Hibiscus Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 25th Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Hibiscus plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Rose Mallow, China Rose, Shoe Flower, & Roselle: Cultivation & Garden Use

Members of the Hibiscus plant genus can be either half hardy annuals or half hardy perennials.

They are tall plants that range from 45 cm to 2.4 m (18 inches to 8 feet) in height, and this makes them ideal for use in borders, containers, or even as an hedging plant.

Some of the commonly grown species of Hibiscus include Rose mallow, Roselle, Goodnight at noon, China Rose, Shoe Flower, Flower of the hour, and Swamp mallow.

Hibiscus by Travlinman43.

Hibiscus Growing Guide and Facts

Common Names: Hibiscus, Flor de Jamaica, Sorrel, Rosemallow, China Rose, Rose of Sharon, Kenaf, Roselle.
Family: Malvaceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual. Half hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 20 to 120 inches (50 to 300 cm).
Native: Worldwide: tropical to warm temperate regions.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 10. As a perennial in zones 5 to 10.
Flowers: Summer until first frost.
Flower Details: Yellow, red, purple, white, pink, orange. Colors can change with age. Trumpets. At least five petals.
Foliage: Ovate. Lanceolate. Toothed. Lobed.
Sow Outside: Surface. Following last frost. Spacing 12 to 50 inches (30 to 130 cm).
Sow Inside: Soak chipped seeds for one hour. Germination time: ten days to one month. Temperature 70 to 80°F (21 to 27°C). Seven or eight weeks before expected last frost. Transplant outdoors following the last frost or in autumn.
Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Rich soil. Moist soil. Regular watering. Prune perennials for shape after flowering. Propagate: dividing in spring.

How to Grow Hibiscus in the Garden

If you want to grow Hibiscus outdoors from seed then they should be sown on the surface following the last frost of spring.

Hibiscus should be grown in a sunny or partially shaded part of the garden that has a rich moist soil.

The time to sow Hibiscus seeds indoors depends on if they are annuals or perennials. Sow annuals about two months before the last frost of spring is expected. Sow perennials about three months beforehand.

You will first need to chip the seeds, and soak in hot water for about an hour.

The seeds should then be sown on the surface, and will take about two weeks to a month to germinate at 21 to 25 degrees Centigrade (70 to 77°F).

The Hibiscus plants should then be put in the garden following the last frost of spring.

Use a spacing of 40 cm (16 inches: small Hibiscus species) or 60 to 120 cm (2 to 4 feet; large Hibiscus varieties).

Caring for Hibiscus in the Garden

Once growing, water Hibiscus regularly. Once flowering has finished give the Hibiscus plant a light pruning.

If you require to grow more Hibiscus plants for your garden, then divide the plants in the spring or allow then to self seed.

Common Questions

How many members does the Hibiscus genus have?

The Hibiscus genus contains around 200 species, known for their large, showy flowers.

Do members of Hibiscus make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, Hibiscus plants, with their large, vibrant blooms, are a favorite for adding tropical flair to gardens and landscapes.

Which Hibiscus species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon), and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Tropical Hibiscus) are commonly grown for their beautiful and plentiful blooms.

Are members of the Hibiscus plant genus fragrant?

While not all Hibiscus are fragrant, some species like Hibiscus rosa-sinensis are known for their pleasant scent.

What is the perfect location to grow Hibiscus?

Hibiscus thrive in full sun and prefer consistently moist, well-drained soil.

Is Hibiscus invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

The Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) can self-seed aggressively and is considered mildly invasive in some eastern states of the USA.

How do I remove Hibiscus plants from my garden?

For removing Hibiscus, first prune them back, dig around the base with a shovel, remove the entire root system, and dispose of the plants and roots properly.

Summary

The Hibiscus genus, part of the Malvaceae family, comprises several hundred species of flowering plants. Native to warm temperate, subtropical, and tropical regions, hibiscus plants are celebrated for their large, showy flowers. Well-known species include Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, the Chinese hibiscus.

Hibiscus prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. The plants need regular watering, especially in dry conditions, and prefer warmer climates. They can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division.

I hope you have enjoyed this guide on how to grow Hibiscus plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Lavatera, Colchicum Plant, and Althaea plants.