Some Flowers from the Garden:
Many people are aware that Sanibel Moorings Resort sits on top of 6 acres of Certified Botanical Gardens. Our gardens span from the canal to the beachfront of the Gulf. Our guided garden tours have been a hit and people keep coming back to ask more questions. This is why we wanted to share some more information on our Hibiscus Garden. Located between buildings 2 and 3 you will find some of the most spectacular Hibiscus Hybrids around! Our Hibiscus garden was curated by a man named Dr. Hyman Lans, a master gardener with a special appreciation for the beautiful Hibiscus plant.
Totaling approximately 60 named species, the Hibiscus garden continues to grow. Each unique plant comes with its own unique color and beauty. In total, there are over 100 Hibiscus plants on the property.
There are over 200 species of hibiscus that can be found in warm tropical regions all over the world. Depending on the species, they can grow in the form of a bush or a small tree and reach heights of up to 15 feet high. The main pollinators of the Hibiscus are bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. You will find plenty of Honey Bees and Butterflies in our gardens.
Hibiscus flowers are very versatile and used for many different purposes around the world. Here are some interesting facts;
- Hibiscus is known as “shoe flower” in China because people use it to polish their shoes.
- The brightly colored flowers are a rich source of natural dyes that are used in the food industry.
- Hibiscus flowers have a citrus-like taste and are used in the preparation of soups, salads, curries, jellies and jams. Dried flowers are used to make hibiscus tea.
- A paste of crushed hibiscus leaves and flowers can be used as home-made shampoo.
- The Hibiscus brackenridgei is the official state flower of Hawaii
Be sure to stop by for one of our guided garden tours every Wednesday at 9am. Call 239-472-4119 to reserve your spot, reservations are required. The cost is $5 per person. Please note that times and dates for the tour are subject to change, so please call before planning your visit.