Care of the tree Hibiscus tiliaceus or Sea hibiscus |
The genus Hibiscus, family Malvaceae, comprises 150 species of shrubs, trees and herbaceous plants distributed throughout the tropical and temperate regions of the planet. Some species are: Hibiscus tiliaceus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus mutabilis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hibiscus syriacus. Common names: Native hibiscus, Beach hibiscus, Sea hibiscus, Cottonwood hibiscus. This species is native to tropical regions of Asia, Oceania and Africa. They are trees that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. They have large, glossy, heart-shaped or oval leaves, dark green on the upper side and light green on the underside. The most interesting are the flowers: they are yellow when they appear and, throughout the same day, they turn orange and finally red. Sea hibiscus is used in coastal gardens in tropical and subtropical climates as isolated specimens or in small groups; it grows best near the sea. Hibiscus tiliaceus can grow in full sun or light shade exposure. It's a tropical plant that do not resists temperatures below 12 ºC (53.6 ºF). The soil must be well drained and contain organic matter. Water frequently so that the substrate never dries completely. Fertilize with compost in late winter and with mineral fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Beach hibiscus does not need pruning. Hibiscus tiliaceus is a plant quite resistant to pests and diseases; it can be attacked by mites in case of drought. Cottonwood hibiscus propagates by cuttings from the tip of the stems or from seeds sown in spring soaked the day before their sowing. |
Images of the tree Hibiscus tiliaceus or Sea hibiscus |