How to care for hibiscus

Hibiscus is a flowering type of tree or shrub. While there are many things that are great about hibiscus, one of the better features is that it can draw hummingbirds to it.

Hibiscus is known for its color and unique shape. The tropical (Chinese) hibiscus is capable of growing quite high, and has wonderfully large, bright-colored flowers that can reach six to twelve inches in diameter.

Read on to learn some tips about how to care for hibiscus.

Watering hibiscus

These plants need to receive one inch of rainfall every week, at a minimum. A garden hose or watering pot can be used to substitute some or all of this, if there is insufficient rain during the week.

Hibiscus should always be damp, but use care not to excessively drench it with water. As always, it can be tricky to find the right balance. Use your experience and best judgement. If you pay close attention, you can "read" your plants to determine if they're too dry or too wet.

Temperature

It is essential to prevent these type of plants from becoming too cold. If the temperature drops below forty degrees (Fahrenheit), it needs to be taken inside a building or otherwise given protection from the cold air. Even in the far southern United States, this may be a problem at night or during the winter. Putting mulch around its base can help protect it, to some extent.

In northern states and Canada they can be grown in a pot, kept outside in the summer, and brought into the home or greenhouse during the rest of the year. However, in regions where temperatures always stay above freezing, the hibiscus can grow perennially outdoors without such concerns or extra measures to care for them.

Vermin

Butterflies are attracted to these plants, but so are a few different types of pest insects. The most common type of pest you should watch for are aphids, a very small kind of insect which feeds on plants.

Flower care

The flowers can be removed for putting in an arrangement, but usually wilt within a day. Keeping these in cold air makes them last longer. Avoid removing leaves from these plants when taking flowers from them. It is unnecessary to put the flowers in a container of water.

Other tips

Each month during the spring, summer, and early autumn, a minimal amount of fertilizer may be applied, especially if it is in a pot. Be sure to shield it from heavy wind, and keep it in a location with plenty of sunlight.

Keeping these tips on how to care for hibiscus in mind should help you protect your tropical or Chinese hibiscus from damage, successfully enhance its growth, and improve its level of flowering.