Hibiscus is a simple plant to grow that will give your landscape an exotic appeal. This plan comes in a wide range of types. In this article, we will focus on only 2 primary varieties. One is perennial hibiscus, which grows like a shrub but goes down to the ground every winter. Another type is tropical hibiscus, which make wonderful plants for pool landscape or patios, but they must be taken indoors for the wintertime. Both varieties feature big, vibrant flowers, although tropical hibiscus typically blooms for a longer period of time than perennial ones. Let's learn how to grow hibiscus here.
Overview
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic, Neutral |
| Plant Type | Annual and perennial herbaceous plants |
| Mature Size | 3-10 ft. tall and 2-8 ft. wide |
| Flower Color | Various, including white, red, pink, yellow, orange |
| Common Name | Hibiscus |
| Botanical Name | Hibiscus spp. |
| Bloom Time | Summer, fall, and year-round in tropical climes |
Types of Hibiscus
- Tropical hibiscus: These are evergreen shrubs or small trees that grow in warm and humid climates. They have large, showy flowers that come in a range of colors, such as red, pink, yellow, orange and white. Some examples are Hibiscus rosa-sinensis [1], Hibiscus schizopetalus and Hibiscus tiliaceus.
- Hardy hibiscus: These are herbaceous perennials that can survive cold winters. They have smaller flowers than tropical hibiscus, but they are still very colorful and attractive. Some examples are Hibiscus moscheutos, Hibiscus syriacus and Hibiscus coccineus.
- Rose of Sharon: This is a type of hardy hibiscus that is native to Asia. It is also known as althea or Chinese hibiscus. It has woody stems and oval leaves, and produces single or double flowers in shades of white, pink, purple and blue. It is often grown as an ornamental plant [2] in gardens and landscapes.
- Roselle: This is a type of tropical hibiscus that is cultivated for its edible calyces, which are the fleshy structures that surround the flowers. The calyces are used to make jams, teas, sauces and other products. They have a sour and fruity flavor that is rich in vitamin C. The flowers of roselle are usually yellow with a red center.
- Hibiscus tea: This is a herbal infusion made from the dried calyces of various species of hibiscus, such as Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hibiscus acetosella and Hibiscus cannabinus. It has a tart and refreshing taste that can be sweetened with sugar or honey. It is popular in many parts of the world, such as Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
When to Plant Hibiscus
Where to Grow Hibiscus
How to Grow Hibiscus from Seeds
Step 2: Plant seeds in a tray or pot. Select potting soil or seed-starting material. In your potting soil, sow seeds approximately 1/4'' deep. Then, maintain them in a warm, sunny location that is between 75°F and 85°F. Your hibiscus seeds ought to sprout after 2-3 weeks.
Step 3: Adapt your plant Bring your hibiscus outdoors to adapt for a few hours each day once your hibiscus seedlings have developed a few leaves and the threat of frost has gone.
Step 4: Transplant and water Dig a hole that is big enough to fit the root of the hibiscus in your garden. Then placing the plant into the trench, cover it with soil. To prevent smothering the plant, don't cover the root ball with dirt. Water the planting area afterwards.
How to Propagate Hibiscus
How to Care for Hibiscus
Choosing the Right Location
Selecting the proper location is crucial for your hibiscus to flourish. These plants love sunlight, so it is ideal to place them in areas that receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If you live in a region with scorching summers, consider providing some afternoon shade to prevent sunburn on the leaves.Planting Hibiscus
When planting hibiscus, ensure you use well-draining soil. They do not like to be waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Incorporate organic matter into the soil before planting to enrich it with nutrients and promote healthy growth. For potted hibiscus, opt for a container with drainage holes to prevent overwatering. A larger pot allows the roots to spread and grow properly.Watering the Hibiscus
Proper watering is essential for hibiscus care. During the growing season, keep the soil consistently moist but not soaked. In hot weather, they may need more frequent watering. In winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant enters a dormant phase. To check if your hibiscus needs water, insert your finger into the soil about an inch deep. If it feels dry, it's time to water. Avoid watering the leaves to prevent fungal diseases.Fertilizing
Regular fertilization is necessary for healthy growth and abundant flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer with equal NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratios. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season but refrain from fertilizing during winter.Common Problems With Hibiscus
Pests
Hibiscus can be attacked by several pests, such as aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs [3], spider mites, and thrips. These pests can suck the sap from the leaves and stems, causing them to curl, yellow, or drop. They can also transmit diseases or produce honeydew that attracts ants and fungal growth. To control pests, you can use insecticidal soap, neem oil, or horticultural oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings.Diseases
Hibiscus can also be affected by fungal, bacterial, or viral diseases, such as leaf spot, anthracnose, root rot, wilt, or mosaic virus. These diseases can cause symptoms such as spots, lesions, wilting, stunting, or distorted growth. To prevent diseases, you should avoid overhead watering, prune out infected parts, and use disease-resistant varieties. You can also apply fungicides or bactericides if needed.Environmental stress
Hibiscus can also suffer from environmental stress factors, such as extreme temperatures, drought, overwatering, nutrient deficiency, or salt toxicity. These factors can cause hibiscus to drop buds, leaves, or flowers, or show signs of scorching, chlorosis, or necrosis. To avoid environmental stress, you should provide hibiscus with adequate water, mulch, fertilizer, and protection from frost or heat.FAQs
What kind of soil do hibiscus need?
Hibiscus like well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter. You can add compost, peat moss, or perlite to improve the soil quality.How much water do hibiscus need?
Hibiscus need regular watering, especially during hot and dry weather. They don't like to be soggy or dry, so check the soil moisture often and water when the top inch feels dry. You can also use a mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds.How much sun do hibiscus need?
Hibiscus love full sun, but they can tolerate some shade in the afternoon. They need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom well. Avoid placing them near windows or walls that reflect heat, as this can scorch the leaves.How do I prune hibiscus?
Hibiscus benefit from regular pruning to maintain their shape and encourage more blooms. You can prune them in late winter or early spring, before the new growth starts. Cut back about a third of the branches, removing any dead, diseased, or weak stems. You can also pinch off the tips of the new shoots to promote branching.The New York Garden works under restricted procurement guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies and studies conducted by academic organizations. Tertiary references should be avoided. For more information on how we ensure our material is correct and up to date, please visit our editorial policy.
- Rosa-sinensis - National Library of Medicine
- Ornamental plant - North Dakota State University
- Mealybugs - University of California
