Guide to growing Hibiscus
Members of the Hibiscus genus can be either half hardy annuals or half hardy perennials.
They are tall plants that range from 45cm to 2.4M in height, this makes them ideal for use in borders, containers or even as a hedging plant.
Some of the common varieties of Hibiscus include Rose mallow, Goodnight at noon, Flower of the hour and Swamp mallow.
How to grow Hibiscus
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 and 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. the Hibiscus plants should then be put in the garden following the last frost of spring at a spacing of 40cm (small Hibiscus species) or 60 to 120cm (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 in the garden then divide the plants in the spring or allow then to self seed.