How to Grow a Hibiscus Shrub (2024)

FAQs

How to Grow a Hibiscus Shrub? ›

They are tropical plants, so they prefer humidity, warm temperatures, and 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day. The plants will still grow in partial shade, but they will be less healthy and bloom far less frequently in this environment. Make sure the soil drains well before planting hibiscus plants.

Do hibiscus do better in pots or in the ground? Smaller specimens will thrive either in pots or the ground when given the right growing conditions. Larger specimens will perform better when planted in the ground.

Location and Light

Hardy Hibiscus does best in full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but growth and flowering will suffer. If you live in areas with very hot summers, during the hottest part of the day, Hibiscus may need shade. Hibiscus should be planted along, or in the back of perennial flower beds.

Each hole (for a single plant or hibiscus seed) should be as deep as the roots go, and at least twice, if not three times, as wide. The loose soil around the plant will allow for better drainage, and should not be tamped down. Plant each hibiscus plant at least 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) away from each other.

Feeding hibiscus with home remedies

Small home remedies can have a big effect – and this is also true for fertilising houseplants and garden plants. Coffee grounds, crushed banana peels or tea grounds mixed in with the soil will provide a good supply of everything your hibiscus needs.

Beginning a month after planting, feed hibiscus regularly with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Bloom Booster® Flower Food, which was specially developed to encourage lots of colorful blooms. Using the Miracle-Gro® Garden Feeder makes feeding super-easy, but you can also mix the food in a watering can instead if you prefer.

The plant blooms best in full sun, so increase sun exposure if you think that might be a factor. Also, make certain the soil is moist at all times to support the growth of the plant. Hardy hibiscus blooms on new growth, but pinching the plants too late in summer or pruning severely can delay blooming.

Container hibiscus should be watered daily, whereas garden hibiscus needs to be watered about every other day. If you're overwintering your hibiscus indoors, always wait for the soil to dry out before watering again. As for sunlight, hibiscus plants like lots and lots!

When looking at the Hibiscus genus as a whole, shrub is definitely the most apt description. Most varieties have woody, branching stems that remain that way without a gardener's intervention. However, some varieties with softer stems could be considered herbs, and most varieties could be trained to form a tree.

The number one thing you can do to encourage flowers on your plant is to keep it in good health. Inside, hibiscus plants that are suffering from stress over lack of light, dry soil, or pests are going to put their resources towards survival instead of blooming.

Is Epsom salt good for hibiscus? ›

A good fertilizer ratio for hibiscus is 12-4-18 or a “high bloom” water-soluble fertilizer. Slow-release granular fertilizers, like Osmocote, can be used in combination with water soluble fertilizer when irrigating. Magnesium sulfate, also called Epsom salt, gives hibiscus foliage a good dark green color.

There are good reasons to keep them potted, such as being able to move them around, but we have also found that hibiscus do very well when planted in the ground in warm climates.

Help the Hibiscus start the reason off right with a balanced fertilizer, like a 20-20-20 appalled in the spring. This will provide a well-rounded mixture of nutrients. You can continue to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the rest of the growing season, or you can switch to a 12-4-8 mix.

Hibiscus, also called Rose Mallow or Wild Cotton, is a fast, strong-growing perennial. It usually grows to 5 feet tall, but in proper conditions can reach 8 feet in height. The plant grows about 3 feet wide, but does spread into larger patches with years of growth.

Hibiscuses may live up to ten years when using fourteen inch pots. Make sure not to over-water, try to keep your plant on the dry side. There plants like humid weather, so it is beneficial to mist the leaves daily, or use a humidifier.

As soon as danger of frost is past in the spring, the indoor hibiscus can be placed outside on a deck or patio to enjoy its beauty all summer. In the fall when night temperatures begin to drop, bring the hibiscus back inside again for enjoyment all winter.

Hibiscus needs a warm position in full sun, preferably sheltered from strong and cold winds. It prefers a well-drained soil that remains moist during summer. Hibiscus are perfect for growing in large containers of John Innes No 3 compost in a warm and sunny position.

In general, the more sun this plant gets, the better. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis prefer full sun but will tolerate light shade. The more shade the plant gets, the fewer and likely smaller flowers it will produce. If overwintering, try to place near a southern or western facing window.