The Ultimate Guide to Growing Beautiful Pink Hibiscus Flowers (2024)

Thinking about growing a pink Hibiscus? Great choice! These plants are easy to care for, and their vibrant blooms will add a splash of color to any setting. We set out to learn everything you need to know about growing and caring for pink Hibiscus, and we are ready to share. We’ll cover everything from planting to fertilizing to pruning, so you can ensure your plants thrive! We’ll discuss what type of soil and climate Hibiscus prefer, how much water they need, and what problems they face.

Ready to dive in? Use the table of contents below to find your way around this post.

Hibiscus Plant Information

Are you looking for a beautiful, eye-catching flower to add to your garden? If so, then you should consider planting pink Hibiscus. This vibrant flower will brighten up any landscape and is relatively easy to care for.

Hibiscus is a beautiful flowering plant that can be grown indoors or outdoors. The dramatic trumpet-shaped blooms, set against dark foliage, are sure to make a statement. Undoubtedly, the Hibiscus is visually stunning, but it is also a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds.

The pink Hibiscus is a member of the Malvaceae family. They are characterized by funnel-shaped flowers with five petals and a column of stamens surrounding the pistil. This family of flowers includes plants such as Hollyhock and Mallow. The Hibiscus genus comprises over 1500 species of plants and can be found worldwide.

The pink Hibiscus is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping because it is relatively easy to care for. With proper care, these plants can bloom prolifically throughout the growing season.

There are two types of Hibiscus that you can grow in your garden.

1. Tropical Hibiscus, also known as Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis, is native to Asia and prefers warm climates (zones 9 to 11). Those living in colder climates can grow it as an annual or container plant. Pink Hibiscus flowers continually all year long in warm temperatures. In cooler climates, it blooms from summer until the frost.
2. On the other hand, Hardy hibiscus is a North American native that can handle colder temperatures (zones 4 to 8). It blooms from July to September,

Both types of Hibiscus are available in glorious shades of pink.

Pink Hibiscus is actually a perennial, but it is typically grown as an annual in colder climates. It grows as a large bush in the wild, but when cultivated, it is generally grown as a small tree or shrub that can grow anywhere from three to ten feet tall.

The focal point of this plant is the magnificent flowers. These exotic blooms have five petals and a prominent, fuzzy pistil that protrudes beyond the stamens. The stamens themselves protrude out from the flower to attract pollinators.

Many gardeners prefer to grow Hibiscus as a container plant, so they can bring it indoors when the weather gets cold.

Where to Plant Pink Hibiscus

See Also

How to Grow Pink Hibiscus (Syriacus) in Your GardenHibiscus Flower Meaning And SymbolismThe Hibiscus Handbook: Exploring Types, Species, and Varieties13 Different Pink Hibiscus Varieties For Bright Garden Color

Light needs

Where you plant your Hibiscus plays a significant role in how well it blooms. All hibiscus plants grow best in full sun. You may find that partial shade is better if you live in a hot climate. The important thing is that your Hibiscus gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. If the number of blooms on your plant declines, move it to a brighter location.

You will need a sunny location if you grow tropical Hibiscus as a houseplant. However, the plants do not do well with strong, direct sunlight. Plants going outdoors for the summer will need hardening off before moving them to their final location. Do this by putting them in a shady spot for a couple of days, then move them into full sun for a few hours. Slowly build up the sun exposure for a week.

Soil Preferences

Hibiscus likes well-drained, fertile, moist, loamy soil. Hardy varieties are native to wetlands, so they do well in low spots or places too wet for other plants. They will need plenty of space as Hibiscus grown outdoors can grow as high as 10 feet and almost as wide. Check the planting instructions that come with your plant.

How to Plant Pink Hibiscus in the Garden

If you are planting your Pink Hibiscus in the garden, dig a hole as deep as the container and twice as wide. Mix the soil you dig out with compost or potting mix. You want to have about a 50/50 mixture.

Settle the root ball in the hole, and make sure that the plant is straight and the top of the root ball is even with the top of the hole. Use the soil you prepared to cover the root ball. Firm the soil around the plant, and in the words of Monty Don, “Give it a good soak.”

Your Pink Hibiscus is now ready to provide your garden with color and beauty all season long! Add a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around the base. This will help keep the soil warm and moist.

Planting Pink Hibiscus in a Container

When planting pink Hibiscus in a container, it’s crucial to choose a pot that is the right size. They prefer to be slightly pot-bound, so select a slightly larger pot than the nursery pot. Drainage is critical to make sure your pot has drainage holes.

Place some good quality potting soil in the bottom of the pot. Fill the container half full with potting soil and place the plant so the root ball is about 1 inch below the rim. Fill the container with more potting mix and water well. With proper care, your pink Hibiscus will thrive in its new home.

When to Plant Pink Hibiscus

When it comes to planting hardy Hibiscus, timing is everything. For best results, you should plant your Hibiscus in the springtime. This gives them the whole growing season to establish a robust root system.

Tropical Hibiscus need warmer temperatures, so you must live where nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50F. However, if you live in an area with cool winters, you can still grow pink Hibiscus as an annual or container plant. Plant it in the spring when the weather is warmer. If you are growing Hibiscus in containers, bring them indoors or into a greenhouse when the temperature starts to drop.

How to Water Hibiscus

Whether growing Hibiscus in your garden or in a pot, it’s essential to water it regularly. For the first few weeks after planting, water your Hibiscus every couple of days.

Water it twice weekly for the first growing season if you’re growing a hardy hibiscus. After that, water it once weekly unless there’s been heavy rain.

If you’re growing a tropical hibiscus, keep the soil moist, so water whenever the top inch of soil is dry.

With regular watering, your Hibiscus will thrive. Remember that potted plants need watering more often than plants in the ground. Check containers 3 to 4 times a week and water daily towards the end of summer when the plants are fully grown.

How to Feed Hibiscus

Applying a granular or slow-release fertilizer is best when planting or new leaf growth begins in spring. Use a balanced formula with equal amounts of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium 10-10-10.

After that, choose a granular fertilizer with a smaller middle number like 12-4-8 or 17-5-24. This needs to be applied at the following times

• After the first round of blooming- to give your Hibiscus a boost.
• Then again, at mid-summer-to, keep your Hibiscus blooming all season long.
• In the fall- to help your Hibiscus overwinter and prepare for the next season of growth.

If you prefer water-soluble fertilizer, use it at half strength to avoid over-fertilizing. These will need to be applied every two to three weeks during the summer to keep your Hibiscus plants happy.

See Also

31 Types of Hibiscus Varieties!

How to Prune Pink Hibiscus

Pruning encourages bushier growth and more flowers, so giving your hibiscus plants a trim every now and then is good. Hibiscus can withstand heavy prunings, so don’t be afraid to provide them with a good trim. Use clean, sharp pruning shears, and wipe them down with rubbing alcohol before starting. This will kill any harmful organisms you may have picked up.

Hardy Hibiscus should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the new growth occurs. These kinds of Hibiscus die back each winter, so all you have to do is remove the dead stems.

Start pruning tropical Hibiscus after a few years or once they reach about five feet high. The best time to do this is in late winter or early spring, before the weather warms up. You want to cut the shrub back by one-third. Make the cut just above the nodes. Be sure to leave at least two to three nodes on the branches. This is where new growth will occur.

As with all pruning, you must remove all spindly, diseased, or dead branches. You also want to cut crossing, leggy stems, or those growing towards the center. This will help encourage new growth and promote a healthier plant.

Finding this post helpful?Take a look at our other posts about flowers

Overwintering Your Tropical Hibiscus

Tropical Hibiscus are hot weather plants, so they won’t tolerate frost. Suppose you live in an area where the temperature dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit in winter. In that case, you’ll need to bring your Hibiscus plant indoors or grow it in a greenhouse. You can either

1. Enjoy the Hibiscus as a houseplant. Just place it near a sunny window and keep it well-watered.
2. Let your Hibiscus go dormant. If you want to do this, leave the plant outside until the temperature drops to 50F. Then move it to a dark, cool spot in your house. Water sparingly to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
3. Take cuttings to propagate. Cut off a few 3 to 5-inch shoots. Dip the cut end of the stems in rooting hormone and plant it in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot and moisten the soil. In four to six weeks, you should see new growth happening.

Overwintering Your Hardy Pink Hibiscus

Hardy Hibiscus can handle temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, so they can be left outdoors in winter if you live in a cold climate. They will go dormant and lose their leaves, but they will return in spring if the roots are protected from freezing.

A layer of mulch will help to protect the roots in winter. Make sure the mulch is at least six inches thick and covers the entire plant. You can use clean straw, fallen leaves, or even shredded newspaper. Remove the mulch in spring once the danger of frost has passed.

Pink Hibiscus: Pests, Diseases, and Common Problems

Pests

Aphids and spider mites are the two most common insects that plague hibiscus plants.

• Aphids are small, pear-shaped creatures in various colors, including black, white, yellow, and green. They suck the sap out of leaves and stems, causing them to wilt and turn yellow.
• Spider mites are tiny eight-legged creatures barely visible to the naked eye. They also feed on the plant’s juices.

Both aphids and spider mites can damage a hibiscus plant if left unchecked. Wash your Hibiscus periodically with a mild soap or detergent to keep foliage clean and prevent infestations. If necessary, use an insecticidal soap labeled for use on hibiscus plants.

Diseases and problems

Hibiscus is generally a very healthy plant, but some diseases can affect them. Powdery mildew is one of the most common, and it manifests as a white powdery fungus on the leaves. This can be controlled with a fungicide, but it is crucial to catch it early.

Other leaf spot diseases can also occur, causing brown or black spots on the leaves. Avoid this by choosing resistant varieties, and placing the plant in a sunny position, so leaves don’t stay wet. You should also avoid overhead sprinklers and opt instead for drip line irrigation. Keep weeds down and ensure that plants are not too close together so air can circulate.

Other common problems include

Yellow leaves

If you notice yellow leaves on your Hibiscus, it’s important to look closely at the plant to determine the cause. Yellowing leaves can result from abrupt changes in soil moisture, air temperature, or drafts.

Excessive watering is often to blame, especially with older varieties. However, yellowing may also signal a need for fertilizer.

You may see yellow leaves during spring and fall. These seasonal changes are normal and are no cause for alarm.

Bud drop

If your hibiscus plants are losing buds, the most probable cause is temperature extremes. Hibiscus needs daytime temperatures of 65°F-75°F to develop and grow buds. The bud will fall off if the temperature is too hot or too cold.

Too little or too much water can also cause the loss of buds, as can low light conditions. If you have bud drop issues, try to regulate the temperature and watering of your hibiscus plants and ensure they are getting enough light.

How to Use Pink Hibiscus in Your Garden

Hibiscus are fabulous plants that can add a splash of color to your garden. They look great growing around gateways, along paths, and in courtyards.

Growing Hibiscus in containers allows you to move them around, and they make excellent plants for patios. They can also fill in blank spaces and hide the unattractive spots in the landscape.

These stunning shrubs are perfect for the back of borders. Use the taller varieties to create natural screens and hedges. They will also attract wildlife, particularly butterflies and hummingbirds.

Popular Varieties of Pink Hibiscus Available

Tropical Pink Hibiscus

1. Dainty Pink

This Hibiscus produces a small, dainty flower held against shiny dark green tropical foliage. The flowers are light pink with a dark pink throat and veins. The petals often have slightly frilly margins.

Photo credit:Hibiscus‘Dainty Pink’©2006Keiya Chinen made available under cc license

2. Seminole Pink

Seminole Pink is a classic Hibiscus with vibrant single pink flowers. This variety features spectacular single pink flowers that can reach saucer size. The blooms are set against dark green foliage, creating a stunning contrast.

3. Fijian White

Looking for a shrub that will really stand out in your garden? Take a look at Fijan White! This beautiful plant has large, white flowers with bold pink centers, set against a backdrop of dark green foliage. Fijan White is a real showstopper and is perfect for adding a touch of dramatic color to your garden.

Photo credit: Hibiskus©2007Franz Winter made available under cc license

Hardy Pink Hibiscus

1. Summerific’ Berry Awesome’

Summerific’ Berry Awesome’ is an electric mix of ruffled, lavender-pink flowers with a cherry red eye. The leaves are deep, midnight green, providing the perfect backdrop for the hot flowers.

2. Luna ‘Pink Swirl’

The Luna’ Pink Swirl’ is an outstanding garden performer. It grows into a neat mound of dark green leaves and large, saucer-shaped flowers. The flowers are white and feature a swirl of medium pink around a deep red eye – genuinely stunning!

Photo Credit: Luna Pink Swirl Hibiscus © 2016 Swallowtail Garden Seeds made available under cc license

3. Ruffled Satin

I absolutely love the Ruffled Satin Hibiscus. It features stunning ruffled pink flowers with an intense burgundy eye. While the glossy green leaves provide a perfect backdrop to the gorgeous blooms.

Everything you need to know about growing and caring for Pink Hibiscus! You can have these beautiful plants bloom in your garden all summer with little effort.

Final Thoughts

Hibiscus plants are beautiful, versatile, and easy to grow. Whether you’re growing tropical or hardy Hibiscus in your garden or container plants on your porch or patio, these gorgeous blooms add a touch of color and elegance wherever they’re planted. We hope you enjoyed this post about growing pink Hibiscus. Please share it with your friends and family, who may also be interested in learning more about these unique plants. Thanks for reading!

How I Researched For This Post

This post about pink Hibiscus results from about 3 hours of research. I work in an academic library, so I have access to many scientific journals and books. When I write a post, I look at the scientific literature and use that information. I used the following resources.

• Hibiscus(2018)University of Minnesota Extension. Retrieved June 9th, 2022 from https://extension.umn.edu/house-plants/hibiscus
• Wilkins, H.F. (1985). Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis In Abraham H. Halevy (Ed.),CRC Handbook of Flowering-Volume V(pp. 142-143).CRC Press.