The largeHibiscusgenus of over 200 species and many more cultivars includesannuals, perennials, shrubs, and small trees.
All hibiscus flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
The care and growing requirements vary from species to species.
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Here are the main care requirements for growing hibiscus:
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Light
Hibiscus loves bright conditions.
Indoors, hibiscus needs a bright spot near a sunny window.
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However, keep it away from strong, direct sunlight.
If you move the plant outdoors for the summer, gradually acclimate it to the brighter light conditions.
Soil
All hibiscus do best in well-drained, fertile, moist, loamy soil.
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Most hibiscus prefer aslightly acidic soil pH.
Water
All hibiscus are thirsty plants that need to be kept moist.
Unless they are planted in consistently moist soil, water them regularly.Mulching around the plant basehelps with moisture retention.
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For container-grown plants, wait until the top inch of the potting mix fully dries out before watering.
In hot summer weather, you might need to water your potted hibiscus as often as daily.
Indoor tropical hibiscus benefits from regular watering from spring to early autumn during the growing season.
Significantly reduce watering during the dormant period in the winter.
Temperature and Humidity
Hardy hibiscus grows in cool, temperate climates.
It thrives in temperatures between 60F to 90F and tolerates temperatures as low as -30F.
Temperatures below 50F cause cold-sensitive and tropical varieties to drop their leaves and temperatures below freezing kill the plants.
Bring container-grown tropical hibiscus indoors when weather cools.
All hibiscus thrive in high humidity; they aren’t suitable for hot, arid climates.
The high humidity found in a bathroom is a good place for an indoor hibiscus.
Use a diluted water-soluble fertilizer once a week for hardy or tropical hibiscus.
The four most popular species are:
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Dead, damaged, or diseased stems should be pruned at any time as soon as you notice them.
Pruning Tip
Looking for the best pruners to keep your hibiscus in tip-top shape?
The ideal pot shape is quite wide but relatively shallow.
Water well to establish the settle in its new home.
Let the soil almost fully dry out between waterings and stop fertilizing.
Leaf drop during the dormancy is normal; the plant will start regrowth in the spring.
Another potential pest isaphids.
Keep them at bay with regular cleaning or insecticidal soaps.
Theappeal of hibiscus to deerdepends on the species.
How Long Does Hibiscus Bloom?
Individual flowers of most varieties only last for one day before they close and eventually fall off the plant.
The payoff is a very long bloom period.
What Do Hibiscus Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Hibiscus flowers range in size from 2 to 12 inches.
They come in a kaleidoscope of colors and shades and the flowers are single or double trumpet-shape blooms.
The flowers have no scent.
Weekly feeding with a diluted liquid fertilizer may prompt your plant to produce plentiful flowers.
Deadheading Hibiscus Flowers
Deadheading spent flowerskeeps the plant tidy and encourages it to produce more flowers.
Expect a little yellowing during the transitional seasons of spring and fall, but anything extreme merits further investigation.
This depends greatly on the variety you have selected.
Tropical hibiscus will only grow back in more southern hardiness zones.
Hibiscus thrives in sunny conditions, but protect from harsh, hot sun by providing it with filtered light.
At What Temperature Should I Bring in My Hibiscus Plant at Night?New York Botanical Garden.
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.
