Australian Native Hibiscus – In Bloom Now!

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Spring has truly sprung throughout Australia. The warmer temperatures mean that the Australian Native Hibiscus Range™ are in bloom now! These prolific flowering, native evergreen shrubs are very drought hardy and tolerate mild frost once established making them a great addition to any garden or landscape. A further bonus is that they can be grown in all Australian states and territories.

The Australian Native Hibiscus Range™ was developed by InnoV8 Botanics® Plant Breeder, Dr Dion Harrison, in collaboration with Aussie Colours®. Breeding is based on the endemic Australian  species, Hibiscus heterohpyllus, Hibiscus divaricatus and Hibiscus splendens. Currently, there are eight varieties available:  Aussie Pink, Aussie Pearl, Aussie Delight, Citrus Mist, Aussie ApricotTM , Aussie Lemon, Aussie ChoiceTM, Aussie PurpleTM. 

Aussie Delight andCitrus Mist  have edible petals which can be used to make jam, syrup and cordial. You can collect unopened flowers buds over successive mornings and store them in the fridge until you have 10 to 12 blooms.

ALL RECIPES

(kindly provided by my dear friend, Colleen Keena)

Microwave cooking times are based on 600 watt on high. Adjust times as needed. Petals only from 10 large or 12 smaller hibiscus flowers.

1/4 cup of lemon juice

Detach petals from calyx & discard calyx. Chop petals finely & place in a very deep pyrex bowl.

Cover petals with lemon juice.

NATIVE HIBISCUS PRESERVE/JAM

As above plus:

1/2 cup of boiling water; 2 cups of sugar.

Microwave petals & lemon juice on high for 4 minutes. Add boiling water & sugar & stir well. Cook 2 minutes then stir. Cook another 2 minutes, stir & then cook 2 minutes more & stir. Let cool for one hour. When cool, cook for 2 minutes then stir. Test whether preserve gels by placing a small amount on a cold plate. If needed, continue cooking but no more than 2 minutes at a time. Pour into a sterilised jar. This recipe produces a rich red spread with the consistency of honey. It has a distinctive flavour & is delicious on toast or scones. Can be used as a glaze or diluted with white vinegar for sauces or marinades.

 

NATIVE HIBISCUS CORDIAL

As above plus:

1/2 cup of boiling water; 1/2 cup of sugar.
Microwave petals & lemon juice on high for 2 minutes. Dissolve sugar in boiling water.
Add petals & lemon juice. Place in a 2 litre bottle & fill with cold water. Stir before drinking.


For further details on the Australian Native Hibiscus Range™, visit www.aussiecolours.com.au.

Australian Native Hibiscus

Aussie Colours Australian Native Hibiscus Range