Growing Hibiscus – Basic Tips

Do you want to grow hibiscus in your garden, use them for landscaping or hedging or keep them pots that can be kept indoors or out? What size and type of plant do you want? Many people love to plant them because of their size and their beautiful colors. The gardener can grow hardy hibiscus with good success by following a few simple suggestions.

Potted culturing has to be confined to the smaller varieties. For outdoors, the size is dependent on the use. Large types of hibiscus plant are ideal for landscaping. Those used as hedges can be medium in size. If you want the hibiscus to blend with other plants in the garden, smaller ones are ideal. For bonsai, use old, compact plants with small leaves.

Choose a hibiscus plant to suit the position. If a tall plant is required or a low one, choose from in the desired height range, too often we see a huge hibiscus adjacent to a gate, or in front of a window, or a low one in a hedge for privacy, or a wind break.

Growth characteristics of hibiscus vary greatly, they range from low bushes suitable for containers, to trees in excess of 6 metres, ideal for wind breaks or privacy. Flowers can be single to double and come in an array of out standing colour combinations.

Check with nurseries or other growers in your area to ascertain which species is best suited for you. You cannot be sure of the color of the flowers unless a plant you purchase is in bloom. There are plants that give common but romantic five petal singles or ones with double layers.

When growing hibiscus, choose some sunny place. Hibiscuses are quite adaptable to soil types. The plant is tolerant to many conditions, but thrives in sandy soil with some organic content and slight acidity. Planting materials can be found in nurseries.

The propagation is through cuttings, hybrid-grafting and, in the case of certain species, through germinated seeds. Germinated seeds might not have all the characteristics of the mother plant.

The plant has to be watered until it establishes. After planting, the soil needs to be kept moist constantly for the first year or two. Moisture retention is important, and mulching helps this. Water the potted plants from the top and not at the base.

Proper fertilizing is important, but remember that excessive nitrogen will promote vegetative growth and may not help the flowering. Pesticides, insecticides and fungicides may have to be used depending on the need. It is best to opt for organic products including fertilizers. Make sure that you follow the label instructions.

Now, growing of hibiscus can be highly relaxing and satisfying.