How to Grow Hibiscus

 

Hibiscus flower

The genus Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) includes more than 200 species of perennials, annuals and shrubs. When you think of hibiscus, you might think of the exotic, tropical plants that are not hardy.   True, many are only hardy in zones 8 through 11.  However, there are many other easy-to-grow types hardy in zones 5 through 9.

Related to okra, hollyhocks and cotton, the hibiscus family includes the Confederate rose (Hibiscus mutabilis).  This flower is a favorite in the South growing 8 to 10 feet tall with large, multi-petaled blooms.  Interesting that it’s available in white, pink and red and is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9.

Rose of Sharon

grows in zones 5 through 9, making it a suitable choice for most gardens in the U.S. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) is a vase-shaped shrub that grows 6 to 10 feet tall. It produces large, papery blooms in a variety of colors. Look for blooms from mid-to-late summer, when most other flowering shrubs have lost their blooms.

Common rose mallow 

 (Hibiscus moscheutos) grows in USDA zones 5 through 10 and is often found near swamps and marshy areas. It grows 8 feet tall and has large blooms in white, pink or red.

Chinese hibiscus

is hardy only in USDA zones 9 through 11. This shrub (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) has large, exotic flowers that come in a variety of shades. These  include hot pink, yellow, orange, purple, white and red. Chinese hibiscus is often grown as an annual plant in the North or brought indoors during the winter and treated as a houseplant.

Red-leaf hibiscus

Another tropical plant treated as an annual in the U.S. is red-leaf hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella). This plant has gorgeous reddish foliage that resemble maple leaves.

PLANTING

Most hibiscus plants are grown from potted nursery plants. You can also take green wood cuttings for shrub hibiscus.  In addition, some start annual hibiscus from seeds sown indoors 6 weeks before the last frost. Confederate rose is often called a pass-along plant because it’s easy to share through cuttings or divisions.

Regardless of the species, all hibiscus plants grow best in full sun. They need fertile, well-draining soil that stays moist, but not soggy. In most cases, you’ll only need to amend the soil with a bit of compost to improve drainage.  However, heavy clay soils need peat moss and additional compost. You can also grow hibiscus in a raised bed.

Fertilize hibiscus plants every spring with ¼ cup 10-10-10 fertilizer. Established plants can be mulched with 3 to 4 inches of wood chips to conserve moisture and prevent weed growth.

PRUNING

In some areas of the south, Confederate roses will die back to the ground in the winter.  No pruning is necessary. In more temperate climates, though, deadhead the blossoms before they go to seed. In the spring, prune the plants to remove dead and diseased limbs, old canes and branches that rub against each other. Another option is to prune back the entire plant by one-third after blooming. Don’t prune shrubs in early fall, though. Pruning stimulates new growth, which is more likely to be damaged by winter temperatures.

HIBISCUS PESTS AND DISEASES

You’re unlikely to run into many disease problems in temperate climates, but fungal leaf spots can be a problem in warm, humid areas. Remove the infected leaves promptly and clean up any debris on the ground. Use soaker hoses instead of overhead sprinklers and space the shrubs so air circulates freely.

Aphids, whiteflies and Japanese beetles can infest hibiscus, although damage is usually minor. Spray both sides of the leaves with insecticidal soap or oil to combat aphids and whiteflies. To manage Japanese beetles, handpick them and drop them in soapy water or use a pesticide labeled for treating Japanese beetles. Baits designed for Japanese beetles are largely ineffective, according to studies and can actually cause more damage by encouraging Japanese beetles in large numbers.

Source: gardeningchannel.com

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