How to Grow Southern Belle Hibiscus
Southern Belle hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos "Southern Belle") is a showy shrub with bright green leaves and blooms that grow to nearly a foot in diameter. The enormous blooms are available in various shades of red, white and pink. They appear toward the end of summer and add color to the garden until fall's arrival. Southern Belle hibiscus plants grow up to 6 feet tall and 6 feet in diameter. They do best in full or part sun and soil that remains evenly moist. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Spade
- Mulch
- Plant stakes
- Balanced fertilizer
- Garden twine
- Pruning shears
Instructions
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Dig a hole the same depth and two times as wide as the plant's root ball.
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Set the root ball into the hole at its original depth and use the loose soil to backfill.
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3
Water deeply and spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch under the plant, taking care to keep it at least two inches from the shrub's stem.
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4
Provide supplemental water once each week during the growing season. Add enough water to moisten the soil down to the roots.
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5
Feed once every six weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
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Position a plant stake behind each stem when buds start to form. Attach the stake loosely with garden twine.
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Snip off blooms with pruning shears as they fade, to encourage the development of new flowers.
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8
Examine the foliage often for insect damage. Ask your local extension agent for treatment suggestions that are specific to your location and climate.
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Trim the stems of Southern Belle hibiscus back to soil level in mid- to late fall.
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Apply a 4- to 6-inch layer of mulch over the plant's root zone in late fall if you live in an area with harsh winter weather. Remove the mulch in spring, when there is no longer a threat of hard frost.
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Tips & Warnings
Southern Belle hibiscus is hardy throughout U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 4 to 10.
