how to care for Hybiscus flowers?

Answer 1

(Semi)Tropical (H. rosa-sinensis)?Annual ?(H. acetosella, H. trionum, etc) Or hardy ones? (H. moscheutus, H. militaris, & hybrids )

For the first , unless you are in a frost-free area , such as the Florida Keys , keep it in a pot , in a sunny, or semi-shady location . They use a lot of water , so a large saucer under the pot , will help . They are very prone to the whole gamut of common pests , so a stressed plant is trouble . Probably a good idea spray it with an insect repellent, such as hot pepper wax , & or Garlic Barrier . Such a profusion of flowers takes a lot of energy , so fertilize every 3-4 weeks . They grow quickly, so don't be afraid to prune it, if need be .Trim it, spray it, & bring it inside, before frost . Keep it in a bright location , with the saucer (on stones , not in the water ) to keep it humid .

For the annual types : lots of sun & water (but not soggy) . They almost grow themselves .

For the perennial types , keep in mind that they are riverbank plants, in the wild . They need fertile, well drained soil , in full to half sun . They need plenty of water while growing, but should be on the dry side , during dormancy . If it is in a flat location, mound it up when planting . Mark the spot well, & be patient . They are among the last to come up, if not THE last . Here ( upstate NY ) , they usually come up around Memorial Day . One year with a cold spring , they came up in late June through the first week of July! Have seen plenty of them killed because the owner thought they were dead , and was trying to plant a replacement . (My mother almost did this last year . Now she has two ;D)

Answer 2

If you are talking about the tropical hibiscus, the indoor kind up north here, they like plenty of light, water when it needs it. In winter ours sometimes get little bugs that leave a sticky sap like residue, but the plants seem o.k. In summer we take them outside, where they really do well. They must be acclimated to direct sunlight, so only leave them outside a little while at first, and then longer and longer, you get the picture. We fertilize with an organic slow release fertilizer every couple of months. Never had any die, and some are over 5 feet tall, even with pruning. You can take the prunings and stick them in soil or water and you will get more plants also!!

Answer 3

Hmm. We had a monster hibiscus, never fertilized, 20 feet across. Finally succumbed to white flies. Flowers just don't last, but blooms over and over for months.

Mine have always done best with afternoon sun.

Answer 4

I just put mine on the deck for the summer. Water once or twice a week depending on the heat level of where you are at. I am in Zone 7 so when it is real hot, I water twice a week. It has bloomed already twice this year.

-Jim

Answer 5

Hibiscus Care and Information: Climates
http://www.tropical-hibiscus.com/hibiscus_care_information_climates.shtml
...............Hibiscus Plant Care............
.......................A Crash Course..................
http://www.exotic-hibiscus.com/care/

I live in zone 6 and they winter over quite well here.........they are closely related to the Rose of Sharon.........which are very hardy.

Answer 6

umm water it a lot?