Garden hibiscus - rules for planting and growing in open ground

In Hawaii, garden hibiscus is called the flower of love or the flower of beautiful women. Growing a plant in a garden plot does not bring much trouble, while it will delight large, about 12 cm in diameter, bright flowers from mid-June to early September. Garden hibiscus looks spectacular in landscape design of any style.

Is hibiscus the flower of death?

There is a belief that a flower carries negative energy and absorbs human health and strength, bringing it closer to death. He has a second name - a hemoptysis. This is primarily due to the fact that the flowers most often have a red tint, reminiscent of blood. Another sign says that if a plant throws off its leaves, then someone in the family will get sick, and if it releases a flower earlier than the prescribed time, then one of those close to them will face death.

But to believe in these superstitions or enjoy beautiful flowering, everyone decides for himself.

Photo of garden hibiscus

Popular varieties

Hibiscus garden is grassy, ​​shrubby and tree-like. In cold climates, only the Syrian tree variety is able to grow, which is able to tolerate even severe frosts.

Hibiscus syrian

This is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 5-6 meters. The length of saturated green leaves reaches 10 cm. Single flowers have different shades. The best varieties are Diana, Pink Giant, Carneus Plenus.

Hibiscus triple

The height of the plant is about 80 cm. The flowers of this variety have a peculiarity - they open in the morning and close in the afternoon. Hibiscus blooms for more than a month.

Hibiscus hybrid

This variety was obtained by crossing 3 species. Hibiscus hybrid is a herbaceous perennial. The most popular varieties are Yunost, Ardens, Late.

Terry hibiscus

It differs from other varieties with lush flowers. The brightest representative is Lavender Chiffon. Are the flowers large? violet pink with a bright red center.

Outdoor landing

Garden hibiscus is common in the warm climatic zones of Russia. In cold climates, growing a plant is also possible. But in this case, it is recommended to plant the flower in a large pot, which in the summer will stand on the street, and in the winter in the house.

Landing time

The term for planting hibiscus in open ground depends on climatic conditions. A plant can be planted only when the probability of frost is no longer present, and the earth warms up. In some areas it may be April, and in some May. Correct determination of the optimal time for planting allows the plant to adapt in the soil and take root in order to survive the next winter.

Landing location and soil

Garden hibiscus are long-lived (20 years or more), so the site should be chosen with great care. The best option is a windless sunny area. Experienced gardeners claim that the plant feels good next to roses.

The soil should be clay or loamy. The plant does not tolerate swampy and calcareous soil.

Step-by-step instructions for landing in open ground

To create a comfortable environment for hibiscus, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:

1. The size of the planting pit should be 2 times larger than the lump of the root system of the plant. Roots need a large space to grow stronger.
2. Immediately before planting, a drainage should be poured into the planting pit, which will absorb excess moisture and prevent root decay. The thickness of the drainage layer should be at least 15 cm.
3. The pit is filled with a mixture of 2 parts of turfy land, 2 parts of leafy soil, 1 part of humus, 1 part of river sand.
4. Place the roots of the plant in the resulting substance so that the soil slightly covers the root neck. Pour some more soil on top.
5. Spread the ground so that the hibiscus is in the center of the water recess. This must be done carefully without damaging the roots.
6. Pour water into the recess and, after it is absorbed, sprinkle with earth on top. If planting is carried out in the fall, then at the end you should mulch the trunk circle: this will allow the seedling not to freeze.

Plant care

It’s easy to take care of garden hibiscus.

Temperature, humidity, lighting

Garden hibiscus is very fond of sunlight. Depending on the species, it can withstand up to -30 ° C and up to + 30 ° C, although most varieties need shelter in the winter. There are no special requirements for air humidity for the flower. If it is transferred to the room for the winter, it is necessary to periodically spray it.

Watering, top dressing

It is recommended to use warm water for irrigation. On hot days, water should be watered daily if the soil dries. Whether the plant has enough water can be recognized by its bright flowers and rich green leaves. If the foliage is stale and falls, then there is not enough water.

In rainy and cloudy weather, hibiscus does not need watering.

In the period from June to September, fertilizing is performed 2 times a month with fertilizers with a high content of nitrogen and phosphorus. In the fall, when preparations for winter take place, potash fertilizers should be preferred. It can be tincture of wood ash, which is added to water for irrigation.

Cropping, shaping

Grassy varieties of hibiscus do not need pruning, it is only recommended to remove dried stems before wintering. Tree varieties need regular pruning:

• Hygienic (compulsory). It is carried out in the early spring, before the sap flow begins. All branches dried up or frozen during the winter, branches growing inside the plant, as well as root shoots, are removed.
• Stimulating. Usually performed simultaneously with hygiene. Flowers appear only on young shoots. In order for there to be an increase in young branches, it is necessary to trim old ones by a third.
• Formative (optional). If desired, you can form the desired shape and size so that the plant becomes part of the garden landscape.

Wintering

Herb varieties withstand without shelter up to -30 ° C. After drying the ground part of the plant, all shoots should be cut off and sprinkled with dried leaves or sawdust.

A tree view in a temperate climate also does not need shelter. In severe frosts, the procedure will be as follows:

1. Water the plant before the onset of the first frost.
2. In a few days to spud the earth.
3. At the end of November, cover the hibiscus with leaves or sawdust (mound height about 15 cm).
4. Bend all branches to the ground and cover with a cloth (spunbond, lutrasil) and plastic wrap.
5. Around the bush make a strong frame, which is wrapped on top with covering material in several layers.

Especially carefully you need to warm young bushes.

Breeding

Propagation of garden hibiscus is even for a beginner gardener. Two methods are most commonly used:

1. Cuttings. Reproduction by this method is performed in the spring before flowering. Put the cuttings in water, and as soon as the first roots appear, they are transplanted into the ground. The seedling can be transplanted into a pot, which will be outdoors all summer, and brought into the room for the winter and planted in the ground the next year.
2. Seeds They are sown from January to March. Seeds are pre-lured in Epin's solution and planted in a mixture of peat and sand. Cover the container with glass so that the inside temperature remains at least 27 degrees. Open and ventilate the glass periodically. After the first leaves appear, they can be dived into separate pots.
   

   Hibiscus seeds

   If the shrub was grown from seeds, then it will begin to bloom only after 3-4 years.

Fighting diseases and pests, major care mistakes

Pests settle on hibiscus most often after contact with diseased flowers or when transplanted into infected soil. The most common pests and methods for controlling them are described in the table.

The main disease of garden hibiscus is fungal chlorosis. Infectious chlorosis is carried by various pests, therefore, it is first necessary to destroy them. The diseased flower needs to be transplanted to another place, strengthen the dressings and regularly sprayed with iron chelate.

Non-infectious chlorosis occurs due to excess moisture or if garden hibiscus grows in the shade. In this case, it is recommended to transplant it to a more sunny place and adjust the irrigation mode.

With improper care, garden hibiscus can become sick. The main symptoms of the disease and their causes are described in the table.

Garden hibiscus will adorn the garden for many years and make it unique, especially since this plant does not require special care.