Hibiscus Plant

All tropicals are from the species Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, grown in tropical regions, and must be overwintered indoors in cold climates.

Hardy, or winter hardy hibiscus plants, are from the species Hibiscus coccineus, H. mutabilis or H. mascheutos, sometimes called rose mallow.

The hardy hibiscus grow best in colder climates and don't do well in warmer climates. They will die back to the ground in winter and produce new growth each spring. Their bloom season is shorter than tropicals, blooming in late summer to early fall.

Exotic hibiscus, also referred to as fancy hibiscus, don't grow very large, but produce multi-colored flowers that are spectacular. These are part of the tropical group and need winter protection.

As beautiful as all hibiscus flowers are, they offer more than just beautiful flowers. All parts of the Hibiscus sabdiriffa and H. rosa-sinensis can be used to make teas used for various ailments, as they contain antioxidants.

Using the flowers alone makes a sweeter tea. The young leaves of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis can be cooked eaten as a vegetable.

Stalks and flowers are popular additions to baked goods, drinks, and meat dressings, adding a citrusy flavor.

Of course, if planning to ingest any part of the hibiscus plant, always use organic growing methods.

Outdoor Growing Conditions

For best flowering, the plant needs full sun. Provide a well-drained soil and keep it moist.

In warm weather, water them daily, and reduce watering as the temperatures get cooler.

A fertilizer high in potassium will encourage bloom. Slow release or diluted liquids can be used, or add compost to the soil.

Apply slow-release fertilizer in early spring, after first bloom, mid-summer and late fall. Diluted liquid fertilizers can be used every two weeks from spring through summer and monthly fall through winter.

Since the roots of the hibiscus plant reach far into the soil, fertilize more than just the area around the base to ensure all roots are nourished.

In spring, prune your hibiscus back by one-third, leaving at least two nodes on the branch for new growth. Cut ¼ inch above a node.

Weak, dead or diseased branches should be cut back to the ground at this time. Remove any branches that cut across or grow toward the center of the plant.

During the growing season, branches can be tip pruned, or pinched to encourage a bushier plant.

The plant can be overwintered outdoors in warm climates, where the temperature doesn't go below freezing.

However, in warm climates that may have a few overnight temperatures dropping to freezing or slightly below, a thick layer of leaves or compost should be applied around the root zone and main stem to keep the plant from freezing.

Container Plantings

In colder climates, growing a hibiscus plant in a container is the best option. You can place it on a deck or patio where it receives full sun.

Plant it in a pot that seems small in proportion to the plant, as it prefers to be root bound.

If you repot during the season, don't go too much larger or you will diminish the number of flowers. The plant will use its nutrients to expand its root ball before producing flowers.

Provide good drainage and fertilize according to directions for growing outdoors.

The plant prefers temperatures between 60 and 90 degrees, so when temperatures hover below sixty, but certainly before they reach freezing, bring the plant indoors.

You can cut it back by one-half if it's grown very large over the summer. It will grow slowly over the winter. Provide bright light, but avoid placing them near cold drafty windows.

Placing them in a shed or garage that provides protection from the cold and some sunlight is another alternative for winter.

Water when the soil is dry and don't fertilize until spring. With the right conditions, you may even get a few hibiscus flowers in the cold winter months.

The hibiscus plant will add a bit of the tropics to any garden setting, whether grown in the ground or in a container on the patio.

"Okra Burgundy 1 Pkt.(35 Seeds)"

Gorgeous, delicious and prolific heirloom that qualifies as an edible ornamental.

There's a pretty contrast between the plant's green leaves against the burgundy stems, branches, leaf ribs and fruits—and a pretty display of yellow-cream flowers.