Topiary Hibiscus

This is the tender hibiscus - Hibiscus rosa-sinensis or "Chinese rose". They are native to the tropical region of Asia and tend to grow in wet or swampy areas.

Hibiscus likes a sunny spot. On a window sill or in a porch or conservatory is best. On sunny days you can put it out on a patio or balcony. A cool room is fine, but a draughty porch or a frosty conservatory is not. If it gets below 8˚C it will suffer.

Hibiscus are greedy plants. Try and water a small amount every day. 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 waters.

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.

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