The U. S. Department of Agriculture lists 49 species of the genus Hibiscus L., or rosemallow. The two kinds of the plant are hardy and tropical. The kind that is hardy over-winters properly to Zone 5. Hibiscus has boring, medium-green leaves in heart designs and creates red, pink or white blooms the size of dinner plates. Hibiscus has shiny leaves, deep-green and 3 to 6 inch flowers in shades of red, blue, lavender, pink, yellow, orange or salmon; some types have blooms. Tropicals over-winter properly only in Zone 10 and over and needs to be developed in a container in Zone 8.
Hardy Hibiscus in Zone 8
Plant hibiscus outside nearly any time of the year except winter. Space them 3 to 6 feet in the nearest shrub, tree or creating in partial to full sunlight. Plant the very top of the root ball level with all the floor in a hole two or 3 times as broad as the root ball. Fill in the hole with soil, pack and water.
Water the hibiscus frequently enough so the soil is constantly moist but never wet. Water them less in the winter months.
Fertilize hibiscus every two months with an all purpose plant food throughout the growing period.
Prune hibiscus as-needed above a side shoot just with sharp pruning shears. Judicious pruning of big, internal branches close to the floor aids market a complete plant because branches seem at each cut.
Inspect the plant frequently for pests, aphids, whiteflies and particularly mealybugs. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
If temperatures are are anticipated to fall below 30 degrees Fahrenheit cover the hibiscus.
Tropical Hibiscus in Zone 8
Plant tropical hibiscus in Zone 8 any period of the year in a big pot with drainage holes in the underside. Make sure that the surface of the root ball is one or two inches below the rim of the pot. With planting medium, fill in round the root ball, pack it and water it.
Place the container. The root ball is exposed by containers to temperatures that are extreme than in-ground crops, therefore place containers in a more shady location.
Water frequently and keep the soil moist but never wet. Water less throughout the winter but donât allow the soil dry entirely.
Fertilize your hibiscus with allpurpose plant food throughout the growing period.
Keep it to its area and prune hibiscus asneeded to sustain its form. Trim with sharp pruning shears above a side shoot. Prune big, interior branches nearby the s Oil to aid advertise fullness.
Prune small branches to only 4 or 5″ in the stems when temperatures are predicted to fall below 4-0 to 4-5 levels Fahrenheit, and b-ring containers in-doors. In-door places that are light glowingly with either sunlight or fluorescent lights. Keep in door temperatures between 7 and 5 5 levels Fahrenheit.
Inspect your hibiscus frequently for white-flies, mealybugs and aphids. Treat infested crops with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Before bringing containers in doors for the cold temperatures eliminate any pests.