How to Propagate Texas Star Hibiscus

Texas star hibiscus has bright red petals that form the shape of a star.

Texas star hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), also known as scarlet swamp hibiscus, is distinct from other varieties of the plant. It has bright red flowers with five petals that, together, look like a star. The Texas star hibiscus adorns the landscape with its beautiful flowers during the summer and fall, and grows best in full sun. It can be propagated in several ways, often by seed or from cuttings.

Things You'll Need

• Knife, file or needle
• Organic matter
• Garden clippers
• Rooting hormone powder
• Planting pot
• Peat moss
• Sand

Instructions

By Seed

1. Nick each seed with a knife, scrape it with a file or poke a hole through the skin with a needle. Alternatively, soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 60 minutes prior to planting. These methods help the seeds successfully absorb water so they are more likely to germinate.

2. Plant seeds outdoors after the last spring frost and once the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep, about six inches apart. The planting site should be rich and well-draining, so amend the soil with 3 to 4 inches of organic matter, such as compost, if necessary.

3. Water Texas star hibiscus seeds with 1/2 inch of water. Keep the soil slightly moist during the first growing season to help the plants become well established.

From Cuttings

1. Cut a 6-inch stem from a healthy branch of an established Texas star hibiscus in the spring. The stem should be about 1/4 inch thick.

2. Pinch off the leaves on the bottom 2 inches of the cutting and dip it in a rooting hormone powder, available at most home and garden stores. Then, plant the cutting 2 inches deep in a pot that is filled with 1 part peat moss and 3 parts sand, recommends Clemson Cooperative Extension.

3. Set the planted cutting in a warm area that is bright, but not in direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist. Once the cutting stays firm in the soil when it’s gently tugged, it’s ready to plant outdoors or in a larger container.

Tips & Warnings

• If you start seeds indoors, transplant the seedlings outdoors after they form at least three sets of leaves.

References

• University of Texas at Austin: Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Hibiscus
• Texas A&M University: Hardy Hibiscus