These eye-catching tropical plants add a colorful punch to any tropical landscape or container garden. Their deep green leaves and large, vibrant flowers give any garden a lush tropical look all summer long. Tropical hibiscus are sun-loving plants that like bright light for at least 6 hours a day and do best when planted in well-drained soil. Since these beauties are tropical plants, plant them in the landscape in zones 9-11. Hibiscus are perfect container plants on your patio or as a centerpiece for a cheery container garden on your lanai or porch. These plants are also available as standards with a simple trunk or a fancy braided trunk.
In zones 8 and below, plant hibiscus in a container. The container should have good drainage. Bring them inside the home for the colder months of the year. When overwintering your hibiscus, make sure it is in a bright, sunny location and water as needed. Feed the plant with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen to promote leaf growth and high in potassium to encourage flowering. A good fertilizer will also contain trace elements such as iron to prevent chlorosis and manganese for greener leaves. In Florida, give your first dose of fertilizer during the early spring and a final feeding at the beginning of November. Prune the plant back as needed to keep its shape and compact look.
Note: These plants are grown for decorative purposes and are not intended for human or animal consumption
FAST FACTS
Outstanding Features: Continuous showy blooms, deep green leaves, attracts pollinators
Common Name
Hibiscus, Hawaiian Hibiscus, China Rose
Bloom Colors
Red, pink, yellow, white, orange, peach and multicolor blooms
Water
Water consistently until established then as needed
Zone
9 and above
Fertilizer
Feed periodically during the growing season with a fertilizer formulated for hibiscus.
Scientific Name
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Light
Full sun to part sun
Size
Varies depending on the variety
Overwintering
In zones 8 and lower, use as a container plant or as an annual in the landscape
Companion Plants
Pentas, mandevilla, foxtail fern, lantana