Hibiscus care, the plant with a thousand flowers

It is the perfect plant to add a tropical or Mediterranean touch to any space. Showy and colorful, there is another aspect that makes this bush one of the most coveted. Hibiscus care is highly affordable for any level of gardening. Actually, it is enough to know the peculiarities of its cultivation in order to fully enjoy an incredibly beautiful plant. One that, with a little pampering, will bloom from mid-spring to even early fall.

Although its flowering is the most spectacular, there are other reasons to fall in love with one of the most beautiful shrubs. And it is that, if we follow the care of the hibiscus to the letter, we can enjoy seeing it grow until it reaches even five meters in height. Dimensions that are slightly reduced if we grow it in a pot. If it is done in this type of container, it will only reach two meters. A height that is not bad either!

Whether we plant it in the garden or grow it on a terrace, one thing is certain: we will enjoy its intensely green foliage and its beautiful flowering. Something that happens, solely, to know what their needs are.

6 HIBISCUS CARE THAT WE MUST FOLLOW

Before going into detail on hibiscus care, it is important to know a little more about the plant. Only by discovering its origins will we get an idea of ​​its cultivation requirements. Although it is one of those outdoor plants that are part of our landscape, the truth is that the hibiscus is an import. And not from places related to our meteorology, no. It actually comes from latitudes as far away from us as Jamaica, Hawaii or tropical China. Something that, logically, largely marks the care of the hibiscus and even baptizes the plant. And we say this because, although its popular name is hibiscus or hibiscus, the truth is that it is also known as Chinese rose or flower of Jamaica.

In addition to its beauty, there is another aspect that makes the hibiscus a plant that yes or yes you have to have. The range of colors of its flowering is very wide, so it can be enjoyed in shades as disparate as pastel yellow or intense fuchsia. A wonderful facility of nature for us to enjoy in the color that we like the most.

1. Light, the most important care of the hibiscus

Considering its origins, it’s only logical to begin the hibiscus care list with the topic of light. Given its tropical character, the hibiscus demands high doses of light. But be careful: let’s not confuse this with direct light, as it can burn your bloom.

If, due to the location, it has to receive direct sun, the ideal is that it be the first hours of the day. A light whose main characteristic is its intensity, of a medium nature.

2. Temperature, an aspect to watch closely

It is probably the most demanding aspect in the care of the hibiscus. Due to its origins, it is a cold plant. A feature that makes it in its sauce in ranges between 13 and 21 degrees. A temperature for which it is even common to grow indoors in very cold climates.

And what if it’s not in that temperature range? If it is exposed to more degrees, it will always have to be protected from the sun. And, if it is exposed to lower temperatures, we will have to be careful with its great enemy: frost. If you have it planted in the garden directly on the ground, it will be essential to protect it in winter.

3. Irrigation, another fundamental hibiscus care

We said that hibiscus care is not very demanding, but an exception must be made. With regard to irrigation, we are talking about a plant that needs a lot of attention in the hot months. The ideal is to keep the substrate with a certain constant humidity since it begins to bloom. And it’s logical: maintaining that level of constant flowering is only possible when you have enough nutrients for it.

But be careful: let’s not confuse watering with flooding. Because, as much as it may seem like a good idea, it is not. The roots are sensitive to excess water. A compelling reason why it is not too much to plant it in a mixture of sandy substrate or, failing that, to make it well drained.

In addition to this, the hibiscus appreciates environmental humidity. One reason why it is common to see it in gardens and terraces in the north of Spain. If we do not live in these areas, it will be enough to spray water on high temperature days on its leaves. And again: without soaking them. The idea is just to cool them down.

4. Fertilizer, essential for growth and flowering

One of the hibiscus care that we have to contemplate to enjoy its flowering. And it is that giving flowers supposes a real effort for the plants and a waste of energy. A compelling reason for us to consider applying a regular dose of fertilizer from the beginning of spring.

Doing so will not only help in its growth, which is of a rapid nature. It will also give the plant enough energy to bloom steadily well into fall. Although you can use a slow-release universal fertilizer, the truth is that the ideal is to opt for a specific one for this type of shrub. And how often to pay? Simple: since it begins to bloom, every 15 days.

5. Pruning, another care that favors the flowering of the hibiscus

A care that has an aesthetic function but also seeks to make our bush flourish even more.

Hibiscus pruning timing is slightly different than other shrubs. Although it is usual to prune bushes and trees in July, the hibiscus goes beyond that norm. The ideal is to do it at the beginning of spring, always avoiding frosts that catch us by surprise and compromise their health. Ideally, cut back the previous year’s shoots and remove dead and damaged branches. It is also a good time to do a clean-up pruning on the inside of the plant. In this way and eliminating old branches, we will allow the others to have enough space to grow.

6. Plagues, a chapter to watch closely

It is inevitable to talk about them in the care of the hibiscus. And it is that if we humans find it an irresistible plant, it happens to insects similarly. Eliminating garden pests is essential for any plant, but even more so in the case of hibiscus. And the reason is simple: a good number of them can attack you.

The most common pests are aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. However, and only when the weather is very dry, the whitefly can also make an appearance. In any of the cases, it is essential that we stop the invasion as soon as we detect its presence. Only then can we save our plant.

HIBISCUS GROWING PROBLEMS: WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT?

In general, the hibiscus does not usually present many problems that could alarm us. It is characterized by being a simple plant to care for but, above all, very resistant. However, there are two scenarios that can occur and that usually worry those who grow it. And nothing like knowing what is happening to you to take action on the matter.

1. Yellow Hibiscus Leaves

When they appear, it is due to excess watering. Ideally, let the substrate dry slightly before watering again and even check if the drainage is fulfilling its mission.

2. Flowers fall off without opening

One of the most common «evils» of the hibiscus. When this happens, it is a response of our plant to an excessively dry climate or being exposed to cold. If it is due to the first, we can solve it by spraying water on the leaves on a regular basis. If it is the latter, the ideal is that we change our hibiscus location so that it is at the temperature it needs.

And now that you know the care of the hibiscus, do you dare to include it among your plants? You will enjoy its incredible beauty without having to pay too much attention to it!