Hibiscus

Hibiscus are large shrubs or small trees with huge, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers over a long season. Also called Chinese hibiscus, Japanese lantern, rose of Sharon, tropical hibiscus.

About This Plant

Deciduous shrubs, dark green leaves; up to 15 feet in frost-free areas. Flowers to 6 inches diameter: yellow, peach, red. Plant singly, as hedge, or prune to single-stem tree. Flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Special Features

• Attracts hummingbirds
• Attracts butterflies

Site Selection

Full sun, well-drained soil. Adapts well to containers.

Planting Instructions

Spring, summer, or fall, space 3–6 feet. Hole as deep as rootball, 2–3x wide. Poor soil: amend removed soil with little compost; else don't amend. Set plant, backfill halfway, water to settle, drain, finish backfill, water thoroughly.

Care

At least 1 inch rain/week. Keep constantly moist, not wet. Feed twice monthly growing season. Prune to control size, cut errant branches back to side shoot. Cold-sensitive: protect below 30°F; bring containers indoors. Check for aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs—control with horticultural oil/insecticidal soap.