We can't all afford to fly to Hawaii this summer for a tropical vacation but it's safe to say a tropical plant purchase could fit in your budget. So let's bring the tropics home for a nice little stay-cation! Want to know how to best keep Hawaii's state flower blooming and healthy through the summer? Read our hibiscus how to.
Hibiscus how to
Light. It doesn't take much to guess that a plant prided for its flowers in Hawaii needs quite a lot of light. Plant your hibiscus in an area that will receive at least six hours of sunlight a day.
Container. If you're just looking for a summer fling with your hibiscus, plant it in a sunny spot in your landscape. If you're looking for a keeper (or one you can savor year after year), your safest bet is to plant your hibiscus in a pot. This way, when the temps get chilly again, you can move your plant indoors where it will continue to thrive through winter rather than take a chance in colder temperatures.
Hibiscus plants do best in close quarters meaning you'll want to choose a container that is pretty tight-fitting on the root ball of the plant. Unlike many plants, these like to be fairly root-bound. Always be sure there is a proper drainage hole in your pot as well.
Water. Your hibiscus is using a lot of energy to produce those big, beautiful blooms. This means it needs lots of water. Water yours daily in the summer. When it comes to winter and the blooming season has past, you'll take a different approach to watering. Water only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilizer. While your hibiscus won't need any plant food throughout the winter, it needs a great deal of fertilizer in the summer to help produce those bountiful blooms we love. Use a high potassium fertilizer throughout the late spring and summer. There are three approaches that will do the trick: add compost that is high in potassium to the soil, use a liquid fertilizer once a week or try a monthly application of slow release high potassium feeder.
Need additional help selecting tropicals for your garden this summer? Visit us at Garden Supply Company any time! We'll be happy to help.