Evoking an island paradise, the flowers of these big plants come in bright colors.
There are dozens of colors, plus single- and double-flowered varieties.
Many types even have bi-color blooms or other special features like frilly petals.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Where to Plant Tropical Hibiscus
Select a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil.
However, cold-weather gardeners may find thathardy hibiscusis a better match for their climates.
Before planting nursery-grown plants,amend the soil to be organically richand well-draining.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Dig a hole slightly larger than the anticipated size of the rootball.
Remove the plant from the container and loosen the roots.
Backfill the hole with the amended soil and water the plant.
Credit: Kathryn Russell
Tropical Hibiscus Care Tips
Hibiscus are easy-to-grow plants that require very little maintenance.
Light
Full sun exposure ensures tropical hibiscus plants develop the most flowers and have strong branches.
In the hottest part of the day, the plant benefits from some afternoon shade.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Temperature and Humidity
Tropical hibiscus thrives in the 60F to 85F temperature range.
If the temperature falls below 50F, growth and blooming slow down or stop.
A freeze kills the plant.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Humidity should be 50 percent or higher.
Potting and Repotting
Tropical hibiscus shrubs makewonderful container plants.
Plant them in a large, well-draining container filled with general-purpose potting mix and use a slow-release fertilizer.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
They sometimes are the targets of caterpillars.
The best solution is to pick off the caterpillars and drop them into a jar of soapy water.
How to Propagate Tropical Hibiscus
The easiest way to propagate tropical hibiscus is with stem cuttings.
Fill a pot withmoist perliteand insert half the cutting into the planting medium.
Repeat the process with several cuttings to increase the chances of success.
Check the pot regularly and keep the planting medium moist.
When new growth appears, which can take up to two months, the cutting has rooted.
The resulting young plant will be an exact clone of the parent plant.
New Innovations
Research has been going on in the world of tropical hibiscus.
A new series called the Hollywood Series features great new color options on dwarf plants perfect for containers.
These varieties also feature blooms that stay open several days longer than original hibiscus breeds.
It can grow 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
It can reach 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
It grows 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide.
It can grow 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide.
It grows 15 feet tall and 8 feet wide.
