Cranberry hibiscus is a fast-growing shrubby plant with beautiful burgundy foliage.
It is botanically a perennial butgrown as an annualin all but the warmest areas of the United States.
The plant quickly reaches its full size in the heat of summer.
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Where to Plant Cranberry Hibiscus
Cranberry hibiscus thrives in a full-sun spot withrich soiland regular moisture.
you could grow this plant in-ground or in large planters.
Allow space for your cranberry hibiscus; it will mature into a full-size plant by mid- to late summer.
Credit:Jay Wilde
Crowded plants tend to become leggy with long, heavy stems prone to breakage.
Seedlings quickly grow into large specimens as the temperatures warm.
Water newly installed plants heavily and add a 2 to 3-inchlayer of mulchto retain moisture.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
Fertilize new plants after they become settled in two to three weeks.
Cranberry Hibiscus Care Tips
Cranberry hibiscus grows best in full sun.
It thrives in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil that receives regular moisture.
Credit: Kritsada Panichgul
The plant is relatively low-maintenance, except for the need for frequent watering.
Light
For the best burgundy-red leaf color, grow cranberry hibiscus infull sun.
Soil and Water
Cranberry hibiscus needs moist but well-drained soil and frequent watering.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Begin fertilizing two to three weeks after planting.
If you are growing cranberry hibiscus in a large planter, use less fertilizer than on in-ground plants.
This will limit excessive growth.
Credit: Bill Stites
which requires extra water and more pruning to maintain the plant at a manageable size.
Pruning
Cut back the tips of long stems to make your cranberry hibiscus appear bushier.
Pruning is also done to restrain its height.
In warm weather, the plant grows very fast up to 9 feet in height.
Cranberry hibiscus is soft-wooded with a lot of weight on the branches due to the prolific foliage.
In heavy winds, this extra weight may cause the stems to snap near the base of the plant.
If you grow it in a planter, locate it in an area with easy access to water.
Large plants may need water once or twice daily during the peak of summer.
Pests and Problems
Cranberry hibiscus doesnt tolerate constantly wet feet.
The soil must drain to eliminate the threat of root rot.
Young plants are susceptible to breakage in high winds.
To minimize the risk, do occasional pruning.
Cranberry hibiscus is easy to grow and not prone to pests.
Healthy plants usually fend off minor pest infestations long enough for natural predators to complete the job.
However, it is susceptible tomealybugs, thrips, and Japanese beetles.
Excessively high humidity can lead topowdery mildew.
Improve airflow around the plants by thinning stems and surrounding plants to alleviate this issue.
How to Propagate Cranberry Hibiscus
Cranberry hibiscus is easy to propagate from seed or stem cuttings.
For more predictable results, purchase seeds from a seed company or propagate the plant from stem cuttings.
Seed
Allow the seedpods to dry while on the plant.
Hold a jar or other container under them and cut the seedpods from the plant.
Crack the seedpods open and shake out the seeds.
Get a start on the growing season bystarting the seedsindoors.
Soak the seeds in warm water for 1 hour and sow them 1/4 inch deep in dampened potting mix.
Place the pots or seed flats inindirect lightand cover them with clear plastic.
Maintain the temperature around 70F.
Dont allow the seedlings to dry out.
In the fall, before the onset of cold weather, take 12-inchstem tip cuttings.
Remove the foliage from the bottom of the cuttings, leaving only a couple of leaves at the top.
Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone and insert them cut side down in lightly dampened potting medium.
Provide bottom heat of 54-68F for best results.
Cover or mist the cuttings several times throughout the day to increase humidity until roots begin to grow.
If they outgrow their pots, repot them to larger pots as needed.
The flowers appear in mid- to late summer.
Each bloom lasts only a day, but the plant blooms continually until the weather cools.
Red Shield
Jay Wilde
Hibiscus acetosellaRed Shield is a commonly available plant with iridescent, maroon-burgundy leaves.
The flowers are red with a dark maroon center.
It is a full-sized selection reaching 5 feet tall and 30 inches wide.
Plant short selections in front of or alongside cranberry hibiscus plants and tall selections behind them.
Cannas are available in various heights, flower colors, and foliage colors.
Experiment to find your favorite combination.
Pineapple sage smells like pineapple fruit when crushed and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Zone 7-11
Frequently Asked Questions
You dont.
Cranberry hibiscus blooms are triggered by shortened day length, which occurs late in the growing season.
But in most areas, cold weather at this time of year eliminates the chance of blooming.
Although cranberry hibiscus is not related toedible cranberries, it is edible.
Cranberry hibiscus attracts pollinators, from bees to butterflies to hummingbirds.
In warm climates, these flowering shrubs produce a ton of sweet nectar to keep pollinators fed.
