The hibiscus is a large shrub native to Asia and the Pacific islands. Some varieties can grow up to 15 feet tall, and it is a favourite feeding ground for butterflies and hummingbirds.
If you are growing a hibiscus in your garden, take the time to care for it properly and you will be rewarded with a bush full of colourful, sweet-scented blooms.
Looking after your hibiscus
1. Plant the hibiscus where it will receive direct sun for at least six hours a day. Hibiscus also require well-drained soil to prevent root rot. If your plant is in a shaded area or entrenched in hard-packed soil, dig up the entire root system and transplant it to a more beneficial location.
2. Ensure that the hibiscus receives about 1 inch of water per week, either from rainfall or watering. Keep the soil beneath the plant moist but don’t let it become soggy. Young hibiscus plants need more water than adult plants, so when growing juvenile hibiscus, test the soil daily to make sure that it remains moist.
3. Fertilize the hibiscus twice a year with a fertilizer that is approved for use on tropical hibiscus.
4. Prune your hibiscus once a year. Use sharp pruning shears and trim old growth just above the small knobs that are present on the branches.
5. Check your hibiscus regularly for pests like aphids or spider mites. If signs of infestation are present, spray the bush with a mixture of 2 tbsp of dish soap and 1 cup of water. Continue spraying the plant until the insects have been eradicated.
(Adapted from ehow)