In Hawaii, garden hibiscus is called the flower of love or the flower of beautiful women. Growing a plant in a garden area does not bring much trouble, while it will delight with large, about 12 cm in diameter, bright flowers from mid-June to early September. Garden hibiscus looks spectacular in any style of landscape design.
Is hibiscus a flower of death?
There is a belief that a flower carries negative energy and absorbs a person’s health and strength, bringing him closer to death. He also has a second name – burnet. This is primarily due to the fact that flowers most often have a red tint, reminiscent of blood. Another sign says that if a plant has thrown off its leaves, then someone in the family will get sick, and if he releases a flower ahead of time, then one of the close people is in danger of death.
But to believe in these superstitions or enjoy a beautiful bloom, everyone decides for himself.
Photo of garden hibiscus
Popular varieties
Garden hibiscus is herbaceous, shrub and tree-like. In cold climates, only the Syrian tree variety is able to grow, which is able to withstand even severe frosts.
Hibiscus Syrian
It is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 5–6 meters. The length of rich green leaves reaches 10 cm. Single flowers have different shades. The best varieties are Diana, Pink Giant, Carneus Plenus.
Hibiscus trifoliate
The height of the plant is about 80 cm. The flowers of this variety have a peculiarity – they open in the morning, and close in the afternoon. Hibiscus blooms for more than a month.
Hybrid hibiscus
This variety was obtained by crossing 3 species. Hybrid hibiscus is a herbaceous perennial plant. The most popular varieties are Yunost, Ardens, Pozdny.
Terry hibiscus
It differs from other varieties in lush flowers. The most striking representative is Lavender Chiffon. Are the flowers large? violet-pink with a bright red center.
Landing in open ground
Garden hibiscus is widespread in the warm climatic zones of Russia. Growing a plant is also possible in colder climates. But in this case, it is recommended to plant the flower in a large pot, which will stand outside in summer and in the house in winter.
Planting time
The time for planting hibiscus in open ground depends on the climatic conditions. The plant can only be planted when there is no longer any chance of frost and the ground warms up. In some areas it may be April, and in some it may be May. Correctly determining the optimal planting time allows the plant to adapt to the soil and take root to survive the coming winter.
Planting site and soil
Garden hibiscus are long-lived (20 years or more), so the planting site should be chosen with great care. The best option is considered to be a windless sunny area. Experienced gardeners claim that the plant does well next to roses.
The soil should be clay or loamy. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged and calcareous soil.
Step-by-step instructions for outdoor planting
To create comfortable conditions for hibiscus, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- The size of the planting hole should be 2 times the size of the lump of the plant’s root system. Roots need a lot of space to take hold.
- Immediately before planting, drainage should be poured into the planting pit, which will absorb excess moisture and prevent root decay. The drainage layer must be at least 15 cm thick.
- The pit is filled with a mixture of 2 parts of sod land, 2 parts of leaf land, 1 part of humus, 1 part of river sand.
- Place the roots of the plant in the resulting substance so that the soil slightly covers the root collar. Pour some more soil on top.
- Till the ground so that the hibiscus is in the center of the water recess. This must be done carefully, without damaging the roots.
- Pour water into the recess and, after it is absorbed, sprinkle with earth on top.
If planting is carried out in the fall, then at the end the near-trunk circle should be mulched: this will allow the seedling not to freeze. 
Care of the plant
Taking care of your garden hibiscus is easy.
Temperature, humidity, lighting
Garden hibiscus is very fond of sunlight. Depending on the species, it can withstand up to -30 ° C and up to + 30 ° C, although most varieties need shelter during the winter. There are no special requirements for air humidity for a flower. If it is transferred to the room for the winter, it is necessary to periodically spray it.
Watering, feeding
It is recommended to use warm water for irrigation. On hot days, water should be done daily if the soil dries out. Whether a plant has enough water can be recognized by its bright flowers and rich green leaves. If the foliage is dead and falls off, then there is not enough water.
In rainy and cloudy weather, hibiscus does not need watering.
In the period from June to September, fertilizing is carried out 2 times a month with fertilizers with a high content of nitrogen and phosphorus. In the fall, when preparation for winter is taking place, potash fertilizers should be preferred. This can be a tincture of wood ash, which is added to the water for irrigation.
Trimming, shaping
Pruning is not necessary for herbaceous hibiscus varieties, it is only recommended to remove dried stems before wintering. Treelike varieties need regular pruning:
- Hygienic (compulsory). It is carried out in early spring, before the start of sap flow. All branches that have dried or frozen during the winter, branches growing inside the plant, as well as root growth are removed.
- Stimulating. Usually performed at the same time as hygienic. Flowers appear only on young shoots. In order for there to be an increase in young branches, it is necessary to cut off the old ones by a third.
- Formative (optional). If desired, you can form the desired shape and size so that the plant becomes part of the garden landscape.
Wintering
Herbaceous varieties can withstand up to –30 ° C without shelter. After the ground part of the plant has dried, all shoots should be cut off and sprinkled with dried foliage or sawdust.
Treelike species in temperate climates also does not need shelter. In severe frosts, the procedure will be as follows:
- Water the plant before the first frost.
- After a few days, spud the earth.
- At the end of November, cover the hibiscus with leaves or sawdust (the height of the mound is about 15 cm).
- Bend all branches to the ground and cover with a cloth (spunbond, lutrasil) and plastic wrap.
- Around the bush, make a strong frame, which is wrapped on top with covering material in several layers.
Young bushes should be especially carefully insulated.
Reproduction
Reproduction of garden hibiscus is within the power of even a novice gardener. There are two most commonly used methods:
- Cutting… Reproduction by this method is performed in the spring before flowering. Place the cuttings in water, and as soon as the first roots appear, they are transplanted into the ground. The seedling can be transplanted into a pot, which will be on the street all summer, and brought indoors for the winter and planted in the ground next year.
- Seeds. They are sown from January to March. The seeds are preliminarily lured in Epin’s solution and planted in a mixture of peat and sand. Cover the container with glass so that the inside temperature remains at least 27 degrees. Open and ventilate the glass from time to time. After the first leaves appear, they can be dived into separate pots.
Hibiscus seeds
If the shrub was grown from seeds, then it will begin to bloom only after 3-4 years.
Disease and pest control, major care mistakes
Pests settle on hibiscus most often after contact with diseased flowers or when transplanted into contaminated soil. The most common pests and ways to control them are described in the table.
The main disease of garden hibiscus is fungal chlorosis. Infectious chlorosis is carried by various pests, therefore, first of all, it is necessary to destroy them. The diseased flower needs to be transplanted to another place, increased feeding and regularly sprayed with iron chelate.
Non-infectious chlorosis is caused by excess moisture or when garden hibiscus grows in the shade. In this case, it is recommended to transplant it to a sunnier place and adjust the irrigation regime.
Garden hibiscus can get sick if not properly cared for. The main symptoms of the disease and their causes are described in the table.
Garden hibiscus will decorate the garden for many years and make it unique, especially since this plant does not require special care.
