Hibiscus are among the trickiest plants to grow. They are known to flourish well in full sun. They are also known to do better in well-drained soil.
To better the results, it is essential to understand the best way of planting. These are a few steps that can guide you.
Steps on how to plant hibiscus
Step 1: Choose the plant.
The first step of growing any plant is to choose from a variety. There are different varieties of the hibiscus plant. The colors and the flowing appearances differentiate them. The preference of an individual is a significant determinant in the selection.
But the look of a hibiscus plant should be independent of the selection. It is essential to consider other factors, such as the local environment.
Two types of hibiscus plants survive in different environments. This includes the hardy and the tropical hibiscus. There are two factors to consider.
Consider the local weather.
Tropical hibiscus should be selected for warm weather. The plant should not be introduced in areas with cold temperatures. Areas above 50 °F (10 °C) are preferred. The hardy hibiscus can be introduced in colder temperatures. These include areas with winter seasons and freezing temperatures.
Consider the blooming
The selection should also consider the blooming. Some people prefer plants that bloom faster and are plentiful like the Magnolia tree. This is primarily the tropical hibiscus. They have beautiful flowers in pink, peach, and purple colors.
This is different from the hardy hibiscus. It takes longer to bloom. Hibiscus have red, white, and pink flowers which are similar to Rose of Sharon. It is good to have this knowledge when making the selection.
Step 2: Decide how to grow your hibiscus
How you grow the hibiscus is also very critical. This comes after the proper selection of the hibiscus. There are three ways that a hibiscus plant can be grown.
- From a seed
- From a transplant
- From a cutting
Growing hibiscus from a seed
Using a seed is among the most common methods of growing a hibiscus. This is preferred because the planters can always select a new type of hibiscus. A gardener can have a variety of seeds to include in the selection.
However, some gardeners do not prefer growing from seed because of the work involved. It also has a high risk of failing to be successful. That is why gardeners prefer other methods, including already-established hibiscus.
Growing hibiscus from a transplant
Another most used method for growing the hibiscus is a transplant. These are pre-existing potted hibiscus that has been prepared in a garden. Transplantation is the only challenge. It requires the gardener to take extra care to avoid damage.
Growing hibiscus from a cutting
Some people prefer sourcing for cuttings to grow the hibiscus. But this is the least recommended method of growing the hibiscus. It has a very low success rate.
It requires specific conditions that might need to be met. It is recommended only to use this method if it is the only one available for growing hibiscus.
Step 3: Decide when and where to plant
It would help if you decided when and where you plan to grow the hibiscus. This is very important because it determines the success rate. When and where to plant may also be decided by several factors.
Among them include the temperatures. The type of hibiscus determines the best location to grow them.
Please take note of the two types of hibiscuses and how they are fair in different temperatures. It is recommended to avoid planting tropical hibiscus outdoors when it is winter.
The hibiscus may do well indoors in such weather. But the choice of the hardy hibiscus may help in this case. They can be planted in cold weather and do well.
Step 4: Select the planting location
Choosing a perfect location is necessary for a hibiscus plant to do well. The tropical hibiscus is considered sun-loving.
They are, therefore, better placed where they can access direct sunlight. A tropical hibiscus should have access to 4-6 hours of direct sunlight.
It may also be necessary to find a good shade for the hibiscus. This is good for preventing the scorching sun from burning the plant.
The shade helps to protect the flowers from drying up. The shade also works well to preserve essential moisture for the plant.
Some hibiscus plants grow very big. They can live for over 40 years. The hibiscus can develop into a large bushy plant. That is why it is necessary to find a permanent location for them.
The selected location should also be spacious. It allows for proper growth of the plant within minimum interference.
The need for good drainage is also a determinant factor. Any hibiscus requires proper drainage. It is also good to avoid sandy areas. This sand soil can drain away the required moisture and limit plant growth.
Step 5: Soil Amendment
It is also necessary to consider amending the soil before growing the hibiscus. The hibiscus requires specific soil requirements. Amending the soil includes including more nutrients.
Acidic soils are considered better for hibiscus plants. The gardener should test soil pH before planting. Adding more acidity is necessary to achieve the desired quality.
The use of fertilizer and organic manure has also been recommended when growing hibiscus. The fertilizer adds more nutrients for proper blooming. Fertilizers rich in phosphorus and potassium are the most recommended.
Mixing the soil with compost is also recommended. The organic elements are suitable for faster blooming.
Step 6: Dig a hole and plant the hibiscus
The next step is to dig a hole for the hibiscus. The holes can be dug using a shovel. The roots of the hibiscus plant should dictate the size of the hole. It is also good to have enough loose soil around the hibiscus plant.
A hibiscus plant should be planted –3 feet below the surface. This allows for better drainage and growth of the plant. The holes should be at least 2 meters away. This is to allow for space for growth and flowering.
Each hibiscus plant should be planted in one hole. The hole should be properly filled with soil. It is essential to avoid over-covering the plant.
The hole should also be appropriately watered before and after planting the hibiscus. It is essential to prevent shock on the plant once it is transplanted into the hole.
How to take care of an outdoor hibiscus plant
Tip # 1: Provide enough room to grow
There are different ways of caring for the hibiscus plants. The first thing is ensuring the plant has enough room to grow. It should also be necessary to ensure proper soil drainage for plant safety.
Tip # 2: Proper Pruning
Pruning the hibiscus plant has been recommended. This is especially in seasons when the plant blooms. Pruning the plant once or twice per year is recommended. It also gives the plant some room for flowering.
Tip # 3: Adding nutrients
Caring for the hibiscus plants outdoors also requires adding essential nutrients to the soil. Phosphorus and potassium are among the significant nutritional requirements for these plants.
Selecting a suitable soil amendment is necessary. It is also necessary to know the right time for soil amendment.
Do hibiscus plants come back every year?
Hibiscus plants are different in the way they grow. Tropical plants do well during hot weather. There is also the hardy plant that does well in winter. This means that the hibiscus plants can grow all year.
Experts indicate that most of the hibiscus plants come back in spring. They stay green during this season. But they also suffer the cold weather.
Finding a way to move these plants indoors when winter approaches is advisable. This ensures that the plants grow all season.
Do hibiscus plants survive winter?
Winter is the most challenging season for hibiscus plants to grow. But these plants can also survive during the cold seasons.
How you handle the plant is of the essence. The hardy plants can do well even when outdoors. But the tropical hibiscus may not survive during the winter.
The tropical hibiscus requires extra care to survive the winter. The plant can be moved indoors for ideal conditions to bloom.
Tropical plants lose leaves during the winter. Moving these plants is necessary to protect the flowers in such cold weather.
Should you plant hibiscus in the ground or pots?
Where you plant the hibiscus is an excellent determinant of its success in growth. The hibiscus does well when potted. This is because it can be appropriately cared for under controlled environments.
They are also more accessible for the gardener to manage when in containers. It isn’t easy to care for hibiscus planted on the ground. This is because they cannot be moved when necessary.
Is Miracle Grow suitable for hibiscus?
Caring for hibiscus also requires adding fertilizer. The miracle grow is one of the best elements recommended for hibiscus plants.
This is considered a flower food for the hibiscus plants. It is easy to feed the plant. It can also be easily mixed with water and other elements for better results.
The balanced formulation of nutrients is the most significant advantage of using miracle go. It has enough content of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
These are considered very important for the flowering process. It is also considered an excellent element for promoting green foliage.
Overall, knowing the type of hibiscus plants you select is vital. This determines many factors, including the planting time, location, and care needed. The two main types include the perennial or tropical hibiscus.