Tips for Growing Hibiscus

The Hibiscus produces the most brilliant flowers in your fall garden.  Getting the full effect of the plant is not a difficult task. The main points to consider are site, proper feeding, and insect control. This article will offer tips for growing the most beautiful hibiscus plants. 

The hibiscus is a perennial, sun loving plant. Actually it is considered an herbaceous perennial, which means; it will die back completely to the ground during the winter but will come back strong when the soil warms in the spring. The shrub thrives on well draining, fertile sandy loams but will do well in most average soils. For full flower production make sure the hibiscus is growing in full sunlight. Even slight shade will cause shoots not to ripen well and impair flowering. Once the hibiscus is growing in the right spot follow a proper feeding schedule.

Setting up a feeding program for the hibiscus is quite easy. They like to drink lots of water. Water regularly during the spring and summer months. To help newly planted hibiscus recover quickly watch the leaves for signs of wilting. Wilting leaves is a sign that the plant needs water. Use an all-purpose plant food such as fish blood and bone meal in the spring and again in the summer. Yellowing of the leaves is a sign that the hibiscus needs plant food. A growing hibiscus needs lots of water and bit of plant food to reach their full potential but watch out for those pesky insects.

The hibiscus main insect threat is aphids. Aphids are small sap sucking insects. They are one the greatest threats to cultivated plants in temperate regions. Aphids can be controlled in a variety of ways. First is chemical pesticides, second is the use of eco-friendly plant extracts, third is to introduce a natural predator, such as, the lacewing into the environment. Horticultural soap that is sold commercially works well controlling aphid populations on hibiscus plants.

As you can tell from these tips, growing hibiscus plants is not difficult at all. With the right location and feeding schedule, as well as, a keen eye watching out for those pesky aphids, your hibiscus will thrive. A thriving hibiscus is a site to behold with large colorful flowers blooming from late summer into the fall.