Hibiscus Shrub

The tropical flavor of Hawaii is what usually comes to mind when the Hibiscus is used in the garden. The plant is native to India and China and is hardy to zone 5 in the United States.

This plant is a marvelous adapter and considered a pest or weeds, so use this plant with caution and check local plant ordinances to make sure that the Hibiscus has not become a problem in your area.

Hibiscus syriacus is a deciduous, flowering shrub that will grow to heights of eight to ten feet tall and six to eight feet wide. The silhouette of the plant is shaped like a vase. The summer foliage is medium to dark green and develops its leaves late in the spring. Fall brings a golden yellow color to the leaf. The leaves hold for quite a long while in the cold. It is the flowers that make this plant so very popular. From July through September large, beautifully colored blossoms appear. The whites, pinks, magenta, blues and any combination of these will color your garden and landscape.

Hibiscus like full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Soil type is no problem for the adaptable Hibiscus. This plant is easily transplanted and will do its own seeding as well. Annual pruning back will increase the plant’s vigor and larger flowers. Hot humid weather is wheat this plant really likes, so in the dog days of summer, this flowering bush is a breath of fresh air.

For a bush that produces the most beautiful blossoms, fertilize early in the spring after the first good thaw and then late in the summer before the onset of autumn. Pruning winter damaged limbs and branches will help keep this bush healthy and strong.

Hibiscus can be used in a variety of ways in the landscape. Shrub borders provide delightful flowers on both sides of the shrubbery, giving both you and your neighbor flowers to enjoy all summer long. Some varieties of Hibiscus will grow tall enough to provide a privacy screen or as a cover up for a fence. Groupings and plantings need to be carefully thought out because this plant will self propagate quickly.

Temperatures for growing Hibiscus

60°F – 90°F will cause the Hibiscus to flower, it will die in temperatures blow 32°F

Watering Hibiscus

Hibiscus requires a lot of water while blooming. In the warm weather the plant will require daily watering. As the season progresses, lessen the amounts of water you give to the plant. During the winter while the plant is indoors, water only when the soil dry to the touch.

Fertilizing Hibiscus

We have found that a slow release fertilizer works best with the Hibiscus. A good dose of high potassium compost just before flowering starts will increase the production of the flowers. A second and third dose of high potassium compost should be given periodically through the summer. As fall sets on, do not fertilize any more until spring.