Hibiscus is a large, flowering shrub that produces enormous blooms in a variety of colors. They are so vigorous that they can be trained to grow into moderately tall trees, blooming year-round. They are relatively easy to grow and care for.
This versatile plant can reach up to 4.5 meters in height. It thrives in both pots and soil, producing flowers 15-20 cm in diameter that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Due to its substantial size, it can be planted alone in a strategically chosen garden area as a focal point.
How Fast Does Hibiscus Grow?
Hibiscus plants thrive in frost-free areas, where they flower profusely throughout the growing season. They grow quickly in full sun and at a moderate pace in partially shaded locations.
Compact varieties, such as Luna Blush, typically grow into shrubs 6-9 meters tall and about 60 cm wide. Crimson-eyed hibiscus can grow upright into a plant 2.1 meters tall, while Chinese hibiscus can reach up to 3.6 meters in just 1-2 years.
Crimson-eyed hibiscus grows rapidly and blooms in its first summer. Slower-growing varieties, such as Rose of Sharon, reach maturity after 7 years and flower moderately until fully mature.
Regardless of height, the flowers are typically exceptionally large and resemble flaring Japanese lanterns.
Hibiscus Blooming Rate
Annual varieties produce a new flower every 24 hours. The blooms are short-lived, lasting only a day, but are immediately replaced by new ones. Perennial varieties have blooms that last for several days before fading and then being replaced by new flowers.
Where Hibiscus Grows
The ancestors of modern hibiscus originated in Hawaii, Madagascar, China, and India. Considered a tropical plant, hibiscus was initially introduced to other parts of the world. Today, thanks to widespread hybridization and proper care, hibiscus can be found even in some of the world’s harshest regions.
Due to their ability to stay evergreen, hibiscus plants thrive in warm, tropical climates with abundant sunlight and high humidity provided by tropical rains.
Hibiscus flowers prefer warm rainwater as it contains natural nutrients that city tap water may lack. Thanks to the warmth and humidity, the plants do not shed their leaves and continue to flower year-round.
Types of Hibiscus
Hibiscus plants are categorized into two main types based on their hardiness, location, and ease of cultivation. Although there are numerous hybrid versions of this plant, these two classifications make it easier to decide which type to choose.
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Hardy Hibiscus
Specimens grown in colder regions of the country have a limited flowering period. They bloom from spring through fall, with their first flowers appearing in summer. During the winter months, they tend to lose their leaves and are often mistakenly discarded as dead.When a plant reaches 90 cm in height, it is considered mature, and if it loses its leaves in winter, it is a sign of dormancy.
Hardy hibiscus varieties, such as Lady Baltimore or Kooper King, are easy to grow if provided with sufficient sunlight. They perform exceptionally well when planted in pots on sheltered patios and courtyards. These plants dislike the frequent disturbance often caused by wind or excessive traffic.
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Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus maintains its foliage year-round in hot climates. The flowers fade in late summer, but the foliage remains lush. In colder regions, the plant may die back to ground level and should be cut down to about 15 cm above the soil to encourage regrowth the following season.Hardy varieties do not reach the same heights as heat-tolerant ones because their growth is repeatedly set back each winter.
Tropical hibiscus is suitable for planting in the ground in a “social” environment with other plants, unlike hardy varieties which prefer to be planted individually in pots.
Potted Hibiscus Plants
Potted hibiscus varieties should be planted in large stone pots to encourage strong root development. A well-established root system helps the plant survive the winter months when it needs to be moved indoors.
However, the filtered light indoors is often too weak to stimulate growth. Hibiscus may retain some of its foliage but will not flower again until the following summer when moved back outdoors.
It’s important to remember that fertilization is unnecessary during the dormant period indoors. However, frequent misting is crucial to reduce the risk of insect infestation. Water the plant sparingly.
Where to Plant Hibiscus?
Due to their delicate, tissue-like petals, hibiscus should be planted in areas of the garden away from high-traffic paths. They work well as a hedge, provided they are not subjected to frequent movement from household members or animals.
Unfortunately, hibiscus flowers are a top favorite snack for deer. Fencing the area where hibiscus are planted can be one of the most effective options.
The best places to plant hibiscus are:
- Sunny patios
- Sheltered balconies and rooftops
- Quiet areas in the garden
Caring for Hibiscus Plants
Caring for hibiscus is relatively easy if done regularly. Here are the basic guidelines.
- Soil – Choose acidic soil mixed with organic matter. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks.
- Water – Rainwater is best. The soil should be kept consistently moist. A drip irrigation system is ideal for hibiscus.
- Temperature – A stable temperature around 24°C is optimal for growth. If temperatures drop below 12°C, the plant can be damaged and may not recover.
- Light – Ample sunlight is required, at least 6 hours per day, for continuous hibiscus flowering. If overwintering indoors, place the plant near a south-facing window.
- Pruning – Prune moderately to maintain plant height. To encourage a bushier plant, prune stems just before the dormant period.
- Pests and Diseases – Hibiscus is susceptible to whiteflies, aphids, and mites. Using a mixture of dish soap and water once a month can help reduce their infestation.
10 Lesser-Known Gardening Tips
- Hibiscus dislikes clay soil. While aesthetically pleasing, clay pots release small particles into the soil, making it alkaline over time. Using stone pots yields much better results as stone doesn’t overheat and retains rainwater, allowing the soil to absorb it slowly.
- Hibiscus can grow in almost any soil type as long as it drains well. Chemical fertilizers should be avoided.
- Drill four holes in the bottom of the pot for ventilation to prevent excessive evaporation.
- Using liquid fertilizer for hibiscus ensures an even distribution of the solution, preventing accumulation only in the top layer.
- For a healthy, thriving hibiscus, add composted bark or worm castings to the soil once a year. Commercial fertilizers often contain finely ground sewage sludge of questionable origin, which can harm hibiscus.
- Never pull the plant out of the pot by the stems. Gently remove it by loosening the soil from the pot’s sides and lifting it out by the root ball.
- When using commercial fertilizer, choose products high in potassium and with minimal (preferably zero) phosphorus content. While effective for other plants, phosphorus will kill hibiscus.
- When preparing the plant for overwintering, place it near any heat source except forced-air vents. If combined with artificial light, hibiscus can be tricked into retaining its foliage even during dormancy. Flowers will begin to reappear when the plant is moved back outside.
- Before planting in the ground, soak the area thoroughly for 24 hours until a 0.9-meter diameter zone is evenly moist but not waterlogged. Plant the tuber 7.5 cm deep and cover it with a 5 cm layer of soil.
- Place orange slices around the plant base to deter burrowing pests like raccoons, squirrels, or moles. The additional acid from the oranges will also promote flowering.
See more information and gardening tips for plants in your existing garden here: Gardening