We’re under a winter storm warning and experiencing a significant snow fall as we speak, which makes us glad that we took our annual Tahitian vacation yesterday. We went to the usual tropical place -- our upstairs landing – and saw the first and second Hibiscus blooms of the new decade exploding simultaneously in exotic colors there. It was sunny and the temperature outside was a balmy 37 degrees (F).
Yesterday was the first time that two Hibiscus blooms appeared at the same time on this productive plant. The blooms will remain for a day or so, then close and be replaced by others that are already in bud.
Historically, these attention-getting flowers were used by Tahitian women as romantic signals: If they wore a blossom behind their left ear, they were in a relationship; if one was behind their right ear, they were looking for a relationship. (Brooklin, Maine)