How to Plant a Hibiscus

Hibiscus are one of the most dramatic shrubs you can grow in a temperate garden climate. There are many different varieties of hibiscus including perennial, annual, evergreen and deciduous varieties. To eliminate confusion, this text will address the Chinese or Tropical Hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis).

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Organic Compost
• Mulch
• Shovel
• perlite or crushed lava rock

1. Select a planting site for tropical hibiscus in full sun that is protected from the wind. Heat and light promote blooming. A southern-facing wall is ideal.

2. Dig a planting hole twice as large as the root ball to help roots become established quickly.

3. Amend the planting hole with organic compost and perlite or crushed lava rock to promote excellent drainage. If your soil is heavy, consider planting hibiscus in raised beds or containers.

4. Gently remove the hibiscus from the nursery container, sliding the plant from the can if possible. Otherwise, cut the can away from the root ball. Hibiscus have delicate roots and the plant will suffer if they are damaged.

5. Plant hibiscus so that the top inch of the root ball is above-ground. This ensures that the crown of the plant will not rot. Fill in the planting hole with organic compost until the desired planting height is reached.

6. Water immediately after planting to settle the soil. If the plant sinks, gently remove it from the hole, add more soil, and replant.

7. Mulch under plants to prevent moisture loss and weed growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Select hibiscus plants when they are in bloom to get exactly the color you want.
• Grow hibiscus in containers and bring indoors during the winter if you live in a climate that drops below freezing.
• Plant hibiscus where it can receive the benefit of reflected heat, such as against a white wall.
• Hibiscus are very showy when planted in an entry way or as a landscape accent.
• Tropical hibiscus require excellent drainage. It's native soil is volcanic.
• The giant white fly is a recent pest in Southern California gardens. Hang yellow sticky traps near plants and encourage beneficial insects to dine by planting fennel, dill and coreopsis near by.
• Tropical hibiscus requires night-time temperatures of 60 degrees or above to flourish. When the temperature drops below 30 degrees, cover plants or bring indoors.

[Denyse]

on 10/10/2007 what can be the temperature in the winter (room) for the hibiscus as I have 5 to bring in and if I can only leave them in the garage and heat it up a bit

Please