HIBISCUS

Hibiscus plants add a bold, tropical effect to the garden with their huge, dinner-plate colorful flowers.

There are over 100 species of Hibiscus in the family Malvacea. They are mostly found in tropical areas but a few are hardier and will overwinter in our climate. Due to their tropical nature they are later to emerge and most bloom in mid to late summer. We grow both annual, perennial and shrubs in the hibiscus family. We carry other popular ornamental perennial plants in the Malva family that have similar flowers to Hibiscus, such as Hollyhocks (Alcea)and Sidalcea.

Hardy Hibiscus, Shrub Hibiscus & Tropical Hibiscus

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HARDY HIBISCUS

Hardy Hibiscus primarily includes the species native to North America such as Hibiscus moscheutos. These plants are true perennials, tend to have the largest flowers and die back to the ground each year. The species Hibiscus is known as Rose Mallow or Swamp Mallow and is native to Martha’s Vineyard. They are highly valued for their beautiful flowers late in the season. The pink flowers grow around ponds on the south shore and bloom profusely in mid to late summer. At Vineyard Gardens, we sell the species, as well as many hybrids with a wide range of flower colors (pink, purple, white, red & bi-color), large flower sizes and green to deep dark foliage. These perennials die to the ground in winter and emerge from the crown of the plant the following season.

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CARE OF HARDY HIBISCUS

• Hardy hibiscus needs frequent watering, especially when young and new. When watering, do so deeply and thoroughly, drenching the plant.

• Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and to provide winter protection for the roots.

• To encourage rebloom, either remove the spent flowers before they form seed heads or prune plants back by one-third after a flush of bloom is finished.

• Perennial hibiscus will freeze back to the ground each winter; cut old stems to the ground.

• Hibiscus bloom on new wood (this year’s growth), so pruning is best done in the spring.

• In early spring, remove dead stems from established plants and apply a balanced fertilizer.

• Mature plants can be divided in the spring, not fall.

• Plant them in full Sun.

[1. Hibiscus ‘Berry Awesome 2. Hibiscus ‘Berry Awesome 3. Hibiscus ‘Candy Crush’ 4. Hibiscus ‘Dark Mystery’ 5. Hibiscus ‘ Holy Grail’ 6. Hibiscus Marshmallow Moon’ 7. Hibiscus ‘Midnight Marvel’ 8. Hibiscus ‘Perfect Storm’ 9. Rose Mallow ‘Mars Madness’ . All photos above credit to Walters Gardens, Inc]

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SHRUB HIBISCUS

The most popular shrub is the Rose of Sharon also known as Hibiscus Syriacus. Rose of Sharon has a woody habit and bloom on the same structure each year. It has beautiful hibiscus like flowers in mid to late summer and is valued as an ornamental in landscapes. These tend to be the largest in size with some varieties getting 15′ tall.

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CARE OF ROSE OF SHARON

• Full Sun woody shrub

• A little late to emerge in spring because of its tropical roots

• Blooms on new growth, therefore best pruned in spring when buds start to swell and plant comes to life

• Prune out a few of the biggest oldest stems as low as possible. Encourage young stems as these will produce the most flowers, and growth from down low in the shrub. That helps keep it looking full. Rose of Sharon grow from the tips so they can lack growth down low if not pruned properly.

• Fertilize new plantings with a slow release complete fertilize

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TROPICAL HIBISCUS

The annual hibiscus we carry is the tropical hibiscus also known as Hibiscus rosa sinensis. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, are from southeast Asia and are technically a shrub but less hardy than Rose of Sharon. This plant makes a lovely garden or container plant and will bloom all summer long. We usually carry it in both shrub form and as a topiary patio tree. The tropical hibiscus is not frost tolerant.

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GROWING CONDITIONS

• Prefer full sun. They will grow in partial sun but will not flower as well.

• Prefer well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, and neutral to slightly acidic soil.

• To avoid breakage of the long stems, plant hibiscus where they won’t be exposed to strong winds.

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