Hibiscus

HIBISCUS

Hibiscus is a large and diverse genus of flowering plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae). It includes a wide variety of species, ranging from herbs and shrubs to trees, native to warm, temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions around the world. Hibiscus is known for its large, colorful flowers, which are used for various purposes, including culinary, cosmetic, and medicinal preparations.

Plant a hibiscus in a sunny spot in compost-enriched soil with good drainage. Morning sun and afternoon shade is good, too. Although mature plants are fairly drought-hardy, they like regular watering once or twice a week in summer. Young plants in the garden and those in pots should be watered more often in hot weather.

• Garden plants can be fed in spring and mid-summer with slow-release fruit and flower fertiliser, while those in containers will appreciate a monthly dose of Bio Ganic or Nitrosol. Hibiscuses are hungry plants!

• Plants can be pruned fairly hard after flowering to encourage new bushy growth for a next flowering season.

• They can sometimes be prone to hibiscus stalk borer and may need to be treated as a precaution with a systemic insecticide such as Koinor as a soil drench.