      Founded in 1952 as a non-profit organizaton and named after James E. Hendry Jr., one of the founding members, we are the oldest Chapter of the American Hibiscus Society. Located in beautiful Fort Myers, Florida, our mission is to encourage and promote the development and improvement of hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the "Queen of the Tropics", throughout Southwest Florida.

Growing tropical hibiscus in this area offers those living here a rewarding and fascinating hobby. Hibiscus, like most plants, can be grown successfully if their cultural requirements are met. The climate here meets most of those requirements without having to resort to a greenhouse approach. Around the pool/lanai area is a good spot to grow hibiscus, either in pots or in the soil. The amateur hibiscus grower can be proud in the achievement of bringing his/her prized hibiscus selections to bloom. Some of these beautiful blooms from hybrid plants are as large as 11-12 inches in diameter!

      The James E. Hendry Chapter cordially invites you to become a member of the American Hibiscus Society through this local chapter. Come to our meetings where you will learn about the culture and care of hibiscus, pruning, fertilization, insecticides, plant propagation (grafting, hybridizing, air layering, cuttings), etc. Visitors are welcome at every meeting.
      Join the James E. Hendry Chapter for a mutual exchange of ideas of those who grow and love this queen of the tropical shrubs- Hibiscus.