Why Grow Hibiscus

Big, showy hibiscus flowers add a cheerful pop of color and tropical flair anywhere you plant them. They bloom continually throughout the summer giving you gorgeous blooms all season long! If that wasn’t enough reason to grow hibiscus, there are plenty more reasons to love them.

Attract Pollinators

Butterflies and hummingbirds love hibiscus too. The bright, colorful flowers attract beneficial pollinators making them a perfect complement to a vegetable garden.

Soil

Most hibiscus plants are very particular when it comes to soil. They prefer a pH of 6.5. to 6.8. If you don’t know the pH of your soil, it’s a good idea to check before planting.

Hibiscus needs rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Soggy roots can easily drown the plants so make sure hibiscus is planted in a well-draining area.

Feed hibiscus by incorporating plenty of organic matter into the soil when planting. They’re heavy feeders and need lots of nutrients to thrive.

Sun

Hibiscus likes full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in areas with very hot summers. Plant hibiscus somewhere it will receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Temperature

Hibiscus are heat-loving tropical plants. They need warm temperatures in order to grow well.

Wait to plant outdoors until temperatures are consistently in the 60s-70s. Night temperatures in the 50s won’t harm hibiscus but may slow down its growth. Temperatures below 45 will kill hibiscus plants.

How to Plant Hibiscus in the Ground

Prepare the soil in a sunny spot then dig a hole for your new plant. The hole should be twice as wide and about the same depth as the container the plant is currently in. Take the plant out of its container and set it down gently in the hole. Fill in around the plant with soil and water thoroughly.

How to Plant Hibiscus in a Pot

Hibiscus does very well in containers. You’ll need a large container that’s twice as big around as the root ball of your hibiscus plant.

Add high-quality potting soil to the bottom third of the container then place your plant in the pot. The top of the root ball should be about an inch below the top of the container. If it’s not, take it out and add more potting soil. Once your plant is at the right level, fill in all around it with soil. Water thoroughly.

Caring for your Hibiscus Flowers

Mulch

Mulch does a lot for your plants. It keeps moisture in, helps prevent weed growth, and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.

Use a natural mulch like straw, well-aged manure, leaf mold, or compost.

Water

Hibiscus likes plenty of water. Keep the soil moist at all times by watering regularly. The first year, water every couple of days. Once hibiscus is well established you can taper off watering to about once a week. Container plants tend to dry out quicker and will need water more frequently. If you’re not sure if your plant needs water, check the soil. If the top inch is dry, it needs water.

Fertilizer

Hibiscus are hungry plants. They benefit from regular applications of fertilizer. Use a balanced fertilizer or a hibiscus-specific fertilizer

Add fertilizer when planting, then again about a month later. Follow the instructions on your fertilizer and feed regularly throughout the growing season. Stop fertilizing in the winter when plants enter their dormant stage.

Will my Hibiscus Survive the Winter?

Yes, it’s possible to keep hibiscus alive for the winter! Choose a variety that’s hardy in your zone or plant it in a container and bring it inside for the winter.