How to Grow Hibiscus

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If you are looking for something bright and colourful for your garden then you will not go far wrong with choosing to grow hibiscus plants. These beautiful plants come in an amazing array of colours, meaning they can really be a welcome addition to any garden craving a splash of colour. As long as they are looked after properly these plants can be long lasting, blooming year after year.

The hibiscus plant is a tropical shrub however it is possible to grow hibiscus can be grown all year around as long as they are planted in an area with minimal frost during the winter seasons If there is a risk that they will be subjected to frost they should be planted in pots. This means that during the colder season you can cover the pots and give your flowers maximum protection against any frost; straw or mulch is a good barrier against the cold. If it is going to be extremely cold it is wise to bring your pots inside the house!

On the opposite end of the scale with new plants it is vital that they do not get exposed to too much sunlight at first. I know this sounds absurd however strong sunlight can damage there delicate petals so you should grow them in a slightly shaded area of your garden until they become accustomed to their new surroundings, this is especially true if you are transplanting them into the ground.

When it comes to the soil you use to grow hibisucus you need to choose a soil that drains well. This is essential as if left in soggy soil their roots will become damaged and may rot. Try and use a mix of sand and top soil as well as peat moss or compost if you can. It really will give your plants the best chance of survival. If yo you are planting in pots then perlite can be used as an alternative to soil as it is much lighter; making moving your pots around much easier.

Once your plants are planted you need to make sure that they are fertilized regularly, Try and use a balanced fertilizer such as 10 10 10, with added trace elements. If you can not find this you could try a low-phosphate fertilizer such as a 7-2-7 fertilizer. Spray the leaves of your plant with fertilizer liquid also. To avoid a leafy plant with no blooms do you use a fertilizer than is higher in nitrogen than in any other nutrient.

To stimulate growth of your plant and to maintain its shape you should prune it often, especially if kept in a pot. Do not prune during colder months as frost can easily damage any new growth. To prune you plant you need to cut the branch just above the eye of the plant, make sure the eye is pointing in your desired growth direction. Your new growth will stem from this eye and then this should bloom around 12 weeks later.

Whenever you grow hibiscus you end up with beautiful plants and this makes them very desirable by many insects. Aphids, Mealy bugs and white flies amongst others will try and infest your plant and this is something you need to keep an eye out for. If you notice that your plant is infested their are 2 ways you can treat this. For mealy bugs and white flies spray oil finely onto the leaves, aphids can be removed by spraying with soapy water (One tablespoon of soap for each gallon of water)

These flowers do require a lot of care but they will bloom year in year out into fantastic looking flowers that will be a welcome addition to your garden.