How to Grow Scented Hibiscus
Most species of hibiscus, although very beautiful and exotic, do not have a scent. However, there is one native Hawaiian species that has a scent. It's an attractive white hibiscus with a red stamen called the Hibiscus waimeae. It is native to Kauai, and it has a light, refreshing, lovely fragrance. But you'll need to live in a climate like Hawaii to be successful with this special plant, and you'll need to scout around for plants, since this hibiscus is rare, but not endangered. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Hibiscus waimeae plant
- Tropical climate atmosphere
- Well-draining garden soil
- Perlite or vermiculite
- Peat moss
- Compost
Instructions
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Select a healthy-looking plant that is not too small at a specialty nursery or through a plant catalog or website.
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Choose a spot in your tropical landscape that gets direct sun at least 6 hours each day. A few cloudy days now and then won't hurt its ability to do well and to flower.
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Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your young hibiscus.
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Mix some compost, a little peat moss and some perlite or vermiculite into the hole you have dug.
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Place your hibiscus plant into the hole you have dug, and then tap the soil down around its base so it sits securely.
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Water your new planting well, and keep it moist until new growth begins to appear. After that, this plant is very adaptable to dry spells as well as the drenching rains that can occur in tropical climates.
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To stimulate blooming, use a low-nitrogen "blossom booster" commercial fertilizer in the early spring just as it begins to get flower buds.
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Prune this hibiscus to keep it from becoming too tall, leggy or out of control. It can reach heights of up to 10 feet.
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Tips & Warnings
This hibiscus can be propagated by cuttings or by collecting the seeds it will form if it's healthy. To start seeds, soak them for 12 hours in water before planting them in small nursery pots containing a light, well-draining potting mix that you should keep moist until sprouting occurs.
If you live in an area that has the Chinese rose beetle, it can cause holes in the foliage of most hibiscus species. To control this pest, rig up a light over the plant, since this will deter the creatures during their nighttime feeding frenzy.
