Hibiscus plants are beautiful and eye-catching with their bright, colorful blooms and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and butterflies. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing hibiscus can be a rewarding experience, creating both a wonderful habitat for native wildlife and adding gorgeous color to your garden. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about growing and caring for different types of hibiscus plants.
What Are the Three Main Types of Hibiscus?
Gardeners commonly grow three main types of hibiscus, which we’ll delve into below.
Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a popular choice for container plants and tropical gardens. It grows as a small shrub or tree with stiff, woody stems and thick, glossy, dark green leaves. The blossoms are usually 3 to 6 inches in diameter and come in a range of colors, including red, orange, yellow, and salmon pink.
You can use these highly versatile plants as striking focal points in gardens, patios, or even indoor spaces. Their exotic appearance often evokes a sense of lush tropical gardens, making them a great choice to help create an oasis in your own backyard.
Hardy Perennial Hibiscus
Hardy perennial hibiscus, also known as rose mallow or swamp mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), is an herbaceous perennial that dies back to the ground in winter and sprouts anew in spring. As opposed to its tropical counterpart, hardy perennial hibiscus can withstand colder climates.
With softer stems and heart-shaped leaves, these plants give a more cottage garden feel. The blossoms are typically flat and large and have a tissue paper-like texture that adds a delicate touch to their robust presence.
Hardy Hibiscus Shrubs
Hardy hibiscus shrubs, commonly known as Althea or Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), are deciduous shrubs or small trees that can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. They have dark green foliage and produce flowers in shades of pink, blue, lavender, and white.
These robust shrubs can anchor a garden with their height and spread, and their ability to adapt to a range of conditions makes them especially attractive for home gardeners. They can be trimmed and shaped according to your garden design, offering both flexibility and natural beauty.
How To Grow Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus can be grown year-round in zones 9-10 but won’t survive frost or heavy freeze. In cooler zones, it’s often grown as an annual or in containers you can bring indoors during cold weather.
Light Requirements
Tropical hibiscus thrives in full sun. Make sure your plants get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and blooming. When grown indoors, placing the plant near a south-facing window can help reproduce these conditions.
Soil and Water Needs
Hibiscus prefer rich, well-draining soil that’s moist but not waterlogged. It’s critical to water the plants regularly, but you also want the soil to dry out slightly between waterings to help prevent root rot.
Fertilizer
Tropical hibiscus blooms on new growth, so it benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced, organic, liquid fertilizer throughout the growing season to promote healthy growth and abundant blooms. You may also want to use a slow-release fertilizer to ensure steady nourishment over time.
Winter Care
To keep tropical hibiscus over winter in cooler climates, bring them indoors before night temperatures fall into the 40s. Place them in a cool, bright spot with temperatures between 55°°F and 70°F. Reduce your watering, but don’t stop completely. During this dormant period, the plants’ growth will slow, so they’ll require less water and no fertilization.
Growing Hardy Perennial Hibiscus
Hardy perennial hibiscus is winter hardy to Zone 4 and doesn’t transplant well, so choose its location carefully.
Light and Soil Requirements
These plants thrive in full sun and well-draining, rich soil. They love water and should remain moist in summer but not soggy during winter. Regular irrigation and mulching can help maintain the moisture levels required for optimal growth.
Fertilizer
Hardy hibiscus is a heavy feeder. Use organic fertilizers with plenty of phosphorus to encourage blooms. A soil test can help determine any nutrient deficiencies you may need to address.
Pruning and Maintenance
In fall or late winter, cut back the dead stems of hardy hibiscus to near ground level. The plant may be slow to sprout in spring but will grow several feet high by midsummer. Stake long stems if needed. Regular pruning promotes vigorous growth, making for a better-looking plant.
How Do You Grow Hardy Hibiscus Shrubs?
Hardy hibiscus shrubs are perfect for zones 5–9 and work great as border or statement plants. They really stand out and can be a great addition to all kinds of garden spots with their big blooms and bold presence.
Light and Soil Requirements
These plants prefer full sun with a little afternoon shade in hotter climates. They’re adaptable to a range of growing conditions but thrive in rich, well-draining soil. Adding organic matter such as compost can improve the soil quality and support the plant’s health.
Water and Fertilizer Needs
Hardy hibiscus shrubs have average water and nutrient needs. They’re generally carefree and don’t require frequent fertilization. However, an annual application of compost or a balanced fertilizer in spring can promote more growth and blooming.
Pruning
These rapid growers can be pruned heavily in early spring to encourage larger blossoms. They may self-seed and sprout around the base—prune regularly and remove unwanted seedlings.
Growing Hibiscus for Culinary Uses
Hibiscus isn’t just a feast for the eyes—it can also spice up your cooking. The flowers and leaves of certain hibiscus varieties are edible, adding a unique flavor and a splash of color to dishes and drinks. Here are some tips on how to use hibiscus in the kitchen:
- Hibiscus Tea: Perhaps the most popular culinary use of hibiscus is in tea. Dried hibiscus flowers brew into a tart, vitamin C-packed tea that’s delicious and refreshing. It can be enjoyed hot or iced and can be sweetened with sugar or honey to balance the tartness.
- Sauces and Dressings: The vibrant, cranberry-like flavor of hibiscus works wonderfully in fruit sauces, salad dressings, or as a tangy glaze for meats.
- Desserts: Use hibiscus to create colorful and flavorful syrups for drizzling over desserts or incorporating into sorbets and ice creams. Its bright, citrusy flavor complements sweet dishes beautifully.
- Cocktails and Mocktails: Hibiscus adds stunning color and a floral tang to cocktails and mocktails. It’s often used in punches, margaritas, or infused into spirits for a tropical twist.
How To Grow Edible Hibiscus
If you’re growing hibiscus with the intention of using it in the kitchen, make sure that the plants are free from pesticides and other chemicals. Organic gardening practices are ideal for culinary-grade flowers.
Choose an edible variety of hibiscus. Hibiscus sabdariffa, commonly known as roselle, is most often used for culinary purposes, particularly for making hibiscus tea.
For the best flavor, harvest the flowers early in the morning when they’re just opened.
Common Hibiscus Problems and Solutions
Even with proper care, hibiscus plants can be prone to problems. Recognizing them early and knowing how to address them can help your plants thrive.
Yellow Foliage
Several factors, including nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations can cause yellow leaves on hibiscus plants. Check the soil moisture and ensure proper drainage. If the problem persists, use a balanced fertilizer. Inspecting for pests and addressing any infestations promptly can also help resolve the issue.
Dropping of Buds
Bud drop can occur due to stress, sudden temperature changes, or inconsistent watering. The best way to fix this issue is to maintain a consistent care routine and protect plants from extreme weather conditions. Mulching around the base of the plant can help regulate soil temperature and moisture levels.
Pests
Hibiscus plants can be susceptible to pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites. Regularly inspect your plants and use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, if needed. Introducing beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, can also be a great way to keep pest populations in check naturally.
Tips for Encouraging Hibiscus Blooms
To promote more blooms on your hibiscus plants:
- Make sure they get enough sunlight.
- Fertilize regularly during the growing season.
- Prune at the right time to encourage new growth.
- Water consistently.
- Mulch around the base of the plant to retain moisture and nutrients.
Propagating Hibiscus
You can propagate hibiscus via a few different methods:
- Stem cuttings: Take 4- to 6-inch cuttings from healthy stems and root them in a well-draining medium. Keep the medium consistently moist and place the cuttings in a warm, bright location.
- Layering: Bend a low-growing branch to the ground, make a small cut, and cover it with soil. Once roots form, separate the new plant from the parent plant.
- Seeds: Collect seeds from mature seed pods and plant them in a seed-starting mix. Germination may take several weeks. Providing a warm environment and consistent moisture supports healthy seedling development.
