Hardy Hibiscus Care

Hibiscus belongs to the family of large showy flowers, and has more than 200 species that grow world over in warm, temperate, subtropical and tropical climates. The hibiscus flowers species includes many varieties; annual and perennial herbaceous plants, and woody shrubs and small trees. Most hibiscus shrubs are perennials, that usually don't survive extreme winters. These flowers do wonderfully if you live in zones that are frost free. So to ensure a beautiful hibiscus bloom, hardy hibiscus have been cultivated from wild native hibiscus flowers, that have the largest flowers borne on them and are winter-hardy to suit zone 4 climates as well. With some basic winter care, they can be marginally grown in zone 3 also. Their needs don't differ much, however, it's imperative to know about hardy hibiscus care to have a healthy plant. The hardy hibiscus plant is botanically known as Hibiscus moscheutos. They are also known by their cultivators, the Fleming Brother's name, Fleming hybrid hibiscus.

Hardy Hibiscus Plant
The hardy hibiscus dull green foliage are heart shaped and the flowers are big in size, and the texture of the petals is fine and delicate, almost papery thin. There are some varieties of these plants that have small flowers too, with the flower size ranging anywhere between 3 to 4 inches to 8 to 12 inches in diameter, which makes these easier for hardy hibiscus plant care. In the center, depending on the size of the flower, is a prominent pistil and stamen. The basic difference between a hardy and a tropical hibiscus is the color of the foliage; hardy are dull green, whereas tropical is glossy dark green. Until a few years ago, hardy hibiscus varieties were only available in red, pink and white. However, due to hybridization, they now come in an array of vibrant colors; red, white, lavender, purple, pink, magenta, yellow, etc. Even ruffled edges, bi-colored and dark veined varieties are available now. The flowers begin to bloom mid-summer and continue until frost sets in.

Hardy Hibiscus Care Instructions
Hardy hibiscus can be propagated from seeds and cuttings. But while gardening, seeds take a longer time to germinate and need to be kept warm, or else it affects the flowering. Buy your hardy sapling from a nursery, or try some grafting techniques. Many new introduced varieties that offer smaller, lobed leaves and more compact plants, some even with dark, reddish foliage are also available. The best time to plant them is during early spring or summers. They prefer full sun, fertile and well-drained soil. This is very important in hardy hibiscus care, as soil that retains excess moisture should be avoided. The pH balance of the soil should be maintained between 6.5 to 7.0. Organic compost should be used while mulching around them. Use fertilizers during their growing and flowering period, every 15 days. If you want to make the plant more bushier, pinch back the main growth. This will speed lateral growth. Hardy hibiscus winter care basically involves keeping the plant warm, and if in a container, then moving them indoors. A thick layer of mulch over the plant roots, should be done before the onset of winters to keep the plant roots from freezing. They are quite resistant to pests and insects, and only a few, like aphids and mealy bugs get to them and they can be easily removed using specific pesticides. Read more on aphids on hibiscus.

Hardy Hibiscus Pruning
Hardy hibiscus does not require heavy pruning. Pinching back to make the growth more bushier when they are young, will train the plant to grow in the size and shape you want. As they are herbaceous perennials, their top branches fade and fall to the ground each winter. New shoots sprout during spring from the soil and the branches. Prune back diseased or dead branches, even crossing branches, especially if they tangle the plant. Read more on caring for hibiscus plants.

Hardy hibiscus care is minimal compared to many other plants and trees. They bear flowers that are amazingly beautiful, which are a constant delight to the eyes.