How to Grow a Hibiscus Privacy Hedge

Hibiscus provides privacy when planted as hedges.

Hibiscus is known for the abundance of showy flowers that cover the plant for weeks, months or even all year in some tropical areas. This fast-growing genus includes hundreds of varieties that range in height and growth habits, as well as blossom type and colors. They work well as a living privacy wall planted around decks, gardens or other outdoor living areas. Several hibiscus of the same variety can be used to form hedges.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Measuring tape
• Mulch
• Fertilizer
• Pruners

Instructions

1. Select a site with well-draining soil and full sun for ultimate growth on the hibiscus shrubs. Choose a site that gets at least several hours of sunlight per day, and amend the soil with organic matter. If there is no suitable natural location, used well-drained soil to create a raised bed for the plants.

2. Measure the distance you want for the hedge, and divide that number by the width of a fully grown single hibiscus. The result is the number of individual plants you will need to create a privacy wall. It should work out to approximately one plant every 3 to 4 feet.

3. Dig planting holes for each hibiscus at a depth equal to the container or root ball, and at least 12 inches wider. Space the plants 3 to 4 feet apart for hedges.

4. Remove the hibiscus from the container unless the container is made from a biodegradable material. Examine the roots. Cut off frail or damaged roots,and loosen any tangled roots.

5. Place the hibiscus in the hole and adjust the height until it rests at the same level in the ground as it previously grew. Add or remove soil from beneath the root ball to adjust the height.

6. Backfill the hole until it is halfway full. Fill the hole with water to remove any air in the soil. Finish filling the hole, then soak each hibiscus plant well to settle them in place.

7. Cover the area beneath the hibiscus's canopy with organic mulch, such as bark, needles or leaves. Keep the mulch away from the stems of the hibiscus to prevent rot.

8. Water the hibiscus weekly during any dry periods from the time it is planted until fall. Hibiscuses need rainfall at a rate of 1 inch per week, or enough supplemental watering to dampen the soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches.

9. Apply a fertilizer, such as 15-5-15 or 15-5-10, three or four times a year. Apply the fertilizer as directed on the label at the beginning of spring, after the initial growth flush. The other two applications must be in the middle of summer and early winter.

10. Prune the hibiscus throughout the growing season to remove damaged, dead and touching branches. Do any heavy pruning for shaping annually in early spring, since blossoms emerge from new growth.

Tips & Warnings

• Some hibiscus varieties are not available in all regions. Don't pick dwarf- or low-growing varieties if you need hedges several feet high. Check the mature size listed on the plant's tag and select hibiscus tall enough for your needs.

• Obtain and transplant the hibiscus on the same day or as soon as possible. Otherwise, water the plants as needed until planting.

• Hibiscus generally does not survive a hard freeze--below 25 degrees F. Cover with a tarp and use strings of Christmas lights for extra freezing protection. Hibiscus can be grown in pots and moved inside in cooler climate areas.

References

• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service: Hibiscus
• University of Florida Extension; Hibiscus in Florida; D. L. Ingram, et al.; October 2003
• National Gardening Association: Hibiscus

Resources

• Lowe's: Growing Trees and Shrubs as Privacy Screens
• American Hibiscus Society