This is getting silly. I had this whole thing almost done and then my tablet hiccuped and it was gone.
What I saying ... (take 3)... This could be a really fun experiment even if you decide your hibiscus is Hibiscus syriacus 'Purpureus Variegatus'.
It is the old question. What came first? The chicken or the egg?
Cuttings are clones; they are genetically identical to the parent plant. BUT.. remember CC (CopyCat)? She was a cloned kitten, all of her DNA coming from one parent, a calico cat. But CC was a brown tabby. Part of the problem with a calico cat donating CC's DNA is that calicos are sports themselves.
If your plant is truly a hybrid, it would not matter where on the plant you took the cuttings; they would be variegated. But like CC, there could be some differences. If its a sport and still exhibiting some original plant DNA, some of your cuttings will grow green.
Seeds on the other hand are drawing DNA from all their ancestors on both sides of the family. Its why I have blue eyes in a brown-eyed family. Plant genetics and animal genetics work exactly the same. No telling what you will get from seed.
So have I answered the question? I think its seeds (or the eggs). Its the only way to truly get genetic diversity.
Hibiscus cuttings can be taken in the spring or summer. Put them in a jar of water with a drop or 2 of Hydrogen Peroxide. Everytime you change the water, add more H2O2.
Daisy
