Gardeners prize hibiscus plants for their flowers.
A hibiscus plant can grow to 20 feet tall in a frost-free area. The deciduous shrub has dark green leaves and produces ornamental, trumpet-shaped flowers up to 6 inches in diameter that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. The blooms range in color and include solid white, yellow, peach, blue, violet, purple, mauve and red as well as bi-color blooms.
Basics
Although some people buy hibiscus plants from a nursery or garden center, many people receive plants passed along to them by other gardeners. Hibiscus plants sprout new growth in spring, and the plants' roots should be divided in spring. Hibiscus, however, often self-seed in spring from seed that dropped to the ground in autumn. That is why hibiscus plants are often found growing wild in ditches, marshy areas and swamps. Their seeds can also be started indoors 12 weeks before the last expected frost day and then planted outdoors. Hibiscus started from seed usually bloom, bear seed and self-seed in the first year. In addition, hibiscus can be propagated from tip cuttings any time a hibiscus has new growth. Some varieties are grafted.
Height and Spread
Hibiscus is available in hundreds of varieties. Each plant grows as a large shrub or a small tree, growing rapidly during the growing season. Although some varieties can reach a height of 20 feet, most grow only to 5 to 7 feet tall without pruning. Hibiscus plants generally have a spread that is equal to their height.
Uses
Hibiscus is grown as a standalone plant alone or a hedge planting. If growing hibiscus as a hedge, space the plants 3 to 6 feet apart. Although you can prune hibiscus to control its height, width and leggy branches, do not shear it as you would a formal hedge. Hibiscus can be grown as a single-stemmed small tree through pruning. If grown as a container plant indoors, though, it needs bright light to bloom.
Culture
A hibiscus needs well-drained soil and grow in full sun to partial shade, depending on the cultivator. It can be planted from spring through autumn in a hole the same depth as the plant's root ball and two to three times as wide as the root ball. If the soil is poor, amend it with compost as you fill the planted hole. Fill the hole one-half full with soil, water well to settle the soil, allow the water to drain and then finish filling the hole and water deeply. After planted, a hibiscus needs 1 inch of water weekly to stay healthy and grow. If the plant does not receive that much water through rain, then keep its soil moist but not wet. During the growing season, prune it to control its size, and give it fertilizer twice per month. In the fall, protect the hibiscus if temperatures drop into the 30s F, and take a container-grown hibiscus indoors.
Tags: hibiscus plants, Although some, feet tall, from seed, growing season
