Showing posts with label hibiscus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hibiscus. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Hibiscus Shrub Part 2

Hibiscus can be planted any time but most people buy them when they have already flowered. If planted during summer, they do need to be watered regularly until mature.

Since the hibiscus has a short flowering season, they should be located towards the back edge with smaller plants such as perennials and bulbs in front. Once the hibiscus plant gets growing and matures, it needs little care. Experts do recommend a little mulch or compost in early spring.

Sometimes the hibiscus shrub does act dead, but this is just dormancy. The hibiscus comes alive in late spring or early summer. The first leaves are usually pale white-yellowish but soon start to darken.

When pruning is done well, the shrub does produce an aggregate of pretty flowers. The great thing about hibiscus is that all flowers come at the same time. Hibiscus also look great when they are planted in discrete locations rather everywhere. Experts recommend that during spring the plant should be trimmed to a single rigid stem and all dead side branches should be cut.

Letting the shoots develop in future will develop into a nice thick head. If pruning is done each spring, one can produce more flowers each year.

In general, hibiscus plants and flowers are resistant to pests and disease.
For more on the hibiscus, please visit www.tnnursery.net

Hibiscus Shrub Part 1

One of the all time favorites for gardeners is the hibiscus. This deciduous flowering plant is commonly found in Asia. However, the eastern Asian variety tends to grow laterally whereas the western species tends to grow more erect and has larger flowers. Over the years, many hybrids of the hibiscus plant have been created. The hibiscus blooms in early summer but bears no fruit.

One of the reasons why hibiscus is preferred by landscapers is that it has a fast growth rate. The plant does require a lot of sun to thrive. In partial shade the flowers do not tend to be as big. The hibiscus thrives best in zones 5-8 and at maturity varies in height from 5-8 feet.

The soil must be rich, well drained and moist. The hibiscus is best used as a screen or hedge. Since the shrub does tend to grow laterally, individual plants should be spaced at least 6-8 feet apart.

Depending on the cultivar one buys, the flower may vary in color. Hibiscus flowers range in color from milky white, lilac, pink, lavender, brilliant white or rich purple. The hybrids usually better able to stand up to rain and the petals do not always get damaged from sleet or ice.