Hibiscus is a large genus consisting of more than 200 species of herbaceous plants, trees, and shrubs, both evergreen and deciduous. Most are native to the warm areas of the world, including the tropics, subtropics and warm-temperate regions. Chinese hibiscus is arguably the most widely planted and beloved of all tropical flowering shrubs.
Usually woody and variable in form, Hibiscus have simple leaves that are arranged alternately on the stem. They are often lobed with toothed edges and can have glossy or matte surfaces. Many Hibiscus bloom all year around. Their five-petaled flowers are large and showy, may be platter or funnel-shaped, and have protruding reproductive columns in the center. Flower color is extremely variable and multicolored blooms are common. The fruit is a large, dry, chambered capsule that bursts open to show lots of round, flattened, dark brown seeds. (info source: Learn2grow.com)
Genus - Hibiscus
Species - Cannabinus
Common name - Brown Indian Hemp
Pre-Treatment - Not-required
Hardiness zones - 6 - 10
Height - 4-8' (1,20-2,40 m)
Spread - 24-48' (0,60-1,20 cm)
Plant type - Shrub
Vegetation type - Deciduous
Exposure - Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
Growth rate - Medium
Soil PH - Acidic, Neutral
Soil type - Clay, Loam, Sand, Well Drained
Water requirements - Average water needs. Water regularly, no overwatering
Care level - Easy
Landscape uses - Bedding Plant, Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical
Germination rate - 90%
Bloom season - Depends on climate zone: Early Spring, Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter, Winter, Late Winter
Leaf / Flower color - Green / Red or yellow flowers with bright red centers
Useful Info | |
Germination | Soak seeds in water for 24 hours. Seeds can be planted in a commercial seed starting medium or a mix can be made out of some combination of sand, perlite, vermiculite. The seeds are planted 1/4 to 1/2" deep in the mixture and should germinate in a week to a month on average. It is best to keep the temperature about 80 to 85° F (about 28° C) and the medium moist, but not soggy. A heat mat to provide bottom heat is helpful. Until you have found out what works best for you, the seed starting kits that are available in gardening stores and catalogs that use small plastic cells may be the best way to start -- one seed per cell.. Some have used styrofoam coffee cups with drainage holes poked in the bottoms and 100% perlite to start their seedlings. Some plant several seeds in 4" pots. Putting the pots/cups, etc. in trays with clear domes and starting under lights can give them a headstart. It is absolutely essential that you do not use too much water. Seeds will rot and will not germinate if they stay in a wet/soggy medium. After the seedlings have developed several sets of true leaves and the stems have begun to harden and become woody, they may be moved to a larger pot. A water soluble 20-20-20 fertilizer can be used per label directions at this point. Some growers will move these 3 or 4" tall seedlings to a gallon plastic pot containing potting soil, others will move their seedlings up in several stages to gallon pots and use soilless mixtures. Some growers plant their young seedlings in the ground in their own bed. (Always avoid disrupting the plant and its roots as much as possible in these moves.) These small seedlings should be gradually introduced to sun over several days. Remember they are tender, so avoid temperatures in the 40s. Information source: trop-hibiscus.com |