Hibiscus plants are tropical shrubs or trees that are known for their colorful, showy flowers. These plants are native to warm, tropical climates and can be found in many different colors including red, yellow, white, and pink. They can grow to be quite large, and can reach heights of up to 15 feet. The flowers of the hibiscus plant are large and have five petals that can be up to 6 inches in diameter. The leaves of the hibiscus are broad, glossy, and dark green in color. They are also known for their long-lasting blooms and can flower for several weeks.
Planning Your Garden With Hibiscus
As you plan your garden, it's important to think about the spacing, size, light, and nutrient requirements of all of your plant and how they'll grow together.
Some plants require more water than others, while other plants require dry soil. At the same time, some plants prefer full sun, and other plants need the shade to survive.
By studying what each plant requires and planning ahead where all of your plants will grow best, you can optimize your garden space.
| Life Cycle | Hibiscus is a perennial. |
| USDA Zone | The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone range for Hibiscus is 9-11. |
| Cold Tolerance | The cold tolerance of hibiscus varies depending on the variety. Most hibiscus are frost sensitive and can tolerate temperatures down to 32. |
| Days to harvest | The minimum number of days to harvest hibiscus is usually around 90 days. |
| Average size | The average size of a full grown hibiscus plant is between 3 and 6 feet tall and wide. |
| Spacing requirements | Hibiscus plants should be spaced at least 3 to 4 feet apart. |
| Sun tolerance | Hibiscus plants prefer full sun to partial shade. They should be protected from intense afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates. |
| Shade tolerance | Hibiscus is a sun-loving plant and does best in full sun. It tolerates some shade, but it may not bloom as profusely in shadier areas. |
| Water requirements | Hibiscus plants require moist soil and should be watered regularly. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but never soggy. Water the plant when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. During the summer, hibiscus may require daily watering. During the winter, water less frequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. |
| Fertilizer | The amount of fertilizer you should use when growing hibiscus depends on the type of fertilizer you are using and the age of the plant. Generally, young hibiscus plants should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20. For mature hibiscus plants, fertilize every four to six weeks with a balanced fertilizer. |
| Soil pH | Hibiscus plants prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. |
Why Hibiscus is Popular
People like to grow hibiscus for a variety of reasons. For starters, they are relatively easy to care for and can add a splash of vibrant color to any garden or outdoor space. They are also very versatile and can be planted in containers, hanging baskets, or directly in the ground. Additionally, hibiscus flowers are known for their long blooming season and can provide a beautiful display of blooms from spring to fall.
Companion Plants For Hibiscus
Companion planting is a great way to maximize your garden space and get the most out of your plants. By planting certain plants together, you can help each other thrive. In some cases, you can even help each other repel pests.
Popular companion plants for hibiscus include:
Common Pests For Hibiscus
Plant pests are a common problem for gardeners. By understanding what pests are common for your plants, you can take steps to prevent them from damaging your plants.
When you grow hibiscus, keep an eye out for these common pests:
- thrips
- aphids
- whiteflies
- spider mites
- mealybugs
- scale insects
USDA Zones
USDA zones are a popular way of determining which plants can grow in your area. Zones tell you when your average first and last frost date are, as well as how cold you can expect it to get in the winter.
Our site works best if you choose your zone from the list below. If you do not know your USDA zone, then you can use our zone map.
