'Queen of the Tropics' reigns at hibiscus show

There is something fitting about a preeminent ophthalmology group in South Lee County sponsoring the 55th annual Hibiscus Show. With a flower of such beauty it is called the "Queen of the Tropics," 20/20 vision is the least you would hope for.

Special to the Banner

Members of the AHS will be on hand at Sunday's 55th annual Hibiscus Show to offer growing tips and provide general information. A senior AHS judge will be available to answer questions concerning how blooms are judged.

David C. Brown, founder and director of Eye Centers of Florida, supports many non-profit organizations and events throughout Lee County, including the United Way and the Turtle Time event on Sanibel. In supporting causes that aide local organizations and area residents, Brown makes an effort to give back to the community that has been home to his practice for more than 30 years, said Renee Gipson, spokesperson for the Eye Centers.

The James E. Hendry Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society will be displaying their top blooms and offering plants for sale tomorrow at the annual event.

"This is the only opportunity Southwest Floridians have locally to add to their hybrid hibiscus collection," said Karla Holmes, chapter president. The Fort Myers show, known as both the oldest and the largest show of its kind in Florida, is expected to draw a crowd of nearly 1,000 people this year, according to Holmes.

Blooming in a vast array of forms and a rainbow of colors, the hybrid blossoms, many developed and hybridized by chapter members, the hibiscus flowers to be displayed, and sold, at the show have been judged by American Hibiscus Society judges.

"They are looking for perfection," said Holmes. "The blooms have to be perfectly symmetrical and without any jagged edges, tears or rips."

Growers vie for the coveted gold ribbon in their category. Hybridization is the process of choosing the parent forms of the plant and grating them to produce a unique and new form of the flower. Former chapter president Bob Collins even named one of his hybrid creations after Brown in acknowledgment of the support Brown has offered to the organization.

Special to the Banner

Hibiscus blooms are a common sight throughout South Lee County. Favoring the local climate, most varieties of the plant, which take the form of small plants to large bushes and even trees, bloom frequently all year long. Blooming hibiscus trees are even seen decorated with Christmas lights during the holiday season.

Formed in 1950 in Palm Beach County, the American Hibiscus Society now claims more than 3,000 members. Present at the very first hibiscus show in 1950, James C. Hendry became involved in the propagation and popularity of the flower in Southwest Florida. In 1952 the first branch of the AHS, the James C. Hendry branch, was formed in Fort Myers and has grown to more than 50 members.

Holmes became involved with the organization in the early 1970s when she joined a new resident club in Cape Coral.

"We joined a garden club back when there were all those clubs to join," Holmes said. "We ended up at Terry Schneider's house and he had hibiscus plants growing all over and that's where I got hooked."

Living in the northeast, Holmes had planted a number of hibiscus varieties before, but the cold weather was hard on the plants, and bringing them indoors each winter was not always successful, she said.

"They definitely need to be taken care of, even down here," she said, "but it's a lot easier in this climate that they like. Biggest problem is the bugs. They are so pretty even the bugs like them."

Holmes now has some varieties in the ground outside, some in pots throughout her house and five hibiscus trees in various colors in her yard.

Special to the Banner

Originating in Asia and the Pacific islands, the tropical hibiscus belongs to the rosa-sinensis family, which grows abundantly in Florida's tropical climate. Many local hibiscus growers are recognized internationally for their beautiful blooms and hybridizing techniques.

"One of my favorites is the Miss Vermont," she said after pondering the choices, "but it's hard to choose. They are all unique."

Holmes is not a hybridizer herself, preferring to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms instead of labor over the invention of a new variety.

"It's a lot of work and that's just not my thing," she said of the hybridization process. "I just see one and say 'oh, I have to have that one' and buy it. I don't make them, I just enjoy them."

While the chapter is still going strong, Holmes said they would welcome new members, especially younger members to carry on the enjoyment and propagation of the hibiscus in South Lee County.

The 55th annual Hibiscus Show will be held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 4, at the Araba Shriner Temple, 2010 Hanson Street in Fort Myers. There is no cost and reservations are not required. As well as having a wide selection of hibiscus varieties for sale, a plant will be raffled off every 30 minutes throughout the show.