Hibiscus

The genus Hibiscus, or Hibiscus (Hibiscus), includes about 250 deciduous or evergreen beautifully flowering herbaceous (perennial and annual) plants, shrubs and trees. Hibiscus flowers are large, up to 10 cm in diameter, simple and double, of various colors. Of the shrubby species, deciduous Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) is most often grown with characteristic triangular or rhombic leaves with a jagged edge. In the period from June to October, numerous bell-shaped pink-purple flowers bloom. There are many hybrid varieties with flowers of various colors: white, pink, purple, red. Syrian hibiscus varieties are ideal for growing in the garden. Hibiscus mutabilis (H. mutabilis) is another deciduous shrub species - a fairly stable perennial plant. It is characterized by heart-shaped leaves, as well as flowers, the color of which changes during the day: from white to pink and even darker-in the evening. Flowers usually last only a day. Of the perennial herbaceous species, the following are popular. Bright red hibiscus (H. cocdneus) is a North American species. In summer, large red flowers are formed on it; the leaves are dark red in color, the fruits are not decorative; the seed pods are wrapped in 5 bracts. Manioc hibiscus (H. manihot) is another perennial deciduous herbaceous species that is often grown as an annual. It is characterized by rough broad leaves. In the period from July to September, large bright yellow, purple inside, flowers bloom. The dissected petal hibiscus (H. schizopetalus) is distinguished by its bizarrely indented red flower petals. Unfortunately, it is not easy to find it on sale. The perennial herbaceous deciduous marsh hibiscus (H. moscheutos, or H. palustris) has oval leaves. In summer, flowers appear in a rich red color.

The genus Hibiscus, or Hibiscus (Hibiscus), includes about 250 deciduous or evergreen beautifully flowering herbaceous (perennial and annual) plants, shrubs and trees. Hibiscus flowers are large, up to 10 cm in diameter, simple and double, of various colors.

Of the shrubby species, deciduous Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) is most often grown with characteristic triangular or rhombic leaves with a jagged edge. In the period from June to October, numerous bell-shaped pink-purple flowers bloom. There are many hybrid varieties with flowers of various colors: white, pink, purple, red. Syrian hibiscus varieties are ideal for growing in the garden.

Hibiscus mutabilis (H. mutabilis) is another deciduous shrub species - a fairly stable perennial plant. It is characterized by heart-shaped leaves, as well as flowers, the color of which changes during the day: from white to pink and even darker-in the evening. Flowers usually last only a day.

Of the perennial herbaceous species, the following are popular.

Bright red hibiscus (H. cocdneus) is a North American species. In summer, large red flowers are formed on it; the leaves are dark red in color, the fruits are not decorative; the seed pods are wrapped in 5 bracts. Manioc hibiscus (H. manihot) is another perennial deciduous herbaceous species that is often grown as an annual. It is characterized by rough broad leaves. In the period from July to September, large bright yellow, purple inside, flowers bloom.

The dissected petal hibiscus (H. schizopetalus) is distinguished by its bizarrely indented red flower petals. Unfortunately, it is not easy to find it on sale.

The perennial herbaceous deciduous marsh hibiscus (H. moscheutos, or H. palustris) has oval leaves. In summer, flowers appear in a rich red color.

Cultivation

Hibiscus grows quickly, forming a sprawling bush. Syrian hibiscus is an open-ground shrub. It is used in single and group plantings, for hedges, including in cold climatic conditions. Herbaceous species are grown most often in borders. These plants, both shrubby and herbaceous (much less often), can be grown in containers: on balconies and terraces. In the open ground, hibiscus is planted in autumn (mainly in cold climates) or in spring. The growing conditions are generally undemanding. Any type of soil is suitable, but preferred - loose, fertile. When growing in a pot, the soil on the 1/3 is replaced with a peat-sand mixture. Shrubby species tolerate pruning well (Syrian hibiscus), even very strong ones. The operation is performed at the end of flowering or at the end of winter, shortening too long branches and removing ugly, weak or overgrown ones. Compared to the Syrian hibiscus, other species are less resistant. For example, hibiscus changeable can be left outdoors only in mild climates. Otherwise, it is grown in a pot, and closed for the winter. And manioc hibiscus is afraid of prolonged frosts.

Location

They always need a place in the open sun; indoor culture - plenty of light, but not direct sunlight.

Temperature

Hibiscus suffers from late frosts. In winter, the room temperature should not be lower than 14 °C.

Watering

Indoor crops require heavy watering in summer and weekly spraying, and moderate watering in winter. Hibiscus in the garden is sensitive to summer drought, and this can affect its flowering. Therefore, especially at an early stage of cultivation and during long dry periods, it should be watered regularly.

Reproduction

For the propagation of perennial species, such as Syrian hibiscus, cuttings are most often used. In July-August, take annual semi-ripe shoots 10 cm long. They are planted in a mixture of equal parts sand and peat; the air temperature is maintained at 16 °C. After the roots appear, they are planted singly in cups and kept in a closed, unheated room during the winter. Next spring they are transplanted into pots, and in the fall or next spring they make the final planting. Annual species are propagated by seed, sowing them in April-in the open ground or in March-in a closed room. After germination, when the seedlings can already be picked up, the seedlings are transferred-planted singly, and the maintenance in winter does not differ from the care of seedlings obtained by cuttings. Planting is final-in the spring or autumn of next year. Hibiscus is also propagated by grafting or layering.

Diseases

Infestation with aphids slows down the development of the plant, and rabies can develop. There are also spider mite injuries. Pests are controlled with appropriate medications.

Acquisition

Syrian hibiscus is easily found in specialized gardening centers and nurseries. Other types are less common. It is best to buy hibiscus plants in the spring and immediately plant them in the ground; more resistant species, such as Syrian hibiscus and cassava, can also be bought in the fall.