Hibiscus bushes are easily recognizable by their watermelon red, saucer-shaped flowers dotted with dazzling pollen sparks. Hibiscus flowers come in a variety of hues depending on the species and cultivar.
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Hibiscus Flower From The Malvaceae Family
Hibiscus is a member of the Mallow (or Malvaceae) family, which includes hollyhock, cotton, and okra. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators like them, making them beneficial additions to your garden environment.
Hibiscus Plant Care
Easy-to-care-for hibiscus blossoms. Hibiscus plant care indoor success is ensured by selecting the appropriate species for your environment and objectives. Zones 9-10 may grow any of these hibiscus year-round.
Zones 3-8 should distinguish between hardy and tropical species. Autumn leaves fall off hardy plants, yet they return in April.
Tropical plants must be grown as annuals or brought inside to survive a mild frost in Zones 3-8. Learn how to grow and care for tropical and hardy hibiscus cultivars.
Hibiscus Species from the Tropics
The three hibiscus species listed below flourish year-round in tropical Zones 9-10 and are cultivated as annuals in Zones 3-8. (or overwintered indoors). Each has unique properties that make it suitable for diverse environments.
1: Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis), often known as Chinese Hibiscus
Most of us are familiar with the glossy-leaved hibiscus that adorns garden centers every spring, exploding with luscious flowers in Starburst colors. For gardeners looking for a dramatic view For a colorful flower bed or pool-side garden, tropical or Chinese hibiscus is a beautiful option.
Tropical hibiscus can also be maintained as a houseplant, which is ideal for individuals who live in cold climates, as it demands strong light as well as continuous water and fertilizer.
2: Hibiscus Roselle, also known as Jamaican Hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
Roselle is uncommon in the U.S. but gaining popularity for its tasty calyx, which wraps fertilized seeds. They’re zingy and rich in vitamin C. Roselle has crimson stems and veins, green foliage, and cream-colored flowers. Roselle calyces can be found at farmers’ markets in late summer and autumn.
Flower manufacturers distribute calyx-studded stems to florists for market bouquets. Jamaicans drink rosella tea often. Red hibiscus flowers can be used to make tea, but roselle calyces capture the plant’s acidic taste. Roselle leaves are sour and popular in Burmese stir-fries.
3: Cranberry Hibiscus (also known as Red-Leaf Hibiscus) (Hibiscus Acetosella)
Cranberry hibiscus is another unusual tropical plant that has lately gained popularity as a decorative leaf in garden and flower design work. This magnificent East African plant is distinguished by its wine-colored, palmate leaves that resemble Japanese maple.
This plant will blossom pink throughout the summer in tropical conditions. It is unlikely to flower as an annual, but the foliage alone is worth growing. Cranberry hibiscus provides a lovely background for summer and fall blossoms, becoming a bronzed color in autumn.
Its leaves, like roselle, are edible and have a tart taste; leaves plucked young will keep their color when cooked. When cultivated as an annual, red-leaf hibiscus normally reaches 3 to 5 feet tall and 24 to 30 inches wide.
Hardy Hibiscus Varieties
Beyond the tropics, several hibiscus species are “hardy,” meaning they can be cultivated as perennials in the United States. Hardy hibiscus goes dormant throughout the winter and bloom again in the spring.
Growing perennials is an excellent way to improve the ecological health of your garden since they prevent erosion, stimulate microbial activity in the soil, attract a variety of pollinators, and offer habitat. Each of these plants thrives in full sun to part shade, adapts to a variety of soils, and can withstand harsh situations.
1: Swamp Mallow, also known as Rose Mallow (Hibiscus Moscheutos)
Rose Mallow is a large plant that may grow to be 4-6′ tall and 3-4′ wide. Flowers the size of dinner plates open in white, pink, red, and sometimes bicolor mixes.
The large velvety leaves have serrated margins. For Chinese hibiscus fans living in temperate climates, this species provides the typical hibiscus appearance without the need to replant each year. Swamp mallow is native to the marshes of central and eastern North America.
It grows well in full sun with moist soil but will adapt to less favorable circumstances. Compact types, such as Midnight Marvel, Luna, and Disco Belle, are ideal for tiny gardens.
2: Scarlet Rose Mallow, also known as Texas Star (Hibiscus Coccineus)
This shrubby perennial hibiscus grows 6 to 10 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide and is endemic to marshy areas of the eastern United States. T
his plant, which is mostly interchangeable with rose mallow in terms of preferences, is recognized for its distinctive red blossoms—clearly identifiable as hibiscus but with petals that are pointed like a star instead of widely rounded.
The palmate, compound leaves are slender with coarsely serrated edges, echoing the star form of the blooms. Individual plants may need to be staked.
3: Rose of Sharon, also known as Shrub Althea (Hibiscus syriacus)
The Rose of Sharon is a beautiful hibiscus, not a rose. The Asian Rose of Sharon is notable for its double-layered, ruched petals. Discover Blue Chiffon, Sugar Tip, and Diana Roses of Sharon.
While swamp and red rose mallows favor wetlands, roses of Sharon like dry, poor soils. The Rose of Sharon tolerates air and soil pollution, making it ideal for urban gardens. Modern cultivars range in size from tiny to 8-12 feet tall and 6-10 feet wide.
Dwarfs grow well in containers. The Rose of Sharon loves early sunshine and afternoon shade in hot southern gardens.
How to Grow Hibiscus
Hardy hibiscus, as well as roselle and cranberry hibiscus, are quite simple to germinate and are worthwhile to cultivate from seed at home.
Because Chinese hibiscus grows slowly and is widely available at garden centers, it makes more sense to start with nursery plants each spring. By stem cutting, any hibiscus can be reproduced.
Hibiscus seeds have a tough outer coating that might inhibit germination. Soak seeds in water overnight or nick them with sandpaper or a knife before planting to expedite the process. Use a heating pad to keep the soil at 75-80 degrees for optimal germination.
The following are the steps for planting your hibiscus in the garden:
- Create a comfortable spot for roots to settle by digging a hole bigger than the root ball of your plant.
- Fill the empty hole halfway with water and wait for the liquid to be absorbed by the soil.
- Before lowering the hibiscus into the new hole, loosen the root ball with your fingers or a shovel.
- Gently put the dirt back around the plant, filling the opening and pushing down to remove any air pockets.
- Water well after planting and keep the soil surrounding the young plant wet. Once planted, hardy hibiscus is drought resistant.
Hibiscus position
Hibiscus in the garden can be used as a tall focal point in flower gardens, as a helpful hedgerow, or as a mass surrounding a water feature. Because hibiscus sizes vary, see your plant tag or seed packaging for particular spacing and sun exposure requirements.
Except for miniature variants, most hibiscus should be planted 3 to 6 feet apart, depending on the spread of the cultivar.
Hibiscus Potting
Tropical hibiscus, swamp mallow, and Rose of Sharon dwarf variants make wonderful pot plants. Keep the soil equally wet and fertilize on a regular basis to ensure blooming all season. Flower buds may drop if there is insufficient or excessive water or fertilizer, so adjust the quantities as you go.
Hibiscus plants are ideal for colorful pots near swimming pools or fountains since they thrive in dampness.
Hibiscus Fertilizer
Most hibiscus benefit from organic, flower-specific fertilizer (more phosphorus and potassium, less nitrogen). Consistent fertilizer treatment throughout the season aids in the development of flowers, particularly roses of Sharon and Chinese hibiscus.
While this is true for swamp and scarlet rosemallow, if planted for natural landscaping reasons, fertilizer is not required since they survive poor soils. However, fertilizer is beneficial for growing them as floral focal pieces in the garden.
Hibiscus Mulching
Mulch significantly reduces weeds and aids in maintaining regular soil moisture, both of which are required for happy hibiscus. Mulch is essential for winter maintenance of tough hibiscus since it protects the roots from harsh weather.
2 to 3 inches of pink bark mulch or leaf mold should be used around your hibiscus plants, whether they are planted in the ground or in containers.
Pests and Diseases of Hibiscus
Japanese beetles and aphids are the most persistent hibiscus pests. While neither is likely to harm your hibiscus, insect leaf decimation can only make plants ugly by late summer. Pick or shake beetles off stems and into a pail of soapy water to control them. Spray soapy water or neem oil solution on both sides of the leaves at dawn or dark to kill aphids.
Hibiscus is not prone to disease, although possible problems to watch for include rust, blight, canker, and leaf spot. If you see an illness in your garden and are unclear on how to treat it, contact your local cooperative extension office for organic advice.
Water
The yellow leaves help you recognize the hibiscus plant’s borders and water demands. Hibiscus plants need great drainage and time to dry between waterings (except for wetland species). Too much water can cause your plant’s leaves to become veiny and yellow.
If the soil seems damp, stop watering. If you detect waterlogging, repot or transplant into better-draining soil. After too long a time in moist soil, the hibiscus may develop root rot, causing the yellowish branches to fall off.
Larger hibiscus plants require a huge reservoir of water to keep hydrated during protracted heat periods. During a heatwave, if leaves are withering and yellowing, water the roots. Use soaker hoses, drip irrigation, or self-watering pots. Once hydrated, new growth should be a healthy green and yellowing should halt.
Too Much or Too Little Sunshine
Hibiscus likes the sun, but in hot summers, midday shade may help prevent yellowing. Too much exposure to afternoon light causes yellowed leaves and white patches (sunburn), according to Hidden Valley Hibiscus.
Low-light circumstances may create yellowed, dropping leaves, so keep a watch out and relocate your hibiscus if you suspect shadow. This is a regular problem when winterizing hibiscus. Indoor hibiscus plants need good light and no drafts.
Hibiscus Soil
While the above conditions normally cause leaves to become yellow and drop, you may see mottled green and yellow leaves that stay on the plant, which indicates a nutritional shortage.
Chlorosis is a nitrogen deficiency that may occur if you don’t fertilize the hibiscus. Follow the package directions to apply a slow-release organic fertilizer (granular or liquid).
If you’ve fertilized and still see this problem, your soil’s pH can be wrong, affecting plants’ capacity to absorb nutrients. Do a soil test and consult your local Cooperative Extension agency or garden center. Without a soil test, don’t add fertilizer or modify pH.
Pesticides
Also resulting in mottled green and yellow leaves, spider mites are a problematic garden pest that you may find setting up camp in your hibiscus.
Left unchecked, spider mites can kill hibiscus, moving from the base of the plant to the top (with leaf yellowing beginning at the bottom and gradually appearing further up).
Along with leaf discoloration, you may observe dead-looking spots and slight curling, along with a sticky, dirty feeling on the undersides of the leaves.
Hibiscus flowers Uses
Hibiscus bushes of different kinds can be found all over the world. The hibiscus flower is the portion utilized in medication. The most well-known and well-studied hibiscus flowers are annuals from the tropics, such as the two discussed below.
Hardy perennial plants, on the other hand, can live in colder climes. Here’s how you can treat different health situations with our specific recipes for how to make hibiscus tea.
- For Hypertension
Take 2 tsp (5-6 g) of dried flowers steeped in tea two to three times.
Hibiscus has been demonstrated to reduce blood pressure. According to the experiments, Hibiscus sabdariffa tea may be as effective as certain blood pressure drugs.
- For Fever
Hibiscus flowers are high in flavonoids and proanthocyanidins, both of which have fever-reducing (antipyretic) properties.
- For Diabetes Type – 1
Hibiscus is a traditional diabetic treatment in India.
- For Diabetes Type – 2
Two to three cups of hibiscus tea each day Hibiscus flowers are a traditional diabetic treatment. According to a preliminary study, it may decrease blood pressure and enhance cholesterol levels in type 2 diabetics.
