HIBISCUS

Hibiscus plants add a bold, tropical effect to the garden with their huge, dinner-plate colorful flowers.

Hardy Hibiscus, Shrub Hibiscus & Tropical Hibiscus

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HARDY HIBISCUS

Hardy Hibiscus primarily includes the species native to North America such as Hibiscus moscheutos. These plants are true perennials, tend to have the largest flowers and die back to the ground each year.

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CARE OF HARDY HIBISCUS

• Hardy hibiscus needs frequent watering, especially when young and new. When watering, do so deeply and thoroughly, drenching the plant.

• Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and to provide winter protection for the roots.

• To encourage rebloom, either remove the spent flowers before they form seed heads or prune plants back by one-third after a flush of bloom is finished.

• Perennial hibiscus will freeze back to the ground each winter; cut old stems to the ground.

• Hibiscus bloom on new wood (this year’s growth), so pruning is best done in the spring.

• In early spring, remove dead stems from established plants and apply a balanced fertilizer.

• Mature plants can be divided in the spring, not fall.

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SHRUB HIBISCUS

Rose of Sharon, most frequently refers to the species Hibiscus syriacus which is native to southern and central Asia. Rose of Sharon has a woody habit and bloom on the same structure each year. These tend to be the largest in size with some varieties getting 15′ tall.

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CARE OF ROSE OF SHARON

• Full Sun woody shrub

• A little late to emerge in spring because of its tropical roots

• Blooms on new growth, therefore best pruned in spring when buds start to swell and plant comes to life

• Prune out a few of the biggest oldest stems as low as possible. Encourage young stems as these will produce the most flowers, and growth from down low in the shrub. That helps keep it looking full. Rose of Sharon grow from the tips so they can lack growth down low if not pruned properly.

• Fertilize new plantings with a slow release complete fertilizer.

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Rose of Sharon 30% Off!

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TROPICAL HIBISCUS

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, are from southeast Asia and are technically a shrub but less hardy than Rose of Sharon. These varieties are best used as patio container plants or house plants since they are not frost tolerant.

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GROWING CONDITIONS

• Prefer full sun. They will grow in partial sun but will not flower as well.

• Prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, and neutral to slightly acidic soil.

• To avoid breakage of the long stems, plant hibiscus where they won’t be exposed to strong winds.

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