Tropical hibiscus flowers bloom in the spring or summer.
More than 200 species of flowering hibiscus plants exist in the world today. Hibiscus are known for their showy flower displays, which usually appear from April through October, depending on the species. These flowers are native to tropical regions of South America, but U.S. gardeners cultivate hibiscus for ornamental purposes. Certain cultivation requirements must be met to ensure beautiful blooms during the plant's flowering season.
Annual vs. Perennial
Some hibiscus are grown as annual plants, or plants that flower for one year before dying off. Annual hibiscus mature and flower within two months of being planted. The flowering season for annual hibiscus is April and May. Annual hibiscus, such as Chinese and red leaf varieties, are usually transplanted from outdoors to indoors so they survive to the next year. Perennial hibiscus are plants that produce blooming cycles for more than one year. These types of hibiscus mature two to three years after being planted. As herbaceous plants, the stems of perennial hibiscus die back to the ground during the winter, and their flowers bloom in the spring.
Cultivation
Hibiscus require warm temperatures, since they are tropical plants. At night, these plants grow best in temperatures of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Preferred temperatures during the day range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Cold temperatures cause flower buds to fall from the plant. Hibiscus need moist soil, but gardeners must avoid overwatering. The hibiscus' flowers wilt if the plant is grown in dry soil. Hibiscus flowers bloom more efficiently if they have access to full sunlight; maximum light is necessary for indoor growth.
Pruning
Before hibiscus flowers bloom in the spring, gardeners heavily prune the plant's leaves to produce more vigorous growth. February and March are the appropriate months for heavy pruning, according to the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension program. The success of the hibiscus flowering season hinges on new growth, making pruning unnecessary during the spring. Light pruning is advisable during the fall and winter to remove decaying leaves or branches.
Species
Although most hibiscus flowers bloom in the late spring and summer, the exact dates of flowering vary among species. The Rose-of-Sharon, a hibiscus with red, white or pink flowers, blooms in June and July. The hardy hibiscus produce white, red or pink flowers with a dark center eye; the blooming season for hardy hibiscus is April through August. Other summer-blooming hibiscus include the common rose mallow and Texas star. One hibiscus, the Confederate rose, only blooms in September and October. This perennial is one of the largest hibiscus species, growing up to 15 feet tall.
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