Big and Bold Hibiscus In the Garden With their showy flowers and lobed glossy leaves, they live up to their common name for those interested in bringing a splash of color to your garden. Over 30 species in the mallow family (Malvaceae) are native to North America. Of both woody and herbaceous plants Many of the more famous Hibiscus are native to tropical and subtropical climates. But 4 is as cold as North America gets, and after finally getting around to reading what the assiduous folks at USDA have put together, I wanted to shout out even louder that those in Zone 5s and above will find many other species entirely here! Wherever you live, there is a hibiscus out there that will give your garden the bold tropical look you want.

All you need to know about hibiscus care is written in this hibiscus growing guide from planting to caring. From sowing to watering and even how to grow them in pots and indoors. Before we reach the care tips. Let’s first discover some of the most typical kinds of hibiscus. This will then help you to identify what you need in your own garden. To assist in your next hibiscus hunt, use the best of the best from each category commonly available at garden centers.

Hibiscus Types and Favorite Varieties

Tropical Hibiscus

Boards Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a medium-sized shrub that grows up to 5′ in height on the range. Tropical Hibiscus are excellent for containers and can be brought inside during cooler weather. They make an excellent hedge or specimen planting. Gardeners in all zones grow this semi-tropical plant as a specimen plant for the patio or courtyard. Growing them in containers shows off the incredible flowers in your garden. The plants in the western garden stay short, making them ideal bonsai subjects, while many growers train these plants to grow tree form as well to give it a unique look. For a tropical look, Cordyline is a fabulous plant to add strong color and resort style to your outdoor room.

Tropical Hibiscus favorite: (Zones 9-11)

One of our top picks for hibiscus that are only available at Monrovia Types:These types of plants These plants are pretty. These sorts of plants produce lots and plenty of big brightstars and idle leafy flowers. Pair it with its long-blooming deep-purple flowers and dark-green foliage for a showy contrast. An amazing way to bring rich, bold texture to any patio, balcony, or courtyard. Rager Category 4 Wind resistant up to about 5′ tall and wide in the landscape H – Hardy (smaller when grown as an annual or in a container) Zones 9-11.

Hardy Hibiscus

Hardy Hibiscus In Cold Climates: How To Grow Hardy Hibiscus Plants – If you grow hardy hibiscus in a cold region that endures freezing winters, you can be certain of their prompt appearance.By Amy GrantIf gardening in an area with winter lows that dip you down to -15 degrees F. (-26 C.), the use of hardy hibiscus may not seem possible but hardy hibiscus plants are known for a rather rapid return… Hardy Hibiscus is an herbaceous perennial, whereas the tropical hibiscus is a woody shrub. It dies down to the earth each winter Perennial Hibiscus that creeps in slowly in the spring but will grow to 4′ tall by early summer. Your patience is rewarded with blooms the size of dinner plates.

There are a variety of hardy hibiscus that will grow in zones 5 to 10. Nonetheless, the species most frequently encountered is Hibiscus moscheutos. Which is native to the central US. To maximize the effect of these plants, plant them as one specimen. Or in small clusters in a prominent spot in your garden. Keep your Hibiscus healthy and alive during dormancy by planting spring-blooming bulbs around it to fill in the space until the plant wakes up. As the bulbs bloom, the new foliage of the Hibiscus will come out and cover up the bulb foliage.

Hardy Hibiscus Favorite: (Zones 4-10)

This group of Hardy Hibiscus is gorgeous! These showy plants have a white, pink or red flower color. Topped off with a beautiful backdrop of deep burgundy foliage, they are perfect for cottage gardens and borders. Up to 2′ tall, 4′ wide. Zones 4-10.

Rose of Sharon

This cold-hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) is more commonly referred to as the Rose of Sharon. Zones 5-9, can reach up to 10′ tall. Rose of Sharon can tolerate poorer soils and drier conditions than other hibiscus species. It is a great choice for gardens that lack the moist, fertile soil that other hibiscus varieties appreciate.

For this purpose, they are ideal for forming a group privacy hedge. Or, as a big specimen shrub that can act as an anchor in the garden with its large size and colorful flowers. Unfurling the Rose of Sharon is slow in spring. It will take some patience, but that reward is more than the wait! You Can Have All Hibiscus’ Flamboyance in Rose of Sharon It is an eye-catching shrub for cold zones.

Rose of Sharon Favorite: (Zones 5-9)

This is a plant that breeders have crafted new varieties of in recent years. Which Provides You with More Flower Color and Plant Size Options. A Rose of Sharon has an impact Named after the Loire Valley in France. These lovely plants flower profusely from summer through fall, smothered in large blooms from top to bottom.

Special Rose of Sharon series available in many colors of flowers, like this blue-violet. You can also find varieties that have flowers ranging in color from pink to purple. Height / Width 6″+ tall and 4-6′ wide Hardiness Zones 5-9

How To Grow Hibiscus

What conditions do Hibiscus plants need to thrive?

Hibiscus plants are of many types and varieties but have similar requirements. Hibiscus are usually not too difficult to grow. Of course, like all plants, they do have requirements they need to be at their best but these are pretty standard and they certainly don’t make them hard work. One good method of finding the right conditions for a site is to study where native Hibiscus are growing.

Sunlight

As you know, hardy hibiscus are found in wet areas of the central and eastern United States. They grow in marshes, flood plains, and moist woodlands. The above terms indicate hibiscus is a sun-lover but will adjust to light shade. It also pays to avoid too much shade, which will result in leggy plants that bloom less.

Tropical Hibiscus are indigenous to parts of the world with our year round hot conditions and full sun. This necessitates the provision of warm environments for them. This will encourage lush plants with many flowers.

Soil

An essential part of growing hibiscus. The plants like to be grown in soil that stays moist, but they will take very short stints of drought once established. Basically they should be substituted with high organic rich soil full of fertile grounds. Healthy soil will keep water and nutrients that are needed for hibiscus to grow. The best fertilizers for marijuana If you are worried that your soil is not up to what it should be, the solution I offer is Rose of Sharon. it is a better choice if the soils are not so great.

Temperature

The temperature requirements of your hibiscus can vary depending on the type you are growing. Again, Hardy Hibiscus is hardy down to Zone 4 with care. Old stems are also left in place by some gardeners to buffer the crown throughout winter. Rose of Sharon, which is hardy to Zone 5, is another type of hibiscus. Just make sure to let it bud out. Especially since it could very well be the last plant to come out of dormancy in your garden.

Temperature Needs are completely different for Tropical Hibiscus. In many tropical climates, gardeners never face freezing temperatures. Likewise, gardeners in the chillier climates of Zone 9 can expect some frosty nights. While Hibiscus is not hardy like most tropical plants, it can survive a freeze to the high/mid 20s for a very short time. Plants can be killed if temperatures drop below 20°F. You may want to provide an additional covering if freezing has been forecast in Zone 9 Mulch thickly at the base of the plant Another technique is to drape a sheet over the Hibiscus.

Space

Correct spacing is important for the growth of any plant. Spread: The spread of tropical hibiscus in the landscape can be 5′. This means when you put them in the ground, you should space each one out about 5′. Hardy hibiscus are 3-4′ in size and should be spaced 3-4′ apart when planted. Rose of Sharon grows much larger than Tropical or Hardy Hibiscus. Often is up to 8 ft wide if the variety.size is grown. Therefore, you need to space them wider than the other hibiscus. Some examples of Rose of Sharon varieties are short and compact. To plant, always read the plant tag first.

Water

These are plants that require to be in wet locations as Hibiscus makes a great plant to contribute to damp places. Some do great in dry soils (Rose of Sharon is quite drought tolerant) Make sure you continue to water them well until they are established. Keep in mind that you will not have any plants until the end of spring, so to plant things like fresh herbs, think about doing it in late spring or early summer. By putting plants into the ground earlier in the growing season, they can also be established with a suitable root system that will ensure they get enough water during winter.

Pests

Hibiscus are not susceptible to pests, but you may run across them in the garden now and then. Common insect pests include aphids, mealybugs, caterpillars and Japanese beetles. Use insecticides only as a last resort and only when you have identified the pests. Causing widespread damage in parts of the country, Japanese beetles are a scourge. For this pest, a very time-consuming yet effective form of control is handpicking the beetles from the plant.

Then place them in a bucket of soapy water. The Beatles are sluggish in the early morning. If you are diligent at handpicking the pests, this may be enough to keep them at bay, but it is okay to use some targeted insecticide help if they persist. Their care is important to protect them from pests. To avoid pests, you must always keep your hibiscus plant healthy.

Fertilization

Hibiscus is a heavy feeder weir plant. You need to have the right site, your soil is what will hold all those good things for your plants. Nevertheless, more nutrients will be healthy for the plants which would only come from fertilizing. Slow-release fertilizer, as to be continued nutrients are released for more months that will help feed the plants. Slow-release fertilizer should only be applied once a year, usually in spring. Non-timed fertilizer should be used every 2 months during the growing season. Any basic, balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 will do.

How and When to Prune Hibiscus  

Previously pruned the size and shape of a fruit plant is affected. Stop and ask yourself “what shape am I trying to achieve when I prune this plant?” Hibiscus should be pruned in the late winter to early spring. Pruning During Late Winter is a Good Time to Determine the Health of the Plant and Reduction of Dead or Diseased Branches. Hardy Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)- Hardy Hibiscus should be cut a few inches from the ground in early spring.

If plants become too leggy, and they’re taking over valuable real estate on your patio, you can prune them in summer. Even so, the best time to keep your plant at its best size through pruning is in the early part of the growing season. Some light pruning can be done annually to avoid extensive cutting of the plant later on.

Common Problems With Hibiscus Trees

In spite of their ease of care, there are some common issues that gardeners encounter when it comes to keeping hibiscus trees.

Mealybug Infestations

Mealybugs are the most common insect pests responsible for infecting hibiscus trees. This is known as white cottony masses on leaves, stems, and buds. To avoid mealybug infestations, allow enough space between plants for airflow and make sure infected plants do not come into contact with healthy ones. To troubleshoot mealybugs on hibiscus trees, first remove the infected leaves, stems or buds. We spray the area with water, apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to infected areas.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow Leaves on a Hibiscus Tree If you find that the yellowing leaves on a hibiscus tree are restricted to small areas, your plant may be in need of additional micronutrients, such as magnesium or iron.

Powdery Mildew

Mildew is a fungal infection recognized by white powdered look on the leaves that grows when days are warm and nights are cool. Help prevent the disease from spreading by plucking impacted leaves and refrain watering overhead.

Rust

Rust Disease: Yellow to Orange Raised Dots +#+ On the underside of your hibiscus leaves, you may see some yellow to orange raised dots. Remove leaves from the ground to avoid them contributing to spread of the disease. Once the infected leaves are almost gone (due to having mildew), encourage new uninfected leaves to grow by fertilizing your plant. To prevent this disease, avoid watering your plant from overhead.

How to Keep Hibiscus Blooming

Rich Soil & Nutrients, Bright Sunlight, Warm Temperatures For Hibiscus To Flower It blooms profusely if you provide these conditions. You could supplement with a bloom booster fertilizer product, but this is optional To preserve the size and shape of your hibiscus plants, prune them regularly and nurture healthy growth to bring more flowers into bloom.

FAQ

Hibiscus – Perennial or Annual?

Hibiscus is a perennial in the subtropical and tropical zones, while it may have an annual life cycle in colder or dryer regions. Tropical species can be overwintered outdoors in frost-free areas as perennials, and are annuals in colder zones. Hardy hibiscus can be grown as a hardy perennial in spite of the cold climate.

Are Hibiscus plants toxic to dogs?

The short answer is that hibiscus are generally safe for dogs and not toxic to them if they nibble your plants. Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), however, which is hardy, is a toxic species that can cause gastrointestinal distress, so stay alert if you grow any hardy hibiscus. Poison effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The same goes for cats. If you do not know which kind of hibiscus you have, consider that it could actually cause harm for them.

How fast do hibiscus grow?

Hibiscus are fast growers and, where conditions permit, plants should be in the ground a year when they flower amply.