Hibiscus tree is an annual or perennial herbaceous plant with trumpet-shaped flowers. This tropical tree grows in full sun or partial shade and does best in moist, well-drained soil. With over 200 species and many more cultivars in the genus, hibiscus flowers can reach nearly 10 inches in diameter at maturity and come in a wide range of colors from white to red, pink, yellow, and orange.
Tropical hibiscus varieties (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) are perfect if you live in a warm climate or want an impressive houseplant. For those living in cooler parts of North America, opting for a hardy variety or the shrubby rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), which are both easier to grow and can withstand colder winter temperatures, will be the better choice. Regardless of variety, hibiscus flowers are very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
While all hibiscus have similarities that go beyond appearance, they have some distinct care and growing requirements.
| Common Name | Hibiscus |
| Botanical Name | Hibiscus spp. |
| Plant Type | Annual and perennial herbaceous plants |
| Mature Size | 3-10 ft. tall and 2-8 ft. wide |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, partial shade |
| Soil Type | Moist, well-drained |
| Soil pH | Acidic, Neutral |
| Bloom Time | Summer, fall, and year-round in tropical climes |
| Flower Color | Various, including white, red, pink, yellow, orange |
| Hardiness Zones | 5-11 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Asia, North America |
Hibiscus Care
The care you provide your hibiscus will vary depending on whether it is a hardy or tropical variety and whether it is grown indoors or outdoors.
Warning
You can grow most species of hibiscus without worrying about them getting out of control. However, rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus)is classified as an invasive species in much of eastern North America.
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Light
Hibiscus love bright conditions. In northern climes, full sun is often best, but in the intense, dry heat of the south, filtered sunlight is better. If you find that your plant isn't producing many blooms, move the plant to a sunnier location.
Indoor tropical hibiscus will need a bright spot near a sunny window but keep it away from strong, direct sunlight. If you are transferring your plants outdoors when the warmer weather arrives, gradually acclimate them to the brighter conditions.
Soil
All hibiscus do best in well-drained, fertile, moist, loamy soil. The hardy varieties are wetland natives and are a good choice for sites that are too wet for other plants.
Most hibiscus prefer a slightly acidic soil pH, but the rose of Sharon is tolerant of alkaline conditions. The color of hibiscus flowers can be affected by the soil acidity level.
Mulching around the plant base can help with moisture retention if your location is experiencing dry conditions. For nutrient-poor soil, amending with organic matter will be beneficial.
Water
All hibiscus are thirsty plants that need to be kept moist. Indoor tropical hibiscus benefit from regular watering from spring to early autumn during the growing season. Significantly reduce watering during dormant periods. For container-grown plants, ensure the top inch or so of potting mix dries out fully before watering—saturated soil is also problematic, and make sure containers have adequate drainage holes.
Depending on the conditions, you might need to water your hibiscus daily to help it produce an abundance of blooms.
If your hardy hibiscus are not planted near a pond or in another wet area, water them on a regular basis to keep them moist.
Temperature and Humidity
Rose of Sharon and hardy hibiscus can grow in cool, temperate climates. They thrive in temperatures from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but can handle temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and frost is a risk, bring container-grown plants indoors. However, be mindful of their higher humidity requirements—which is why bathrooms are a good location for these plants.
Temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit can kill tropical varieties, so they are best housed in humid locations indoors in regions where this is likely to occur.
Fertilizer
To encourage abundant, healthy blooms with good color, feed plants with a high potassium and high nitrogen fertilizer. Fish emulsion and seaweed extract are organic fertilizers. Feed a half-strength solution just before the start of the bloom period and continue at least once every few weeks until the end of flowering.
Types of Hibiscus
There are hundreds of tropical and hardy hibiscus hybrids and cultivars available. Just a few popular varieties include:
- Swamp Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus): An unusual, hardy species featuring large pinwheel-like flowers
- Confederate Rose (Hibiscus mutabilis): This hardy rose mallow has large, showy flowers that open white and then change color.
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Cajun co*cktail': A tropical cultivar with striking orange and yellow ruffled blooms, giving each one a one-of-a-kind appearance.
- Hibiscus moscheutos 'Perfect Storm': A hardy, compact hybrid cultivar that blooms late in the season.
Pruning
Hardy hibiscus benefit from annual winter pruning once they are established. Cutting the plant back after flowering, especially dead, damaged, and diseased branches and old wood growing in the center of the plant can aid air circulation and keep the plant looking tidy. Don't worry if you cut back aggressively; this species can handle it.
Propagating Hibiscus
Most hibiscus propagation is from cuttings. Select a four- to six-inch piece stem from new, vigorous growth. Keep the leaves at the top of the stem but remove all the rest. You might want to dip the cut end in rooting hormone before potting in a well-drained, moist potting soil. It can take a couple of months for the root system to fully develop.
How to Grow Hibiscus From Seed
Growing hibiscus from seeds is more challenging than propagating from cuttings. They often take a long time to germinate and need a fair bit of attention.
Nicking the hard seed coating slightly and soaking the seeds for up to eight hours can speed up the germination process as it allows more moisture to penetrate the seed. For best results, place the seeds in a warm, sunny location (at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit) and sow seeds about a quarter-inch deep.
After a few weeks, seedlings should appear. With their fragile stems, they will need careful translating and gradual hardening off.
Potting and Repotting Hibiscus
Nutrient-loving potted hibiscus will benefit from being repotted every couple of years in early spring. Avoid deep pots, otherwise the plant will spend a lot of its energy on root development, and you want it to focus on flower production.
Common Pests
Hibiscus are not bothered by many pests or diseases, but red spider mites can be problematic when humidity levels are not high enough. Aphids are sometimes an issue too, but they can be kept at bay with regular cleaning or insecticidal soaps.
How to Get Hibiscus to Bloom
The exotic flowers on a hibiscus are short-lived, lasting from just one to three days. But if you have a healthy plant, they should produce many flowers through their growing season from late spring through fall.
To prevent flower drop, make sure the plant is not being exposed to temperatures that are too hot or too cold. Frost is a problem, even for hardy varieties, and prolonged temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit will cause flowering problems even for tropical hibiscus.
Deadheading isn't necessary, but bloom production can be impacted if your plant is overly dry or is not receiving enough nutrients or sunlight.
Common Problems With Hibiscus
Hibiscus are rather particular about conditions, and if you can't meet their requirements, there are some common problems to watch out for.
Yellow Foliage
If you see your plant's leaves turning yellow, it could be that you are subjecting it to sudden changes in weather conditions, not watering correctly, or not fertilizing often enough. Expect a little yellowing during the transitional seasons of spring and fall, but anything extreme merits further investigation.
Dropping of Buds
Extremes in temperature, not enough light or humidity, and over or under watering can cause bud drop.
FAQ
Are hibiscus easy to grow?
Hardy hibiscus are more forgiving and easy to grow than tropical varieties because they can handle a wider range of temperatures and wetter conditions.
How fast do hibiscus grow?
Hibiscus are fast-growing, and, providing conditions are right, they can be fully established and flowering prolifically within two to three years.
How long can a hibiscus live?
This depends greatly on the variety you have selected. New hybrids might not live more than a decade, but it isn't uncommon for older varieties to live over 50 years.
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States. Rose of Sharon. University of Georgia, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health, National Park Service, 2018.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
Introduction to Hibiscus Trees
As an expert in horticulture and gardening, I can provide you with comprehensive information about hibiscus trees. With over 200 species and numerous cultivars, hibiscus trees are known for their trumpet-shaped flowers and vibrant colors. They can be either annual or perennial herbaceous plants, depending on the species.
Hibiscus trees thrive in tropical climates and can be grown both indoors and outdoors. They require full sun or partial shade and prefer moist, well-drained soil. The flowers of hibiscus trees can reach up to 10 inches in diameter and come in a wide range of colors, including white, red, pink, yellow, and orange. These beautiful flowers are not only visually appealing but also attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in this article and explore each one in detail.
Light Requirements for Hibiscus Trees
Hibiscus trees love bright conditions. In northern regions, they thrive in full sun, while in hotter and drier climates, filtered sunlight is preferable. If your hibiscus plant is not producing many blooms, consider moving it to a sunnier location. For indoor tropical hibiscus, place them near a sunny window, but avoid exposing them to strong, direct sunlight. When transitioning your plants from indoors to outdoors, gradually acclimate them to the brighter conditions.
Soil Requirements for Hibiscus Trees
Well-drained, fertile, and moist loamy soil is ideal for hibiscus trees. Hardy varieties of hibiscus are native to wetland areas and can tolerate wetter conditions. Most hibiscus prefer slightly acidic soil, but the rose of Sharon variety can tolerate alkaline conditions. The acidity level of the soil can affect the color of the hibiscus flowers. Mulching around the base of the plant can help retain moisture, especially during dry conditions. If your soil is nutrient-poor, adding organic matter will be beneficial for the plant's growth.
Watering Needs for Hibiscus Trees
Hibiscus trees are thirsty plants that require consistent moisture. For indoor tropical hibiscus, water them regularly from spring to early autumn during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly during dormant periods. When watering container-grown hibiscus, ensure that the top inch of potting mix dries out before watering again. Saturated soil can be problematic, so make sure your containers have adequate drainage holes. Depending on the conditions, daily watering may be necessary to encourage abundant blooms. Hardy hibiscus planted away from wet areas should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist.
Temperature and Humidity Requirements for Hibiscus Trees
Hardy hibiscus and the rose of Sharon can tolerate cool, temperate climates. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit and frost is a risk, it's advisable to bring container-grown plants indoors. These varieties also have higher humidity requirements, making bathrooms a suitable location for them. Tropical hibiscus, on the other hand, are best kept indoors in humid locations when temperatures are likely to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fertilizing Hibiscus Trees
To promote abundant and healthy blooms with vibrant colors, feed your hibiscus trees with a high potassium and high nitrogen fertilizer. Organic options such as fish emulsion and seaweed extract are excellent choices. Apply a half-strength solution just before the start of the bloom period and continue fertilizing every few weeks until the end of flowering.
Types of Hibiscus Trees
There are numerous tropical and hardy hibiscus hybrids and cultivars available. Some popular varieties include:
- Swamp Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus): This hardy species features large pinwheel-like flowers.
- Confederate Rose (Hibiscus mutabilis): A hardy rose mallow with large, showy flowers that change color.
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis 'Cajun co*cktail': A tropical cultivar with striking orange and yellow ruffled blooms.
- Hibiscus moscheutos 'Perfect Storm': A hardy, compact hybrid cultivar that blooms late in the season.
Pruning and Propagation of Hibiscus Trees
Hardy hibiscus benefit from annual winter pruning. After flowering, it's recommended to cut back the plant, removing dead, damaged, and diseased branches, as well as old wood growing in the center. Don't worry about aggressive pruning; hardy hibiscus can handle it.
Hibiscus trees are commonly propagated through cuttings. Select a four- to six-inch stem from new, vigorous growth and remove all but the top leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting it in well-drained, moist potting soil. It may take a couple of months for the root system to fully develop.
Growing Hibiscus from Seeds
Growing hibiscus from seeds can be more challenging than propagating from cuttings. The seeds often take a long time to germinate and require attention. To speed up the germination process, slightly nick the hard seed coating and soak the seeds for up to eight hours to allow more moisture penetration. Plant the seeds about a quarter-inch deep in a warm, sunny location (at least 75 degrees Fahrenheit). After a few weeks, seedlings should emerge, and they will require careful handling and gradual hardening off due to their fragile stems.
Potting and Repotting Hibiscus Trees
Potted hibiscus trees that thrive on nutrients benefit from repotting every couple of years in early spring. Avoid using deep pots as they can divert the plant's energy towards root development instead of flower production.
Common Pests and Problems with Hibiscus Trees
Hibiscus trees are generally not prone to many pests or diseases. However, red spider mites can become problematic when humidity levels are low. Aphids can also be an issue, but regular cleaning or insecticidal soaps can help keep them at bay.
To ensure prolific blooming, prevent exposing your hibiscus trees to extreme temperatures, both hot and cold. Frost can be detrimental, even for hardy varieties, while temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can hinder flowering, especially for tropical hibiscus. Proper watering, nutrient availability, and sunlight are essential for optimal bloom production.
Conclusion
Hibiscus trees are stunning plants that can add a tropical touch to your garden or home. By understanding their specific care requirements, you can enjoy their vibrant flowers and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. Whether you opt for a hardy variety or a tropical hibiscus, providing the right conditions will ensure their healthy growth and abundant blooms.
I hope this information helps you care for your hibiscus trees effectively! Let me know if you have any further questions.
