Hibiscus rosa-sinensis or Chinese Hibiscus

Care of the shrub Hibiscus rosa-sinensis or Chinese 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 rosa-sinensis, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Hibiscus mutabilis, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Hibiscus syriacus.

Common names: Chinese Hibiscus, Shoeblackplant, Rose mallow, Hawaiian Hibiscus, Tropical Hibiscus, China Rose, Rose-of-China. This species is native to China.

They are shrubs or perennial trees of wide bearing branching from the base that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The leaves are oval, glossy dark green in color and have a slightly serrated margin. The large, showy flowers can be red, yellow, pink, white, orange, etc. Long groups of stamens with yellow anthers emerge from the center of the flowers. They can bloom throughout the spring, all of the summer, and part of the fall.

They are used in bushy groups, as isolated specimens (better next to a wall) and in large pots as indoor plants, greenhouse plants and in patios and terraces. They are ideal for gardens in tropical and subtropical climates.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis needs full sun exposure and sheltered from the cold. It does not resist frost; the winter safety temperature is 10 ºC (50 ºF).

The soil must be light and fertile; add 1/3 of coarse sand, 1/3 of peat and abundant organic matter (manure). Planting or transplanting is done in spring or autumn.

Water frequently in summer so that the substrate never dries completely (avoid flooding); the rest of the year reduce watering a little. If grown indoors, avoid drafts and regularly spray the leaves with lime-free water, especially in summer.

Prune lightly at the end of winter to favor the next flowering.

They are quite resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases that can sometimes be attacked by insects.

They are propagated by cuttings in spring or summer and by air layering.