DENNIS PLANT GARDEN
Plant Care & Information
dennis Plant garden
reativity
C
HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS
OutdoorYard Gardening
Photo Credit (C) Dennis Lee Brown 2017
%20H.jpg)
HIBISCUS ROSA-SINENSIS
%20H.jpg)
The Hibiscus Rose-Sinensis, lso known as Chinese hibiscus -- brings a tropical feel to your home or landscape. This evergreen shrub produces large, showy blooms in varied colors and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Growing in Sunset Climate Zones 9, 12 through 16 and 19 through 24, this versatile plant does not require much care to keep it healthy and happy.
Tropical Hibiscus requires temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit move the plant indoors, so, container growing indoors in the winter is also an option. Tropical hibiscus may begin dropping leaves when the temperature falls to between 40 and 50-degrees, so bring this plant indoors before nighttime temperatures fall below the 50-degrees Fahrenheit. Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) is a native plant of China and grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10.
A common way to propagate tropical hibiscus is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be about 8 inches long, with the stem cut at an angle and cut directly through a leaf node. Removed all but the top two leaves as well as any buds or flowers. The planting medium commonly used is coarse builder's sand or perlite. Dip the cut end of the stem cutting into a rooting hormone and stick the cutting into a pot filled with perlite or sand. Make several cuttings for better success. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to keep the humidity level high. Keep the planting medium moist. The temperature around the cuttings should remain between 70 to 85 degrees F. The cuttings will root in about two months. You can create an exact clone of the parent plant using cuttings, though the seeds do not grow true to the parent plant and some new plants will not mimic the parent plant.
Once hibiscus becomes established and you witness new growth, feed every two weeks with a fertilizer for blooming plants, such as Fertilizer 0-10-10, designed to promote blooming and vigorous root growth. To ensure that hibiscus receives essential nutrients, also fertilize monthly with Pure Kelp Plant Food 0.13-0-0.60. To maintain dark-green foliage, apply Epsom Salt monthly, as directed. Both potted and garden hibiscus benefit from a soluble fertilizer application once monthly during the spring and summer growing season. Apply a fertilizer formulated for tropical flowering plants, such as a 9-3-13 blend, according to product package recommendations.
Propagation
Takes almost two months for a tropical hibiscus to produce a seed pod once pollination has occurred. However, there are environmental conditions that need following, such as a high humidity level and temperatures that stay between 60- and 80-degrees Fahrenheit. Gather seeds from the plant, seeds need a sterile growing environment, such as perlite, and bottom heat. It can take anywhere from 6 to 18 months for the tropical hibiscus seeds to germinate and grow to maturity. The seeds do not grow true to the parent plant.
Re-potting.
These are fast-growing palm trees, so single specimen plants may need to be re-potted annually. When re-potting, be careful not to damage the root-ball and use a large and heavy enough container to prevent the palm tree from blowing over
Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis
Ideal Preferences
Water
Water Regularly… These plants also require a large amount of water. Keep the soil surrounding the hibiscus moist but not soggy. For the first week after planting, water daily, tapering off to once every two days in the second week, and then about twice a week thereafter, when there is no rainfall. If the weather becomes especially hot and dry, water every other day. Avoid watering the foliage when irrigating hibiscus, as wet foliage can lead to foliar disease, such as mildew
Humidity
These plants appreciate consistent moisture and high humidity. .
Fertilizer
Fertilize once a month with a good bloosom producing plant food and Espom Salt
Light
Full sun 6 to 8 hrs. of direct sunlight daily for a thriving, blossoming Hibiscus
Soil
For optimal growth, hibiscus requires rich soil. Enrich the soil prior to planting by amending with homemade or bagged compost and earthworm castings. Hibiscus grows best in slightly acidic soil that has a pH between 6.5 and 6.8. Amend soil according to promote continued blossoms, for container-grown hibiscus, use potting soil that drains well and that's designed for acidic plants. The growing container must have adequate drainage holes.
Hardiness (min.)
Warm Zone: 9-10 (45 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit
Blooms
Hibiscus blooms only last a day before closing and eventually falling off the plant. Keep the plant tidy by removing the spent blooms. For plants that you overwinter indoors or grow outdoors in a mild climate, prune the shrub back by one-third in late winter or early spring. Remove crossing and dead branches, and trim back the plant so that all the stems are the same length for a balanced look.
%20H.jpg)
%20H.jpg)
%20H.jpg)
%20H.jpg)