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The short answer is "No". That said, the Fleming Brothers have developed at least three cultivars that they have patented, or are patenting, that they assert to be hybrids of hardy hibiscus and exotic tropical hibiscus, of the rosa-sinensis complex. However, I have a "backyard hybridizer" friend who seriously questions their claims. That said, I DO have one of these plants, Pink Comet which at least hints at having rosa-sinensis genetic material in its heritage. I have also read that hybrids of rosa-sinensis, and Hibiscus syriacus( The Rose of Sharon)have been created. I have not found them on the market yet, however. DO give it a try! You just MIGHT get fortunate! Subtropical hibiscus, such as Hibiscus grandiflorus of Florida, will cross with certain hardy hibiscus, such as Hibiscus moscheutos. These can be truly spectacular. One such hybrid is Hibiscus 'Moy Grande'. This was developed by a Dr. Moy, of San Antonio if memory serves me right. It is worth obtaining. I can send you seed, if you tell me your name and address. You can contact me at :jrandjimr@comcast.net Sincerely, "Palmfan" (Jim Reilly)

Hi Gardeniarose, Welcome to the site. A lot of great help and knowledge can be found by the helpful members on this site - speaking as one who has been helped. Branching traits on seedling hibiscus are genetic and somewhat unpredictable. Experience shows self-branching seedlings usually have self-branching parents or grandparents, but then others from the same cross will not be good self-branchers .. and then again, the odd good brancher will show up amongst a group with 99% non-self-branching habits. So you see the somewhat unpredictable is the name of the game with modern day hybrids! Generally when you cross quality bushes with quality bushes, a good number of the resultant seedlings are self-branching. Is the branching trait the only desirable one? Branching without tip pinching or pruning is always ideal as it means less effort and time spent pruning to produce a more desirable shaped bush, more blooms due to more branches and in general, a more dense and attractive bush. Nearly the same result can be obtained from non-self-branching bushes with the right pruning at the right times. One fact that does create a seedling growing straight up without side branches is growing them side by side where the only light is up. Take a couple of these types and try growing them alone with lots of light and you may be surprised to see many side shoots soon appearing. Also, many seedlings are known to just grow straight up and you do not get to see true potentail or branching capacity until you grow cuttings on or graft. As for the leaves, 'traits on seedling hibiscus are genetic and somewhat unpredictable', including leaves. The same applies here with parentage, ie some parents hand down their similar leaves / grandparents leaves. Your seedlings probably come from parents with similar leaves. Lobed leaves are considered to be a primitive type of leaf and most often disappear to be replaced with more traditional types of leaf (round/heart), as the plant matures. However, some bushes do retain the lobed leaves and are quite appealing and often sought after for their uniqueness. Certain crosses produce lobed leafed seedlings, esp Cuban Variety, Tiny Tina and Little Red. Hopefully your self-branching ones will also have a nice lobed leaf and produce many beautiful blooms with appealing form. Good luck - it is an exciting time you are in for. Regards, Brian Kerr.

Thanks, Bonnie. A "little birdie" told me you're on your way to Ireland. Have a wonderful trip! I doubt Applause will make it into commerce in the US. The Japanese market was specifically selected because their aesthetic appreciates the manipulation of Nature to produce the expressed results. It doesn't matter that the rose isn't "blue". What matters is the technology and effort it represents and the cost of the gift. The recipient is honored by the generosity of the giver; the price paid (originally $35 per stem); and how Nature has been manipulated to express Man's desires. This is a culture which prizes priceless, ancient, highly labor intensive bonsai specimen. When bees were scarce, young people were paid well to hand pollinate prized fruit. Melons and stone fruit, manipulated into cubes and other geometric shapes by being grown in clear Lucite boxes, command high prices and are given as gifts to honor esteemed recipients. Here, and in many Western markets, most will either find it a curiosity or disregard it as "not blue". I seriously doubt it would ever command the kind of prices here its patent holder deems sufficient to let it go.