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Plant of the Month January- Hibiscus

Whether it’s deciduous or evergreen, large or small, any hibiscus plant you see will undoubtedly catch your eye with their glorious and stunning flowers. And despite being relatively widespread, they always look special.

The beauty and popularity of the hibiscus is reflected in their varied use. The national flower of both Malaysia and Korea is a hibiscus (Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis and Hibiscus Syriacus). Hibiscus flowers are used as an offering to the gods Kali and Ganesh in Hindu worship. While in Hawaii and Tahiti, they can be used to symbolize a women’s relationship status.

4 MAIN GROUPS

There are 4 main types of hibscus available and knowing a bit about each can make it easier to choose the right one for you.

FIJIAN HIBISCUS

Cold-hardy shrubs, that normally retain their leaves through winter. Flowers are a little smaller and the shrubs tend to be slightly taller than Hawaian Hibiscus.

CLARKE'S HYBRIDS

New Zealand-bred varieties by Jack Clarke that are ideally suited to Auckland conditions. They are a cross between Fijian and Hawaiian hibiscus.

HAWAIIAN HIBISCUS

Smaller growing cold tender shrubs with huge flowers.
Like to be grown in a warm, sheltered, sunny site.

HIBISCUS SYRIACUS

A cold hardy deciduous variety ideal for those in colder regions.

We have heaps of varieties available, but here are some of our favourites:

ROSA SINENSIS

Grows 2.5 x 2m
Medium sized bright scarlet single flowers. This is a vigorous and prolific flowering hardy Fijian hibiscus.

TUI SONG

Grows 1.5 x 1.5m
Delightful Clark hybrid with medium to large bright pink flowers. Can be considered half hardy.

ERIN RACHEL

Grows 1.5 x 1.5m
Produces gorgeous apricot-edged flowers, changing to pink and with a deep red centre. Blooms spring to autumn.

SUN SHOWERS

Grows 1.5m x 1.5m
Flowers summer through till autumn creating a stunning display of ruffled scarlet-orange blooms with cream and yellow markings.

Blue Thunder

Grows 1.5m x 1m
From spring to autumn this delightful plant produces large, gorgeous, papery blue flowers with a deep cherry red centre.

Bright Lights

Grows 2m x 2m
The large deep orange-red flowers are produced from spring through till autumn.

TIPS FOR HIBISCUS GROWING

POSITION

Full sun. Grows best in fertile fairly free-draining soil in a sheltered, sunny spot.

PLANTING

Dig a hole that is at least twice as wide and twice as deep as the pot the plant came in.

Carefully remove the pot from your hibiscus plant and gently place the plant in the hole. Your hibiscus should be planted at the same level as it was in your pot.

When back filling mix your top soil with Kings compost and sheep pellets, or if your top soil is really poor, use Living Earth Garden Mix instead. Firm in and then water deeply. If you’re in heavier soils you can also plant into a slight mound to help improve the drainage.

CARE

Water deeply at least once a week during the hotter months.

Mulch plants with Living Earth More Than Mulch, to help suppress weeds and reduce water loss.

Feed with Kings Slow Release Rose Food in early summer, or for a natural option, use Kings Ocean Grow and sheep pellets.

Prune in late spring when all chances of frosts have gone. When pruning cut out dead, damaged, and diseased wood first and then try to maintain the shape that you’d like.

Cuts should be made at a 45° angle slanting away from your bud. The top of your cut should be about 1cm above the bud. Select buds carefully, as you can control how the shrub will grow by choosing buds pointing in the direction that you want the plant to grow.