Growing Hibiscus

Botanical Name:

Hibiscus

Life Cycle:

perennial

Planting Time:

spring or summer

Height:

4' to 10'

Exposure:

full sun to very light shade

Soil:

rich well-drained soil

Hardiness:

zones 5-11 depending on variety

Bloom Time:

summer

Flower:

a dazzling variety of solid, variegated and striped colors; blooms ranging from 6 to 10 inches across

Foliage:

shrub-sized plants with green leaves and woody roots

Propagation:

seeds, cuttings, or purchase hybrids in pots

Suggested Use:

borders, beds, along walls or fences, accent plants

Growing Hints:

Tropical hibiscus needs a frost-free climate, while hardy hibiscus can grow in zones 5-11. If you have the patience, sow seeds indoors in late winter and transplant seedlings after your last frost date in the spring. For first year blooms, purchase plants from a nursery in the spring. Plants generally don't need dividing, but new plants can be started from cuttings taken in late summer and rooted indoors over winter. Space plants 3 feet apart with root crowns set 3 to 4 inches beneath the soil.

Pruning Tips:

Regular pruning keeps plants shapely and invigorated. New growth starts below any cuts made, so plan accordingly when stepping back to assess the plants overall shape. A good rule of thumb is to cut 1/3 of the branches back by 1/3 over the course of several years. Always use a sharp sheers so bark does not get stripped from the stem. Always leave at least 2-3 nodes or "eyes" (bumps on the stems where leaves used to grow) on each branch and leave about 1/2 inch between the eye and the cut.