How to Grow and Care for Hibiscus Bushes

Yellow Hibiscus Flower Bush

About Growing Hibiscus Shrub in Your Home Flower Garden

You’re going to love growing Hibiscus flower bushes. Hibiscus shrubs are attractive, warm weather, perennial flowering shrubs. Native to tropical and sub-tropical regions around the world, there are over 200 varieties of Hibiscus. The plant produces showy single and double blooms, in a wide range of colors. Although these big blooms are attractive, Hibiscus flowers are short-lived, just 2-3 days.  Classified as an herb, Hibiscus shrubs have medicinal and culinary uses. The fragrant blooms are used in sachets and for perfumes, too.

It is important to note that there are two types of Hibiscus: Tropical and Hardy. The tropical varieties can only be grown in warm weather climates. Frosts and freezes will kill the plant. The hardy varieties will survive low temperatures of 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hibiscus flowers are popular as container plants in cooler climates. Take the plants inside as cold weather arrives. Then, over-winter them indoors.

Did You Know? Hibiscus is the national flower of Haiti, Malaysia, and South Korea

Plant Height: Dwarf varieties grow 2-3 feet. The largest varieties grow up to 15 feet tall.

Flower Colors:  Bright red bloom sare the most popular color. Other popular colors include purple, red, yellow, white, and bi-colors.

Other Names: Karkade, Japanese Sorrel, Red Sorrel, Shoe Flower. 

Hibiscus, Perennial

Red Hibiscus Flower Plant

Hibiscus Plant Medicinal, Culinary and Other Uses

Although gardeners grow Hibiscus shrubs for their beautiful flowers, this versatile plant has medicinal and culinary uses, too. 

Hibiscus leaves are edible. Eat them as you do for spinach as a green or in recipes that call for spinach. It is also used in teas.

Medicinally, Hibiscus treats cardiac and nerve disorders, to treat constipation, and as a diuretic.

But, that’s not all! Hibiscus is used to make rope. And, the blooms are used in sachets and perfumes.  

Hibiscus Plant Propagation

Like other flowers and shrubs, Hibiscus is propagated from seeds. It may take a search to find the seeds, as most seed companies do not carry it.

Hibiscus can also be propagated from cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from new growth or soft wood. Remove leaves, except at the growing tip. Place the cutting in moist soil. It should take root in 7-8 weeks. If started outdoors, grow in a shaded area.

Most people buy young plants at their local garden store or online

Buy Hibiscus shrubs now

Hibiscus Flowers Bush

How to Grow Hibiscus Flowering Shrubs

Hibiscus is a warm-weather plant. It grows best in full sun to light shade.

It is an acid-loving plant. Adjusting the soil to the ideal pH range is important for plant health and blooms. Acidity levels can affect flower color.

Provide the plant with rich loam soil. It should drain well. When planting outdoors, mix plenty of compost into the planting site.

Keep the soil moist, not wet. Water during dry weather.

Fertilize plants once a month with a high acid fertilizer. Just before and during the blooming period, use a high phosphorous fertilizer to promote blooms.

Mulch around the plants, to retain moisture, and for an attractive, weed-free appearance.

Prune established plants, as needed. Remove dead and yellowing leaves, as well as dead and leggy branches. Prunes plants into a shapely appearance.

Deadhead spent blooms, to allow the plant to direct its energy to plant vigor and to produce more blooms. 

Ideal Soil pH: 5.5- 6.8.

Did You Know? In Asia, Hibiscus bushes are called the “Shoe Flower” because it is used in shoe polishes.

Insects and Plant Disease

Perennial Achillea is resistant to insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

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Also, people who read this article will like:

How to Deadhead Spent Flower Blooms – It encourages new blooms in many flowering plants. And, it gives the plant a neat and tidy appearance. 

Plant Problems – Identify the causes and find the cures.

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