Does someone have seeds or seedlings for Roselle Hibiscus sabdariffa L.?? I'm looking for these to grow for my husband who is diabetic. I'm in zone 7b...will it survive my winters? Dave's says 8a. Peggy

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

looking for Hibiscus sabdariffa - Flor de Jamaica, Roselle check out my trade list

The hibiscus you are looking for is H. acetosella (?). You can find it dried in most Latino markets or food section at the grocery store. They also call it "jamaica". There is always seeds at the bottom of the package of dried flowers. Bonus!