are 4ft have been blooming 2 weeks, harvesting calyxes last two days. Enjoying a cooler now. Will have some seeds later if u need. Give Baker Creek a shot. He got them from Thialand. I had great luck with Dr. Earth Hibiscus Fert. All organic. Plan to bring plants in to greenhose for winter. Otherwise start all over

I too am seeking H.sabdariffa. I can exchange with some exotic(ish) herbs.
I need help!