If you are looking for dramatic flowers, consider tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). The trumpet-shaped flowers are 3 to 8 inches in diameter with dramatic protruding stamens. Flowers are produced constantly, but each blossom lasts only one day. These plants can grow as high as 15 feet in good garden locations. In colder climates are often planted as container specimens that are either replanted annually or brought indoors during the cold months.
How to Grow Tropical Hibiscus
In warmer climates, tropical hibiscus is grown as a perennial garden plant and is used as a woody shrub for hedges and screens. In colder climates, it is often planted in large containers as a patio or deck specimen. Tropical hibiscus can grow as high as 12 or 15 feet, but when brought indoors, it is usually trimmed back to 5 or 6 feet.
Tropical hibiscus is generally free of pests and diseases, but try to maintain consistent soil moisture and air temperature to help prevent yellow leaves. Spider mites and aphids are common insect pests. Plants can develop bacterial diseases due to transmission from insects, rain, and fog; symptoms are leaf wilt, dwarfing, stem rot, and distortion of leaves.
Light
While most plant tags will tell you that tropical hibiscus takes full sun to partial sun, in reality, if you live somewhere hot and bright, you should go more towards a partial sun location. In Northern climates, however, your hibiscus will probably be happier in full sun. If your outdoor plant is consistently producing hibiscus flowers, it is happy, so keep doing what you’re doing. If your plant is not producing buds and flowers, try moving it into an area that has either more or less sunlight.
Soil
For growing in a container, use a well-drained potting mix, preferably one noted for tropical plants. Outdoors, your soil should have lots of organic matter, and it helps to add a layer of compost.
Fertilizer
When you buy a potted hibiscus, it likely has a slow-release fertilizer mixed into the soil so it will not require much feeding in the first few months. After that, regular feeding with a diluted fish emulsion fertilizer will keep in blooming vigorously.
Planting Hibiscus in Pots
Plant hibiscus in a pot filled with a lightweight, well-drained potting mix, such as a product that contains compost and perlite or vermiculite.
Although tropical hibiscus loves sunlight, it helps to place a newly-planted hibiscus in the shade for about two weeks so the plant has time to adjust, then move it into bright sunlight.
Be sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom to prevent root rot and other diseases caused by poorly drained soil and excess moisture.
Hibiscus Container Care
Growing tropical hibiscus in containers can be tricky. The plant requires consistent watering because potting mixture dries quickly and tropical hibiscus tends to turn yellow and drop flower buds without adequate water. Check the plant often because it may require watering twice daily during hot, sunny weather.
Tropical hibiscus requires nitrogen and high levels of potassium. Feed the plant lightly but regularly, using a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for hibiscus. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer, which lasts for up to six weeks.
Varieties of Tropical Hibiscus
You will enjoy browsing for different varieties of tropical hibiscus, and there are ones with either single or double flowers. Consider these:
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis “Bonjour” constantly blooms with red and pink flowers. It grows 4 to 6 feet in height.
- Hibiscus sinensis “Magic Moment” has 10-inch flowers in hues of peach, orange, pink, and light purple, on plants growing up to 8 feet tall.
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis “Cajun Cocktail” has lovely variegated blooms 6 inches wide, with no two blooms exactly alike.