Hibiscus Madeline Champion is one of those old world hibiscus that is truly a champion in many aspects. It is robust shrub which can be trained into a small tree that produces flowers throughout the year.
It is peach with delicate red veins radiating out from a red locus at the base of the flower. An areola of pink blush is seen around the red core.
Hibiscus flowers are always very popular with the birds. A Yellow Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier) perched prettily among the flowers, giving me an opportunity for a vantage shot.
Another of its ilk chilled off on the cut off end of a stem.
However, it just perched on the stem without ever going near the flower for the prized nectar.
Unlike the bulbuls, sunbirds have a fixation with hibiscus flowers or rather its nectar.
Sometimes we can see sunbirds hovering briefly in front of the Hibiscus almost like the way hummingbirds do.
It clinged on the flower stalk of a hibiscus while partaking of the sweet nectar.
This is the female, without the metallic-blue throat.
It clinged on the flower stalk of a hibiscus while partaking of the sweet nectar.
Next to the Lipstick palm another Hibiscus Madeline Champion thrives happily,
It is quite characteristic of sunbirds to swing on the flower stalk, swaying on it for a while before they ...
dipped down to sip the nectar from the base of the flower.
Going through the backdoor instead of through the front of the flowers, they get the nectar without having to
contribute pollinating services. This is surely not a win-win situation for the Hibiscus. Here a male sunbird is seen siphoning off some 'free' nectar.
Early morning blooms.
Mid-day sunrays picked up the yellow and orange hues of a Hibiscus Madeline Champion rendering it a golden beauty against the azure sky.
In the late afternoon, this Hibiscus is still looking fresh enough to grace the driveway.
Wow!! Absolutely beautiful captures of both flower and birds.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It helps when both flora and fauna are beauties.
DeleteInteresting. I didn't realize that birds could get nectar this "backdoor" way. The hibiscus is stunning. I love all the extra markings. Truly a winner.
ReplyDeleteLooks like they have good cognitve capabilities too, though it is not clear to what level. This hibiscus is also commonly used as a hedge.
DeleteOh I thought they were just drinking the water that collected in the top! I have these in our garden - they are lovely flowers,and always seem to be in bloom.
ReplyDeleteFrom past posts, I remember seeing them in your garden. Actually I did not see what they were doing as they are quite tiny. I only realisee what they were up too when I viewed the photos in the pc.
DeleteWhat a beautiful collection of hibiscus flowers! You have many birds visiting your garden!
ReplyDeleteI feel the birds think that they own the place. There is a lot of twittering in the garden.
DeleteWhat a beautiful post. Both flowers and birds are wonderful to see. Overhere they this kind of hibiscus only grows in greenhouses. I did try to grow them inside but the air in the livingroom is to dry helas. Great to see them growing in your garden.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
Hi Marijke, hibiscus are typically tropical plants so I was truly surprised to find them growing in Canada and US when I visited last July. I planted them for the birds to enjoy.
Deletesimply beautifully captured shots... lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kalyan for the compliment.
DeleteIt looks so similar to my one which is called "Sylvia Goodman"
ReplyDeleteYes, at first glance, it look quite similar. Madeline has a more reddish tinge throughout. Its petal is peach or apricot with red veins while Sylvia Goodman is pale cream. The stigmas have different colours too.
DeleteWhat a fabulous looking Hibiscus! It's truly lovely.
ReplyDeleteAdmittedly it's not as gorgeous as some of these new hybrids which are very large(twice the size) but it makes up for it by being floriferous and relatively resistant to infestations.
DeleteBeautiful photos! I love hibiscus flowers. I have a pot of hibiscus which unfortunately, is not faring well at the moment.
ReplyDeleteTry re-potting it with organic-rich soil. They can be greedy feeders particularly when planted in containers.
DeleteThis hibiscus variety is lovely. I love hibiscus too. They attract many butterflies and birds to my garden.
ReplyDeleteHaving the wonderful attribute of attracting birds, bees and butterflies to the garden is what makes me plant hibiscus in the first place. The presence of these critters make the garden teem with life.
DeleteCan a flower actually be too beautiful? This one is a sure candidate. From the shape and ruffling of the petals to the explosion of colours and long blooming time - this one has it all! Your photos have captured it's beauty to perfection (#3 and #9 are my favourites!)
ReplyDeleteI like your description 'ruffling of the petals':) It sure is frilly and ruffled. Your kind remarks are appreciated.
DeleteYou really took a lot of patience to wait for these birds to appear in your garden.
ReplyDeleteI often see these sunbirds come and when they do - they make a lot noise but they are too quick for me to snap my camera.
I guess hibiscus don't get pollinated - even if they do - none turn into fruits.
Fortunately I don't have to wait for them. A brief stroll in the garden will get me a lot of shots as there are lots of birds. Almost every bush is patronised by these lovely winged critters :) Anyway it is easy to propagate Hibiscus by cuttings so it doesn't really matter if the birds shortchanged me.
DeleteThe centre reminds me of frangipani.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed looking at the birds enjoying the flowers.
I've always welcome birds and other animals to my garden as they enhance the garden ambiance.
DeleteHi Stiletto, I have not seen this pretty bird in my garden before. Great shots of the bird and the hibiscus flowers. I always cannot get a good shot of them. Yours are excellent. Kudos to snapping good shots and growing the prolific hibiscus plant :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks, though I can't help feeling that the photos can be sharper as my hands still shook when I handle long lens. I've noticed that trees and hibiscus will certainly act as natural magnet for them. The trees arae for shelter in between taking sips of the nectar.
DeleteFirst visit to your blog ! Blown away by the photos - they look even better against your black background!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words and for dropping by. Have a good weekend.
DeleteI don't have word to describe my feelings other than exciting......I am so envious of your collection of plants and birds....bulbul and sunbirds are foreign words to me. Beautiful shots!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm just catching up with you now:)
Likewise I'm throughly blown off with your immersion in the Salton sea. What a wonderful refuge for birds, particularly those with dwindling numbers such as the burrowing owl.
DeleteI'm also catching up with your wonderful blog too:)
Hi Stiletto !
ReplyDeleteThese are gorgeous photos of hibiscus in some lovely colors!
Thanks Sandra. I really love all the colourful spring flowers in your garden. Simply lovely.
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