Hardy Hibiscus

This is a hardy, non-evergreen hibiscus that will flower from July to September every year.

Hardy Hibiscus will be happiest in a sunny spot in the garden. In its first winter or if keeping it in a pot try to protect the roots with a mulch or fleece wrap just to help it through the coldest spells but normally it will be fine outside all year round. In fact, established plants have been known to survive as low as -20C.

Hibiscus are quite greedy plants and will appreciate being kept damp, try and water a small amount every day if you are keeping it in a pot. If you are going away for a few days, then you can stand the pot in a bowl of shallow water. To keep them happy, add a few drops of ordinary house plant feed in their water every few watering’s.

The flowers only open when there is warmth and light. Each dramatic flower will last one or two days but in the right spot your plant will produce a succession of these short lived trumpets throughout the summer. When the flower head drops off, pick off the small fruits left behind to encourage the new buds. This variety is deciduous so though it will drop it’s leaves in winter you should expect a fresh crop of leaves and flower buds in the spring.

Problem solving

It is unlikely that you will get any pests or diseases, but, if you do, just wash the leaves and buds with soapy water. Feed regularly to encourage it to flower.