Hardy Hibiscus 
Hibiscus flowers range from 3-4 inches across to the proverbial dinner plate, 8-12 inches in diameter. In the center of each flower, you'll find a prominent pistil and stamen structure. Color variations range from hot pink, raspberry, mauve, dusty rose and plum. The blooms of many varieties have a dark red center and a few feature a ruffled edge. While each bloom only lasts one day, hardy hibiscus is prolific, sometimes producing more than a hundred blooms in a season.
Tips for Growing Hibiscus
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Hibiscus grows best in sun. |
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| Soil |
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Hibiscus prefers fertile, well-drained, light soil. |
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| Spacing |
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Spacing varies with each variety. |
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The tag will indicate the mature height and width of the foliage. |
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| Planting |
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Prepare the garden by removing existing vegetation. |
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Till the soil 10" deep; amend existing soil with organic matter such as peat moss or manure. |
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Dig a hole large enough to fit the root ball at the same depth as it was planted in the container. |
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| Mulch |
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Mulch with 1-2" of organic mulch. |
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Mulching cools the soil, conserves water and helps control weeds. |
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Apply Preen in the spring to help control weeds. |
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| Watering |
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After planting, water well. |
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Once established, Hibiscus generally requires an average of 1" of moisture per week. |
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| Fertilizer |
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Fertilize with a granular fertilizer such as Bachman’s 10–20–10 each spring. |
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| Grooming |
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Remove spent flower stems after blooming. |
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Regularly weed the garden throughout the summer. |
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| Winter Care |
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Mulch with straw or chopped leaves 4–6' inches deep after several hard frosts, when the ground is frozen. |
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Uncover in early spring once the ground begins to thaw. |
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Remove dead stems from the previous year's growth. |
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Hibiscus begin to sprout in early summer, usually late May into June. |
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Troubleshooting Problems with Hibiscus
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Problem
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Cause(s)
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Solution(s)
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Japanese Beetle  |
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Insect feeds on flowers and leaves. |
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Related Bachman's Information
Bachman's Floral, Gift & Garden Centers
Your local garden expert since 1885.
bachmans.com | ©Bachman's 2012
Select source information provided by the University of Minnesota Extension, www.extension.umn.edu.
Last Updated: March 2012
