Hibiscus flowers are easily recognized by their trumpet shape and elegant petals. The large flowers can reach a width of 30 cm and attract butterflies and hummingbirds to a garden. There are about 200 species of hibiscus, which vary in size, color and cold resistance. The flowers can be white, red, pink, yellow, blue, purple or bi-colored. Hibiscus can be grown as a solitary shrub, or to create a hedge that can beautify and make a bare wall interesting, cover an unsightly fence, or to create a tropical atmosphere in a swimming pool.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing to Plant
Step 1. Choose which type to plant
Hibiscus comes in a wide variety of colors and characteristics, but more important than its appearance is to find a plant that is able to thrive in the local environment. There are two main types of hibiscus bushes: Tropical and Hardy. Tropical hibiscus will grow year-round in areas with warm climates and temperatures above 10 ° C. Hardy hibiscus is a hybrid that was developed to grow in cold areas where temperatures can drop below freezing in winter.
- Tropical hibiscus has more abundant blooms, but the flowers die off after 1-2 days. They are typically pink, peach and purple in color.
- Hardy hibiscus keeps blooms longer than tropical hibiscus, but it doesn't get as many and is more 'bushy'. The flowers are usually red, white and pink.
Step 2. Decide how you want to grow it
As with most large-flowering plants, there are usually three ways you can grow your hibiscus: from seed, from a transplant, or from a cutting. Growing hibiscus from seed can be fun, because a new cultivar can be created by crossing two existing hibiscus varieties. On the other hand, starting from the seed takes more work, and is not always successful. If you are looking for ease and immediate results, you should find a pre-existing potted hibiscus to transplant into your garden.
- Starting with cuttings is the least likely solution, because it requires very specific conditions to work. If you are new to gardening or hibiscus growing, avoid using this method.
- You won't have many varieties to choose from when you decide to grow a pre-existing plant in a pot; in fact, nurseries generally treat only a few varieties of hibiscus or transplant plants.
Step 3. Learn when to plant
As a heat-loving plant, hibiscus should not be planted until the winter season is abundantly over. Wait until outside temperatures are consistently between 15, 5 and 21 ° C before deciding to plant. If the temperature drops to 12.5 ° C, the plant will stop growing. If it drops to 7.5 ° C or lower, the plant will die. This is less true of hardy varieties of hibiscus, but it still remains an important consideration regarding the need for heat for these plants.
Call local agricultural assistance centers for specific advice on when to plant in your area
Step 4. Choose the perfect location
Hibiscus plants love the sun, but they can't be directly exposed to it for too long without getting burned. Choose a spot in your yard that gets 4-6 hours of direct sunlight each day and indirect sunlight the rest of the time. Typically this condition is present on the south-facing or west-facing side of your garden. Hibiscus can receive shade from large trees if needed, but it will need space to spread, as it is likely to take up double or triple the space of its original size in the end.
- Some hibiscus plants can reach over 40 years of age, which means you may have to manage a very large bush. Make sure you find a permanent location to start your hibiscus.
- Try to find a location that has good drainage; standing water could get your hibiscus drenched. However, avoid a location where the soil is mostly sandy.
- Be sure to test drainage and soil permeability before planting. Dig a hole and pour in about 4 liters of water: if the water does not disappear within an hour, fine the soil to balance the extra amount of clay present. If the water drains too quickly when you pour it, consider adding some clay.
Step 5. Amend the soil
Hibiscus wants soil with special requirements, and it is worth spending some time amending the soil before planting. Test the pH of the soil in your garden; hibiscus prefers an acidic soil, so you shouldn't exceed the value of 6.5 on the pH scale. In addition, it will be necessary to supplement the soil with many nutrients and fertilizers. Mix a garden compost for several weeks (or months, if you have the time) before planting. We also recommend adding a fertilizer to the soil mix, which is high in potassium and low in phosphorus.
- If your soil pH is too basic, add peat moss to balance it.
- Common low phosphorus and high potassium fertilizers include a 10/4/12 blend, or a 9/3/13 blend.
Part 2 of 2: Planting the Hibiscus
Step 1. Dig some holes
Use a garden shovel or transplanter to prepare planting holes. Each hole (for a single plant or hibiscus seed) should be as deep as the roots and at least twice, if not three times, their size. Loose earth around the plant allows for better drainage, and should not be pressed. Plant each hibiscus plant at least 60 to 90 cm apart.
In cold climates, plant the bulbs deeper than you normally would. In hot, humid climates, plant the bulbs closest to the surface
Step 2. Plant your hibiscus
Gently place each hibiscus plant in its own hole, being careful not to damage the root ball. Fill the hole with earth, trying not to go higher than the base of the stem. Covering the stems with soil could kill the plant later. Give your hibiscus abundant watering immediately after planting to help reduce the risk of transplant shock.
Step 3. Water regularly
Try to keep hibiscus plants moist, but not soaked. Make sure the hibiscus soil is constantly moist, as if it dries out it can cause wilting and heat stroke in the plants. In winter, when the plant is dormant, water only when the soil becomes very dry.
Make sure you wait a week or two before fertilizing your plants
Step 4. Manage any pests
It can be helpful to add a layer of mulch to your hibiscus garden, as this will help block weeds and retain moisture. Pull out any weeds in sight, so your hibiscus doesn't have to compete for space and nutrients. Tropical hibiscus tends to have pest problems occasionally, more so than hardy varieties. If you notice bad spots or leaves, try using a biological insecticide to fight off any diseases or insects that may harm the hibiscus.
Step 5. Prune the plants
While pruning seems controversial, it actually helps promote new growth and makes it easier for more abundant blooms to appear. There are several methods of pruning, but all are based on cutting the branches just above a knot (leaf joint) at an angle away from the center of the bush. This will send a signal to the plant prompting it to form more branches in this position, outward and away from the center of the bush.
- If any part of your hibiscus dies, you should do a corrective pruning and trim the dead part. This will remove the unsightly part of the plant, and may even cause it to grow back from scratch.
- Never cut more than ⅔ of a single branch at a time, as this can harm the hibiscus more than help it.
Step 6. Enjoy the beautiful flowers
Hibiscus will produce flowers for many months, although each individual bloom will likely only last a few days. You can leave the flowers on the bush, or cut them and use them for herbal teas (karkadè) or in the kitchen.
Advice
- The most suitable hardiness zones for hibiscus can be found using the USA National Arboretum sitemap at
- Prune hibiscus plants in spring to encourage blooms and new growth. Remove dead or diseased parts as needed.
