Grow Hibiscus Outdoors
The bright, showy blooms of the hibiscus plant are prized by gardeners who want to add a tropical feel to their landscapes. The genus boasts several hundred species, from dwarf varieties that grow to between 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 m) to plants that can exceed 8 feet (2.4 m) in height. There are 2 types of hibiscus common to gardeners: tropical and hardy. While hardy species of the plant can withstand temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees F (-9 to -7 degrees C), tropical varieties will die in zones where temperatures fall below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C). For this reason, many people find that planting hibiscus in containers outdoors is optimal, as they can be moved indoors in frost conditions. Follow these growing guidelines for both container plants and ground plants to successfully add hibiscus to your outdoor space.
Contents
Steps
Grow Hibiscus in Containers
- Choose a container. Plant your hibiscus in a pot that is at least 10 inches (25.4 cm) in diameter, or twice the size of the root ball. The container should have drainage holes.
- Add potting soil mixture. Choose a soil that is loamy and well draining. A mixture of 2 parts potting soil, 1 part river sand and 1 part peat moss works well, as hibiscus prefer to be well-drained and aerated.
- Plant the hibiscus in the soil, with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of the top of the root ball exposed.
- Place your hibiscus in full sun (at least 6 hours) in your outdoor area.
- Water your hibiscus frequently enough to keep the soil moist, but not wet. Frequency will depend upon placement of your plant and how much sunlight it receives. Some experts recommend a drip-feed watering system to regulate the moisture.
- Apply fertilizer specified for hibiscus. Use a 7-2-7 fertilizer, as hibiscus plants prefer a lower amount of phosphorous and only slightly acidic soil. Fertilize once every 2 weeks. Container plants require extra fertilization due to a smaller absorption area.
- Prune your hibiscus in the spring. Remove all yellowed leaves, and trim back any leggy or sagging branches with pruning shears.
- Transport pots inside during winter if temperatures in your area fall below 40 degrees F (4 degrees C).
Grow Hibiscus in the Ground
- Plant your hibiscus in a sunny location. The plants prefer full sun, but in hot climates, hibiscus will grow in light shade.
- Choose an area with well-draining soil. Plant the hibiscus in soil that does not hold water when it rains. If the area retains any water, you may choose to amend the ground with at least 2 to 3 inches (5.08 to 7.62 cm) of organic material, such as sand, peat moss or manure, prior to planting. This will allow for improved drainage.
- Water your hibiscus frequently enough to keep the ground soil moist.
- Prune the plants in the spring with pruning shears. It is not necessary to remove flowers. Trim only areas of the hibiscus that have become leggy.
Tips
- Hibiscus are prone to aphids and fungus, as any other woody perennial. If yellowing of the leaves occurs or you see spots on the leaves of your plant, apply insecticide for hibiscus per package instructions.
- When planting hibiscus in containers, choose side drainage holes if possible, as they aerate the plant more efficiently.
- When hibiscus are in full bloom, you may cut the flowers for show without harming the plant.
- Attempting to grow in-ground hibiscus in U.S. hardiness zones that receive frequent frosts will most likely result in the plant dying. Choose to plant your hibiscus in portable pots if you live in any of these zones.
Things You'll Need
- Pot with drainage holes
- Potting soil
- Organic compost/sand/peat moss
- Pruning shears
