Hibiscus Plants

A garden patch of hibiscus plants is a wonderful and colorful sight to see. There are hundreds of species of this flowering plant genus with each species known for its showy flowers. Though one is inclined to think that hibiscus plants are flowering shrubs used in landscaping, hibiscus plants have been used for paper making, tea and food.

1. What Kind of Hibiscus are These?: Although there are over 300 species of hibiscus plants, there are only two major types of hibiscus: tropical hibiscus and hardy hibiscus. Tropical hibiscus grows in the tropics and stays green all year through. Hardy or perennial hibiscus grow in the temperature zones and die during the winter then surface again in spring. In between are the hybrids and more exotic varieties. (www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com)

2. Difference Between a Hardy Hibiscus and a Tropical Hibiscus: The main difference between these two major varieties of hibiscus is their temperature tolerance. Tropical hibiscus thrives in warmer climate (hardiness zones 9-11) while hardy hibiscus thrives in hardiness zones 5 to 8. This website differentiates the plant types, blooms, leaves and care for both types of hibiscus. (www.homeguides.sfgate.com)

3. Hibiscus Varieties A-Z: There are more than 300 known species of hibiscus and most are hybrids by talented “gardeners” and by nature. There are red hibiscus, blue, white, pink, brown, orange, yellow, double hibiscus, giant hibiscus and mini hibiscus. On this website are hibiscus named from A to Z, sold by one nursery. With species named as Mr. Bojangles, Greenie Meenie and Orange Truffle, shopping for one could be quite exciting. (www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com)

4. I have heard hibiscus as described as flamboyant flowers: Well, they are! Hibiscus blooms are unique and colorful. Growing a batch is not impossible as once, a hibiscus plant is established, and it will thrive and bloom for years to come. This website presents a discussion on how to plant and care for hibiscus plants. Preparation of the soil and correct fertilize mix are discussed. (www.home-herb-garden.com)

5. Plant Care Guides: Another name for tropical hibiscus is Chinese hibiscus. These trumpet-shaped flowers plants can grow up to 15-feet with flowers of 6 inches in diameter. They could be planted singly or as a hedge. In some cases, a plant is pruned to a small tree. They can adapt in single containers or in the ground. (www.garden.org)

6. Getting Tropical Hibiscus Ready to Come Inside in the Fall/Overwintering Indoors: If you live in zones 5-8 and would like to keep your tropical hibiscus inside for the winter, they this site will tell you how. If the outdoor temperature is down to 40° F, then it’s time to bring in your precious plant. Choose a location that is bright or sunny or keep it under a light bulb. If you have a greenhouse, better. The ideal indoor temperature is between 55 to 65 ° F. (www.trop-hibiscus.com)

7. Hibiscus 101: Here is a website that discusses the basics about hibiscus plants. A single regular bloom has five petals. A crested regular single has five base petals and an extra one called petaloids. There are what you call double, cup and saucer double. Also discussed in this website is the proper way to do cuttings and hybridizing. (www.rozpat.net)

8. Hibiscus Propagation: How To Propagate Hibiscus: You can propagate both types of hibiscus though the hardy variety is easier to. Hibiscus cuttings are, rather than planting hibiscus seeds, are the preferred way of propagating hibiscus. Cuttings will definitely grow to be a “clone” of the parent plant. Note that the cutting should always be taken from softwood or a new growth. (www.gardeningknowhow.com)

9. Hibiscus Syriacus: Here is a quite comprehensive list of hibiscus cultivars or hybrids. The cultivated varieties come from all over the world. (www.members.tripod.com)

10. Gardening Tips: How to Prune Hibiscus (video): Pruning is basically done during spring. However, hibiscus could be lightly pruned during late summer or early autumn. Any pruning during late autumn or winter will do no good for the hibiscus plant since the plant may not grow new branches which mean fewer flowers. Note that the plant should be sprouting new branches before you begin to prune weak or dead growth. (www.youtube.com)