Garden hibiscus - care and reproduction. Garden hibiscus - the subtleties of growing and caring Hibiscus bush

One of the most popular ornamental plants in indoor floriculture and gardening are hibiscus. These plants are great for decorating home and office interiors, for creating picturesque compositions in landscape design.

In my opinion, the main advantage of hibiscus is its unpretentiousness. In addition to high decorative qualities, hibiscus flowers have valuable properties that are used in cosmetology and cooking. Hibiscus flower extracts are added to various cosmetic products for hair and skin care. For example, in skin care products, flower extract is used as a sunscreen agent, as it is able to absorb ultraviolet radiation.

Hibiscus drink, which is made from the sepals of hibiscus sabdarif, is very popular all over the world. Hibiscus is a tart, sour drink of dark red, raspberry or purple color, containing vitamins (C, PP, etc.), polysaccharides, flavonoids, antioxidants, anthocyanins, various organic acids (15-30%) (citric, malic, etc.) . Hibiscus can be consumed cold and hot. Sugar, lemon, mint, rose hips, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and other spices are added to the drink to taste. Numerous foreign studies have shown that with regular use, the hibiscus drink reduces systolic blood pressure, lowers cholesterol levels, and has a hypotensive and diuretic effect.

In some countries, various dishes are prepared from hibiscus flowers, for example, salads are made from the edible bracts of a plant in the Pacific Islands.

On July 28, 1960, the Chinese hibiscus was named the national flower of this country by the government of Malaysia (it is depicted on banknotes and coins). Hibiscus is also

national symbol of Haiti. In India, hibiscus flowers are used to decorate wedding ceremonies. Plants of the genus hibiscus (Hibiscus) belong to the family Malvaceae (Malvaceae).

Propagation of hibiscus

Under natural conditions, hibiscus grow in Asia, America, Africa, Southern Europe, and the Middle East.

Usually hibiscus are found in the form of evergreen (or deciduous) shrubs or small trees, which can reach a height of 2-3 m, as well as in the form of herbaceous plants.

Hibiscus species

Scientists have counted about three hundred species of hibiscus. The most common species in indoor floriculture is Chinese hibiscus (or Chinese rose) (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). In countries with tropical and subtropical climates, this heat-loving plant is grown outdoors.

In Russia, the following types of hibiscus are grown in indoor floriculture and gardens: hibiscus chinensis(H. rosa-sinensis), hibiscus hybrid(H. hybridus), hibiscus syriac(H. syriacus), hibiscus sabdarifa (sudanese rose or rosella) (H. sabdariffa) and others. Hibiscus sabdarifa can be grown from the seeds that are found in packages of the Hibiscus drink.

Description

Hibiscus have shiny dark green or bright green leaves that can be solid or variegated, with white, cream, pink, red streaks, spots or streaks.

Flowers solitary; simple or terry; funnel-shaped, with stamens fused into an elongated tube; large (up to 15-20 cm in diameter, in garden forms - up to 25 cm); have different forms and coloration. According to various estimates, 400-500 forms and varieties of hibiscus are known. The flowers of these numerous forms, varieties and hybrids have different shades of petals - red, white, pink, crimson, orange, yellow, lilac, purple, brown, purple, peach, salmon, etc. You can probably find flowers of almost any color except blue and black. They can be monophonic, or they can be decorated with a decorative ornament in the form of a border, spots, strokes, streaks, etc.

Hibiscus is a fairly hardy plant. The main problem that flower growers face when growing hibiscus is the lack of flowers. It should be noted, at good care hibiscus bloom profusely. To create favorable conditions, hibiscus needs good lighting, regular watering and spraying of leaves, and periodic fertilization. The flowering period is from March to November. It happens that hibiscus blooms in winter, during the dormant period.

Illumination and temperature conditions

Hibiscus is a light, heat, moisture-loving plant. Therefore, it is best to place the plants in a place well lit by indirect sunlight. It should be noted that hibiscus is shade-tolerant, but it blooms less often in the shade. The optimum air temperature in the warm season is 18…25°С.

Our China Rose grows in a large ceramic flower pot near a south-facing window. From direct sunlight, the plant is protected by a tulle curtain. In hibiscus, flower buds are laid at a temperature of 12 ... 17 ° C. Therefore, one of the main factors necessary for the flowering of a plant is to provide it with a special temperature regime during the dormant period. In late autumn, the hibiscus comes to a dormant state, and we move it to a dark corner, away from the radiator. In this place, the plant stands from November to March. When young leaves appear on the branches, we return the hibiscus to its original place (this must be done before the buds appear).

Some flower growers artificially shift the flowering time of hibiscus, “changing” its dormant period: until May, the plant is in a dark room, it is rarely watered. In May, the hibiscus is pruned (and transplanted if necessary), in July it is cut again. As a result, the plant begins to bloom in late autumn, and flowering continues throughout the winter.

Watering mode and air humidity

Hibiscus is a moisture-loving plant, so you need to water it regularly and spray the leaves. In summer, I spray hibiscus twice a day (morning and evening), in spring and autumn - once. Of course, the frequency of spraying should depend on the conditions of the plant.

Watering also depends on the conditions of the hibiscus and the time of year. I usually reduce watering in winter (in December and January - watering is limited). During the period of active vegetation (especially during flowering), I water the plant more often and more abundantly than during the dormant period; with insufficient watering, it will not bloom. Therefore, the soil in a flower pot should always be loose, moderately moist, waterlogging or overdrying can lead to dropping leaves and buds.

Periodically, dust or dirt should be removed from the leaves. I wipe its leaves with a piece of damp cloth or a soft sponge.

Soil, planting, transplanting

For planting and transplanting hibiscus, I usually prefer to use ready-made ornamental shrub soil (loose, permeable, high in nutrients). Much less often I prepare the soil mixture myself. It should include: turf, leaf, pine soil, humus (in approximately equal proportions), as well as sand and peat. You can add some charcoal.

Soil acidity for hibiscus can range from pH 5.5-7.8. Ideal soil acidity should be close to neutral (pH 6-7). Outside of these ranges, the plant will have a harder time absorbing nutrients.

A flower pot for planting hibiscus must have drainage.

Young plants should be repotted once a year in the spring, and older plants as needed. When our hibiscus was a young plant, I transplanted it annually in the spring into a larger pot. Now that a plant growing in a very large pot has reached an impressive size, it would be difficult to transplant it into another pot, so I periodically add new soil, replacing the top layer.

Feeding hibiscus with fertilizers

In the spring-summer period (approximately from March to August), I feed hibiscus once every 10-15 days with water-soluble fertilizers for flowers and ornamental shrubs (alternating mineral and organic fertilizers). AT autumn-winter period I stop fertilizing or reduce it to once a month (depending on the condition of the plant).

The applied fertilizers should contain the following elements: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, etc.

In spring, it is best to use fertilizers with a higher nitrogen content, in summer time it is necessary to switch to fertilizers with a higher content of potassium and phosphorus.

Bush Shaping and Rejuvenating Hibiscus Pruning

In the spring, you can cut last year's growth of hibiscus by 1/3 of the length in order to rejuvenate old bushes and form young branched bushes or a standard tree. Also annual pruning is necessary to stimulate flowering. Cut cuttings can be rooted.

Reproduction of Chinese hibiscus

Hibiscus are propagated by cuttings, air layering, less often by seeds.

Hibiscus can be propagated by cuttings throughout the year, but the best time February to April or July to September. Cut off young apical cuttings about 15 cm long should be planted in small pots filled with a loose substrate - a mixture of peat and sand in equal proportions. You can root cuttings in water.

In order to speed up root formation, seedlings can be covered with a jar or film; regular airing and spraying are required. To get a branchy bush, when the cuttings grow a little, their tops and side shoots need to be pinched.

Cuttings take root within 1-2 months (depending on temperature, humidity and light). With good care, young plants can bloom in 10-12 months. After a year, they need to be transplanted into a larger pot.

hibiscus grafting

Some flower growers in May-June plant several cuttings (usually no more than 4-5 pieces) of various varieties per standard bush (in the crown) of non-double hibiscus. I do not really like this experiment, because, in my opinion, flowers of various shapes and shades do not look very natural on one bush.

Possible problems that gardeners may experience when growing hibiscus are shown in the table.

Table. Possible problems, pests, diseases

№	Problem	Causes	Solution
1.	Chlorosis - leaf discoloration (interveinal tissues pale yellow, veins green).	Low temperature, high humidity soil; an excess of phosphorus and calcium with a lack of iron.	Compliance with the temperature regime; restriction of watering (add ferrous sulfate (ferrous sulfate) or iron chelate to the water).
2.	Falling buds, flower buds, drying and dropping leaves.	A sharp change in location or conditions of detention; irregular fertilization; low air humidity; insufficient illumination; low temperature; under or over watering.	Compliance with temperature and lighting conditions; regular moderate watering, spraying and fertilizing with fertilizers.
3.	Absence of flowers (flower buds are not laid).	During the dormant period, the temperature is below 12°C or above 17°C; insufficient watering; excess nitrogen fertilizer.	Compliance with the temperature regime during the rest period; regular watering.
4.	fungal diseases(soot fungus; root rot).	Contribute to the defeat: high humidity, hypothermia, low light.	Remove the affected leaves, treat the plant with fungicides (foundazol, oxychom, glyocladin, etc.) in accordance with the instructions. Limited watering during the cold season.
5.	Pests: spider mite, aphids, felters, whiteflies, thrips, scale insects (attack weakened plants).	Defeat is promoted by: insufficient humidity of air; lack of regular feeding.	If pests are found, carry out chemical treatment with actellik or an aqueous solution of laundry soap. Repot the plant in new soil. For prevention - frequent spraying with water and regular fertilization.

In order to prevent diseases, restore immunity, stimulate root formation and flowering, I periodically spray the plant with a solution of Epin or Zircon.

Hibiscus in the garden

One day I decided to find out from my Sicilian friend the secrets of successfully growing hibiscus in the garden. To my questions about the peculiarities of caring for plants, he replied: “I don’t care for them, they grow on their own.” From this it can be concluded - the main problem, which occurs in Russian flower growers when cultivating hibiscus in gardens, this is a successful wintering of plants.

As a rule, Russian flower growers grow frost-resistant hibiscus in gardens, for example, various forms and varieties of hybrid hibiscus, which was bred by breeder Fyodor Nikolaevich Rusanov by crossing three species: bright red hibiscus, marsh hibiscus, and armed hibiscus. But planting cold-resistant hibiscus to protect their roots from frost in winter and from overdrying in summer must be mulched with dry fallen leaves or grass. In addition, plants must be covered for the winter. In the spring, it is necessary to cut off the old branches, and the young shoots that have appeared can be pinched to form lush bushes.

For successful cultivation of hibiscus in the garden, it is best to choose a place well lit by sunlight. Hibiscus hybrid is a moisture-loving, but drought-resistant plant. Hibiscus is not very demanding on the soil, the main thing is that it be fertile, loose and well-drained.

Anna Vasilina

Photo by Olga Rubtsova and Alla Protasova

It is there that he is one of the most important decorations not only for gardens, but also for women's hairstyles. Despite the fact that this is a tropical and subtropical flower, there are species that can be grown in our climatic conditions, which is good news. After all, many would like to get such beauty on their site. Bright and beautiful flowers combined with decorative foliage are ideal for creating unique garden arrangements, as well as for use in indoor landscaping.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the features and description of hibiscus, and also learn all the main characteristics of the species and varieties of this exotic plant. Let's describe all the important nuances agricultural techniques for growing hibiscus at home and in the open field.

Features and description of hibiscus

Hibiscus is a deciduous and evergreen tree, herbaceous and shrub plant of the large Malvaceae family. The natural habitat of this beautiful flower is South Asia, as well as Africa and America. Hibiscus is a tropical and subtropical plant that loves hot and humid climates. In our latitudes it is also possible to grow this exotic flower, but only some species. The most popular is the garden hibiscus, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Hawaiian Islands. Our article will mainly be about him.

The name hibiscus itself comes from the word "Hibiskos", which in ancient times in Greece meant marshmallow.

Hibiscus is valued in many peoples of the world and countries. In the Hawaiian Islands, it is a symbol of love and beauty. Often used in various ceremonies. Hibiscus flower necklaces greet tourists at airports. Therefore, it is not in vain that it is considered the national flower. In some European countries this flower is symbolized with the flower of death. It is believed that when indoor hibiscus leaves begin to curl up and turn yellow, someone close to them will get sick. In the East, this flower has an absolutely opposite meaning. There it is a kind of power engineer, endowing with new forces. It is with this meaning that one of the ways to use Chinese hibiscus is connected - brewing Hibiscus tea, which is loved by many in our country.

Hibiscus Description:

• Hibiscus can be deciduous or evergreen, perennial and annual species are also distinguished.
• The form in which this large family is represented is also varied. There are herbaceous hibiscus, tree hibiscus, shrub hibiscus and semi-shrub hibiscus. Therefore, there are a huge number of options for its use in landscape design.
• The height of the plant will depend on the particular variety, since the tree hibiscus grows taller than the herbaceous one.
• Hibiscus leaves are oblong, notched along the edges, attached to the stem with petioles. There are various shades of green in color.
• The most important decoration of this plant is flowers that simply amaze with their appearance.
• Hibiscus flowers are funnel shaped with 5 or more petals.
• The sizes of flowers of different varieties of hibiscus can vary from 6 to 15 cm, sometimes there are plants with flowers as large as a soccer ball.
• The color of hibiscus flowers is also diverse: there are monochromatic flowers of red, pink, white, lilac, blue shades, as well as two-color ones and with a contrasting border around the edge.
• In the form of petals, flowers also differ in different varieties: there are simple, terry.
• Hibiscus blooms for a long time. Garden hibiscus flowers bloom for only one day, and then new ones appear instead of them and this lasts for several months - from mid-summer until frost.
• The fruit is a box with seeds, consisting of 5 flaps.
• Today there are more than 220 types of hibiscus.

The main types and varieties of hibiscus

To date, there are a large number of species of this beautiful flower, but on our territory it is possible to grow only varieties of Syrian hibiscus, trifoliate and hybrid. Consider the main characteristics of some types of hibiscus and their most popular varieties.

Hibiscus Syrian

It is the most suitable species for cultivation in our climatic conditions, as it has excellent frost resistance. This species is native to China.

• In nature, it grows as a deciduous shrub, which can reach a height of 5-6 meters.
• In culture, the growth of the Syrian hibiscus reaches only 3 meters, but it can be cultivated both as a shrub and as a small tree.
• It is this type of hibiscus that is the national flower of the Hawaiian Islands.
• This plant is formed by erect shoots, which are densely strewn with oblong, ovate leaves.
• The leaves are slightly dissected in shape, about 10 cm long.
• The flowers are quite large, in diameter they can reach 6-12 cm. The flowers are located singly, they come in various colors. It is for this species that one-day flowering of each flower is characteristic, to be replaced by another one the next day.
• Hibiscus Syrian is characterized by excellent resistance to frost - it can endure up to minus 25 degrees.
• Can be grown as an indoor flower.

Popular varieties of Syrian hibiscus:

• Sort "Diana". Shrub form of Syrian hibiscus, which can reach 2 m in height. It blooms with white flowers, the petals of which are slightly wavy along the edge. The average diameter of one flower is 12 cm.
• Sort "Ardens". blooms lilac- pink flowers, blooming in early summer. It is considered a perennial plant, which is formed by upright shoots. Virtually no pruning required. It can grow up to 3 m in height.
• Variety "Pink Giant". A shrubby form of hibiscus that blooms with pink flowers with purple spots in the center.
• Sort "Blue Bird". It has a very unusual color of flowers - bright blue with a red spot in the center. This shrub can reach 4 m in height.
• Variety "Carneus Plenus". This variety has flexible shoots. It blooms with double, pale pink flowers with a bright purple spot in the center.

Hibiscus trifoliate

This type of hibiscus is native to Africa. The plant reaches a height of 80 cm, has a taproot and erect branches. The leaves of this type of hibiscus are tripartite, hence the name. The leaves are attached to the stem with petioles. The flowers are very small, only 4 cm in diameter. Yellow in color with a red center. This type of hibiscus has a very interesting feature- its flowers bloom only in the morning for a few hours, and then fold back into buds.

Hibiscus hybrid

This species was specially bred from crossing three types of hibiscus: bright red, marsh, holly. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that blooms with very large and bright flowers.

Popular varieties:

• Variety "Youth". shrub variety, which can reach a height of 1.5 m. Flowers in diameter reach 10 cm and resemble tulips in shape. They are light pink in color with a white center.
• Variety "Late". A dense and compact bush that can reach a height of 1 m. It blooms with raspberry flowers, reaching a diameter of 7 cm.

Hibiscus Chinese

This variety is known to many, as in our latitudes it is a homemade hibiscus. It is an evergreen shrub or tree-like hibiscus, which can reach a height of 4.5 m. The leaves are oblong, ovoid, and can reach 15 cm in length. The flowers of this species are solitary, mounted on long peduncles. Funnel-shaped and bell-shaped. In diameter, the flower can reach 10-12 cm. The color is very diverse: from white to red and purple.

Popular varieties:

• Sort "Borias". It blooms with large lemon-white flowers with a corrugated edge and a purple core.
• Sort "Purple Majestic". It features purple flowers with white dots and a ruffled edge.

How to propagate hibiscus

Hibiscus breeds different ways. Sometimes this may depend on the specific species. For example, hybrid hibiscus is propagated by dividing the bush, cuttings and grafting. However, most species of this crop can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, layering and dividing the bush. The simplest and most commonly used methods are the propagation of garden hibiscus by seeds and cuttings.

Hibiscus seed propagation

• First of all, you need to collect hibiscus seeds. You can identify ripe fruits by color - they will be brown. Harvest carefully as the seeds are small.
• The optimal time for sowing seeds is January-March.
• Pre-seeds must be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate.
• Next, select a suitable container and fill it with a soil mixture consisting of peat and sand.
• Seeds are sown on prepared soil and the entire container is covered with glass or film.
• The difficulty is the further maintenance of the container with seeds, because their germination requires a fairly high temperature - within 25-27 degrees. It is also desirable to provide additional heating of the bottom of the container.
• You will need daily care, which consists in airing and moisturizing.
• When the first strong leaves appear, seedlings should be planted in separate pots.
• It is important that hibiscus seedlings receive enough light, otherwise they may stretch and become brittle.
• In open ground can be planted in May.
• An interesting feature of garden hibiscus is that it can propagate by self-sowing at the time of full seed ripening.
• Hybrid varieties of hibiscus cannot be bred in this way, as these plants will completely lose their maternal characteristics.

Propagation by cuttings

This is perhaps the easiest and most effective way to propagate hibiscus.

• Hibiscus cuttings should be harvested in the summer.
• To do this, on an adult plant, select a strong and healthy shoot. It can be cut into several cuttings of 10-12 cm, the main thing is that each has several internodes.
• You need to cut the cuttings with a sharp secateurs at an angle.
• Next, remove all the leaves from the bottom of the cutting, the top can be left.
• It is recommended to treat the cuttings with root growth stimulants. To do this, immediately before planting, place the cuttings in a container with this solution.
• Next, prepare the soil mixture, which will consist of peat and sand. Cuttings can be planted in greenhouses, or you can create greenhouse conditions at home, planting the stalk in a pot and covering it with a film.
• It is desirable to provide cuttings with lower heating.
• Rooting of the cuttings occurs after about a month, after which they need to be transplanted into individual pots for growing.
• These pots need to be filled with another potting mix consisting of hardwood, peat, sand and soddy soil.
• The cutting is looked after until a strong bush is formed, after which it is pinched and transplanted into open ground.
• Grown in this way, hibiscus can bloom in the year of planting.

Stages of preparation before planting hibiscus

To get a beautiful garden hibiscus, you must definitely prepare carefully before planting. It is important to purchase high-quality hibiscus seedlings, as well as to choose the right place for planting on your site. Also, we must not forget about the thorough preparation of the soil for planting this exotic plant.

Stage 1. Selection of seedlings

It is best to buy hibiscus seedlings in specialized stores and nurseries. Only in this way will you be sure that it is the hibiscus of your chosen variety that will actually grow on your site. Avoid purchasing seedlings in spontaneous markets and strangers, thus the risk of receiving low-quality planting material increases.

When buying seedlings, consider the place where they will be planted. After all, all varieties differ in height and color of flowers. It is also important to carefully examine the seedling shoots and leaves. They should not be damaged or show signs of illness. If you purchase a seedling with an open root system, then inspect it for dry and broken roots.

Stage 2. Choosing a place for planting hibiscus

Hibiscus is mostly a tropical plant, so it is important to find a suitable place for its growth and flowering. If you make a mistake with this choice, the plant may not bloom. Optimal location for planting hibiscus, it is a light penumbra, so that the seedling receives enough sunlight, but has protection from direct rays. It is also important that the place is not in a lowland - hibiscus does not tolerate prolonged stagnation of moisture at the roots.

When choosing a place, also consider the garden composition you are planning, which you want to end up with. Some varieties of hibiscus can be planted in tubs, but the place must be chosen once and for a long time. When moving the tub, you can break the flower stalks.

Stage 3. Preparing the soil for planting

It is important to pay enough attention to preparing the soil for planting. These plants prefer to grow in slightly acidic or neutral soils. It should be very fertile and perfectly pass air and moisture. Hibiscus responds well to high organic content in the soil.

Before planting, the chosen place must be carefully dug up, preparing the soil mixture for planting, which should consist of peat and fertile soil.

Planting hibiscus in open ground

After all preparatory work you can start planting a hibiscus seedling. The best time to plant it outdoors is spring, when the threat of night frost has passed.

• Before planting, prepare landing pits at the selected site.
• If you plant several seedlings together, be sure to keep a distance of about 1-1.5 m between them.
• The size of the landing hole should be twice the size of the root system with a clod of earth.
• At the bottom of the pit, be sure to place a layer of 15 cm of drainage to prevent stagnation of moisture at the hibiscus roots. Broken bricks can be used as drainage.
• On the drainage layer, pour a layer of sand, and then compost, then sand again.
• Next, carefully remove the hibiscus seedling from the container, being careful not to damage the roots.
• Place the seedling in the hole and cover the roots with the prepared soil mixture, which should consist of soddy soil, peat and sand.
• The seedling must be buried so that the root neck is only slightly covered with earth.
• Next, be sure to spud the planted seedling, making a recess around it for watering.
• Pour plenty of water over the hibiscus.

Features of caring for hibiscus in the open field

Caring for hibiscus is not difficult, especially if it is planted in the right place. Further young plant needs periodic watering, loosening, top dressing and pruning.

Watering

The plant needs regular abundant watering. The correct watering regimen for hibiscus is to wait for the soil around the plant to dry completely. And only then water it. However, during the driest time of the year, you will need to water almost daily to keep the hibiscus from dying. If the weather is cool, then watering, on the contrary, is reduced. The full growth of hibiscus depends on a competent irrigation regime.

Loosening and mulching

Hibiscus likes to grow on loose and airy soils, so periodically after watering the soil needs to be loosened to ensure air flow to the roots. During this process, weeds must be removed. To reduce the appearance of weeds and prevent evaporation of moisture, the near-stem circle can be mulched. Dry peat, sawdust or tree bark is used as mulch.

top dressing

For the full growth and flowering of hibiscus, it is imperative to feed it and this must be done repeatedly. Hibiscus needs a sufficient amount of potassium, which can be applied every 14 days, and it is also important to feed them to hibiscus in the fall before the onset of cold weather. It is also important to fertilize every two weeks with a moderate dose of phosphate and nitrogen fertilizer. Especially in these fertilizers the plant needs at the time of active vegetation.

pruning hibiscus

Hibiscus needs periodic sanitary pruning, which should be carried out in early spring. In its process, you need to remove all weak, damaged and broken branches that inhibit the growth of strong and young shoots. It is also necessary to partially remove last year's growth in order to stimulate growth. a large number young shoots with flower buds. Do not forget to periodically remove faded buds during the flowering of the plant, because this will contribute to the emergence of new ones.

Pest and disease control

In the process of caring for hibiscus, it is necessary to identify the appearance of pests and various diseases on the plant and effectively deal with them. This culture is rarely affected by diseases and pests, but they can still appear due to improper care of the plant. Of the pests on hibiscus, aphids, thrips and whiteflies appear. To combat them, you need to use insecticides, for example, Karbofos.

Of the diseases, chlorosis most often appears on hibiscus. With this disease, plants fall off lower leaves. This disease can be prevented by competently applying fertilizers containing iron and nitrogen.

Growing hibiscus in a tub

Some varieties of hibiscus can be grown in tubs. As a result, you will get an original and bright object of your landscape design. However, the growing process has some nuances:

• A tub plant is more demanding to care for.
• Before the hibiscus begins to bloom, you need to choose the most optimal location for the tub, since it is not recommended to move it in the future. Hibiscus may lose their flower stalks.
• Hibiscus growing in a tub needs pruning more than usual to shape the crown. Most often they are cut into the shape of a ball.
• Watering tub hibiscus should be moderate. The main thing is that the earth does not have time to dry out too much. Also, the plant responds well to regular spraying of the crown.
• For full growth, it is imperative to feed hibiscus with phosphorus-containing fertilizers. Approximately 1 time in 2 weeks.
• In winter, such a plant must be transferred to a bright and fairly warm room with an average temperature of 12-14 degrees.
• Hibiscus Chinese or Chinese rose is suitable for planting in tubs.

Photo of hibiscus

You can more clearly see all the features of this exotic plant in the proposed photos.

Use as a houseplant

tree hibiscus

Hibiscus herbaceous

It is not difficult to make your garden or plot inimitable and unique, the main thing is to choose bright and memorable plants. It is to these that the beautiful hibiscus can be attributed, which, with its flowering, will transform any landscape.

working landscape designer, I always advise my clients on plants that combine visual appeal with unpretentious care. One of my favorite plants is garden hibiscus, which is what I use more often than others when decorating plots.

The plant is able to transform any landscape, looks extremely impressive. In the article I will talk about this plant, share my experience on how to plant and grow garden hibiscus.

garden hibiscus- a real decoration of the backyard landscape. In addition to the exceptional external decorativeness, the plant can also boast of flowers suitable for brewing delicious tea. It is hibiscus flowers that are used as the basis for the famous Hibiscus.

In addition, the plant is also quite unpretentious: its care and reproduction does not cause difficulties.

In the homeland of the plant - the Hawaiian Islands - it is also called the "flower of love". Hawaiian women adorn their hairstyles with amazingly spectacular flowers.

It can be different in height: tree-like varieties are the tallest. The flowers of the plant deserve a separate description. They are in the form of a pronounced funnel, formed from five or more ( terry varieties) petals.

Funnel parameters can be from 6 to 15 cm, there are also varieties in which flowers in a loose state reach the diameter of a soccer ball.

The color is different: pink, white, blue, lilac, red shades are more common. There are also two-tone, striped, bordered varieties - they are the most decorative.

Garden hibiscus is able to withstand frosts down to -20 degrees without shelter. Of course, in most Russian regions, the plant will need to be covered for the winter. The shrub blooms for a long time - from late June to October. It can be both an annual plant and a perennial, its evergreen and deciduous varieties are also known.

The plants are malvaceae. In nature, there are about 250 varieties of this flower. The following varieties are cultivated in the garden:

• hibiscus tree;
• grassy;
• semi-shrub;
• shrubby.

landscape use

Different types and varieties of garden hibiscus are used in the design of the backyard landscape in different ways. If the variety is undersized, it is ideal for borders, including mixed ones.

Herbaceous hibiscus looks spectacular in combination with roses and other beautiful ornamental shrubs.

The tree-like variety is perfectly combined with both massive coniferous trees and shrubs, and with undersized flowers. Hibiscus: photo in the garden.

Since the garden hibiscus loves water, a site on the shore of a reservoir or pond will suit him perfectly. Growing hibiscus outdoors is easy and miniature varieties Plants are also suitable for pot cultivation.

Varieties

Science knows many types and varieties of this beautiful plant, however, under conditions open ground only a few of them are usually grown in Russia:

• Syrian;
• trifoliate;
• hybrid.

Syrian

This is the most suitable hibiscus for our climate, as it is quite frost-resistant. His homeland is not Syria, as you might think, but China.

Under natural conditions, Syrian hibiscus reaches 5 meters, but with cultural cultivation - only 3 meters. It is usually cultivated as a small tree. The plant is decorated with elongated dissected leaves and large flowers, reaching a diameter of 6-12 cm.

Tripartite

Has African origin. Reaches 80 cm in height, has a tap root system and straight elongated branches. The name comes from the type of foliage - the leaves are divided into three parts.

The flowers are small, reaching a diameter of only 4 cm. However, due to their number and external showiness, the shrub looks very picturesque. The color of the petals is yellowish, the core is red. Flowers bloom only in the morning.

Hybrid

It was bred artificially by crossing marsh hibiscus, red and holly. Differs in long years of life and very beautiful, bright and large flowers.

Condition Requirements

Find out in what conditions street hibiscus the best way will show its decorative qualities.

Place

It is necessary to plant a plant in a sunny area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe garden.

In this case, the place should be protected from drafts and gusts of wind.

The soil

Hibiscus does not impose special requirements on the composition of the soil, which greatly simplifies the task of the gardener. It is better to grow and develop a shrub in loamy soil; it is undesirable to plant it on a site with calcareous soil.

It is important that the bed has good permeability, is loose and drainable: the plant does not like stagnant moisture. And the most spectacular flowering can be achieved by planting hibiscus in the soil in a neutral or slightly acid reaction. It is also important that the soil is sufficiently nutritious, saturated with organic matter.

Temperature

Garden hibiscus is a tropical flower, therefore it is not indifferent to heat. When the winter shelter is removed in the spring, it is necessary to build a film greenhouse over the shrub to protect it from recurrent frosts. With the onset of sustainable heat, the need for a greenhouse disappears.

View on the topic:

reproduction

Hibiscus can be propagated in the garden in two ways:

• seeds;
• cuttings.

seeds

This method is the longest, but if it is not possible to propagate hibiscus vegetatively, there is no other way out. Seeds must be stratified before planting to harden the plants.

Seeds are placed in the ground, sprayed with water and cleaned in this form in the refrigerator for stratification. The procedure lasts a month, after which the seeds are planted already in the substrate for germination. The substrate should consist of peat and sand.

The container is covered with a film and placed in heat (+ 25-27 degrees). You need to regularly lift the film for ventilation, as well as spray the soil with a spray bottle.

After germination, wait for the seedlings to form a few true leaves and dive the seedlings into separate pots.

Keep in mind that hibiscus will bloom in this case only in the third year.

cuttings

For this method, it is best to choose spring. The stalk is cut from young shoots 5 cm below the bud node. After cutting, the lower leaves are removed from the cutting and the cut is treated with a root stimulator.

Rooting occurs in the ground: you need to deepen the cutting to the node. From above, the seedling is covered with polyethylene and so kept for about a month. During this period, the cutting takes root, after which it can be transplanted into the garden. In this case, hibiscus will begin to bloom next year.

Planting in the garden

You can plant both hibiscus seedlings grown from seeds and cuttings with roots on the garden bed. The following is a step by step process.

1. Prepare holes for plants at a distance of a meter and a half from each other. The size of the hole should be twice the volume of the roots of the plant.
2. Place a drainage layer of broken bricks at the bottom of the recesses.
3. Pour sand on top, then compost, sand again.
4. Remove the seedling from the container so as not to damage its vulnerable roots.
5. Place the seedling in a hole, cover the roots with soil (earth + peat + sand). The root neck should be slightly below ground level.
6. Spud the seedling, forming a watering recess around the trunk.
7. Water the plant.

How to care

With proper care, the plant can live safely for 15 years, while annually delighting with its flowering. Let's get acquainted with the basic requirements for the care of garden hibiscus.

watering

The plant requires regular and fairly abundant moisture. However, it is important to prevent soil flooding and stagnation in it. Make sure that the soil in the hibiscus bed is constantly moist, but without puddles.

If there is a drought, water the plant daily, and on cool days the procedure can be omitted. After watering, it is recommended to loosen the soil to ensure good soil permeability.

Transfer

This procedure is needed mainly by young hibiscus. Usually the plant is transplanted in early spring, trying to be in time before the start of sap flow.

When it comes to herbaceous hibiscus, it should be transplanted especially carefully. The fact is that its roots cannot be damaged - such negligence can very quickly lead to the death of the plant. Therefore, dig out the bush very carefully, trying not to touch its rhizomes, it is better to retreat to a decent distance.

How it hibernates

Since winters in our country are usually harsh, garden hibiscus needs to survive the cold under cover. The plant will not withstand frosts below -20 degrees.

Before cold weather, mulch the root circle with peat, trim and then cover the bush with burlap or agrofiber. In this form, the plant will be able to safely survive the winter.

top dressing

Fertilizers for garden hibiscus must necessarily contain phosphorus. And before sheltering for the winter, feed the plant with potassium - fertilizer will help to survive frosts more easily.

We met with such a magnificent plant as garden hibiscus. This unique shrub boasts a rare decorative effect combined with unpretentiousness. It will decorate any site, perfectly combined with most garden plants.

Now you know how to plant it and how to care for it - following the tips from the article, you can avoid many problems when growing hibiscus.

Tropical guest - hibiscus, fell in love with Russian flower growers and became a frequent inhabitant of household plots, residential and office space. Therefore, for many beginners and experienced gardeners, the topic is relevant: hibiscus shrub planting and care. Let's get acquainted with interesting plant closer.

Hibiscus is an ornamental or indoor shrub of the Malvaceae family. The plant is native to Southeast Asia. The shrub is quite tall (up to 4.5 m), has dark green leaves on petioles and large (16-30 cm in diameter) beautiful flowers different shades. Despite the fact that each bud blooms only during the day, hibiscus bushes differ long flowering, which begins in spring and lasts until late autumn.

hibiscus seeds

Pollination in natural conditions is carried out by insects; after flowering, the pollinated shrub bears fruit. The fruits are capsule-shaped and contain seeds.

Landscape designers and amateur gardeners can choose the most unusual of the variety of varieties and species, more than 200 plant names are widely used in decorative gardening.

The most common type of garden hibiscus is the Syrian hibiscus, planting and caring for which is available even to inexperienced gardeners. For middle lane it is considered more expedient to breed grassy hibiscus (for example, Red King), decorated with large flowers, and more frost-resistant.

The variety of varieties and types of Syrian hibiscus

Hibiscus species are used in landscape design in different ways:

Swamp hibiscus with large flowers, reaching a diameter of up to 12 cm, is often used to create hedges. The same function is performed by tree hibiscus, which has bright flowers of elegant shape (flower diameter - up to 10 cm).

Hibiscus Chinese, blooming all year round, is used not only for decorating plots. The petals of its flowers are used to brew a special tea - “hibiscus tea”.

Sour hibiscus is also often called annual maple. It has not only red flowers, but also the same carved leaves, looks good both in a hedge and in a single planting.

Description of the most popular varieties of Syrian hibiscus

• Hibiscus Syrian Blue Chiffon is a variety whose main feature is the color of the flowers. This variety is often called "chiffon" because of the tenderness of their petals. Blue chiffon attracts attention, because in nature the blue color, clear and clean, almost never occurs with a transition to blue.
• Hibiscus Syrian Oziau blue. This variety also has blue flowers, but their central color is red.
• Syrian hibiscus Matilda is remembered as a red spot on the pink flower petals.
• It is not by chance that the Syrian hibiscus Red Heart is called the “red heart”: the central part of its white flowers is red in color.
• Hibiscus Syrian Ardens differs not only in the compactness of the bush, but also in flowers. Each double flower has a purple color.
• Hibiscus Syrian Duc de Brabant is equally good in the form of a shrub, and in the form of a tree, colored purple with red petals.

reproduction

Professionals give a different answer to the question of novice flower growers, how to propagate hibiscus. For this, cuttings are used, and cultivation from seeds is also often used.

1. cuttings

Pruning the youngest growth from the tops of the flower in the summer gives cuttings ready for propagation. Having treated them with a growth stimulator, they are first rooted in a greenhouse, and after transplanting into the ground, they develop shoots of growth. To do this, cut the cutting at a distance of 15 cm from the base, leaving the first shoot bud.

1. Sowing seeds

Propagation by seeds is often used for marsh hibiscus. Growing herbaceous hibiscus from seeds is also effective. Such reproduction can be carried out in a fairly long time; at home, sowing begins in January and continues until April. Before sowing the seeds, they are soaked in water for 12 hours, and after that they can be planted in a prepared soil mixture of peat and sand. A container box with planted hibiscus seeds is placed in a warm place with a constant temperature of 25-27 °. Hibiscus is characterized by fast germination. The sown shrub is regularly sprayed after the appearance of sprouts, and at the age of 3 full leaves they are transplanted into a pot.

1. Graft

Another one is grafting. This horticultural process is done traditionally, using a good cutting. To comply with all the rules, novice summer residents are advised to get acquainted with the video representing the training master class of the experienced Sergey Marinkov.

Landing

Planting garden hibiscus consists of several stages

• Location selection

When using open ground, the following rule should be observed: an ornamental shrub grows well in a free sunny place, protected from the wind. And varieties of hibiscus marsh mix, in addition to the sun, are also demanding elevated level moisture.

• Planting hole preparation

The size of the hole is determined by the size of the root system of the seedling with a clod of earth. The planting hole should be twice the size of the hibiscus rhizome.

The filling of the landing pit is as follows: 15 cm - drainage, then in layers: sand - compost - sand.

• Landing

A hibiscus seedling is placed in a hole and sprinkled with soil mixture so that the root neck is lightly sprinkled. The composition of the mixture for sprinkling: turf, peat, sand in equal quantities.

After planting, the seedling is spudded, at the same time a groove is made around for irrigation and watered abundantly.

Care

A southeastern resident by origin, hibiscus is quite unpretentious, does not expect a special approach, however, caring for and growing a plant requires certain rules to be followed.

• Watering

Hibiscus needs abundant watering. In the hottest weather or in dry regions in the summer, the shrub is watered every day. In spring, autumn, in cool weather or when planting a plant in the middle lane, watering is carried out after the soil around the plant has completely dried.

• loosening

A prerequisite for the full development of the shrub is regular loosening, which will enrich the soil with air. This has a beneficial effect on the plant, as well as weed grass removed during loosening.

• Mulching

A layer of mulch (sawdust, dry peat, tree bark) keeps the soil moist and at the same time gets rid of weeds.

• top dressing

During the growing season, as well as before the onset of autumn cold weather, the plant is fed with potash, phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers.

• pruning

In the spring, pruning of weak, damaged branches is carried out, as well as a certain amount of last year's growth to activate the appearance of young shoots. During the flowering period, in order to extend its terms, it is also necessary to regularly trim the faded buds.

Preparing for winter

Hibiscus is hardy. Even the exotic herbaceous hybrid hibiscus tolerates winter well. It can winter just sprinkled with snow. The photo shows how hibiscus hibernates in the garden, tied with burlap or spruce branches.

In regions with severe winters and temperatures below 34°C, hibiscus wintering in the soil may die. Therefore, the bush is dug up and moved to a heated room. So it can stay in the basement until spring, or it can develop in a pot, like an indoor flower.

AT the world- with harmony
Any street, area near the house will be transformed with the advent of hibiscus

Many countries consider hibiscus to be theirs. It is no coincidence that a plant has several plants at once. In Sudan, hibiscus is called "Sudanese rose", in Syria - "Syrian rose". But this ornamental shrub is international. This rose can be yours too! Plant hibiscus in the country, enjoy its flowering, drink hibiscus tea, feel all the harmony of the world created by your own hands!

The plant belongs to the mallow family and is represented by a huge variety of species (about 300). The natural habitat is the tropical zone of America, Africa and Asia. In nature, the genus Hibiscus is found in the form of shrubs and trees. Some subspecies are perennial or annual herbs.

Hibiscus classification

In terms of cultivation, two groups are considered:

• indoor plants - a prominent representative is the Chinese rose;
• garden forms - the most common is the Syrian hibiscus.

In the wild nature of temperate climates, hibiscus are found:

• trifoliate (northern) - herbaceous annual, the leaves of which are used in the pharmaceutical industry for the manufacture of diaphoretics;
• hemp (kenaf) - grown as an agricultural crop for the production of fiber and technical oils.

Hybrid forms attract with large petals and a variety of colors. Flowers are used to prepare drinks with a pronounced antispasmodic effect. Hibiscus tea has amazing properties - a hot drink increases blood pressure, a cold drink has hypotensive properties.

Garden forms of hibiscus

In the territory former USSR In nature, only two types of hibiscus are common:

• Hibiscus syriacus (Syrian) - the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range;
• Hibiscus trionum (northern, trifoliate) - Russian Far East, Crimea.

Wintering species such as Syrian hibiscus or tree hibiscus are suitable for growing in a garden.

The coat of arms of Korea depicts beautiful flower- This is a hibiscus (mugunhwa), which is a symbol of the state. The graceful plant is sung in a hymn - in a poetic form, the Koreans thank the magic flower for giving the land of rivers and mountains primeval beauty.

Hibiscus arborescens or Syrian

Hibiscus tree blooms for six months or more, but each flower lives only a day (hybrid species - 2-3 days). Withered petals are replaced by new buds. The plant blooms in early July, and renews its flower stalks until mid-autumn.

From a botanical point of view, the Syrian rose is a deciduous shrub. AT temperate climate the height of the bush in the middle lane does not exceed 2 m, although under natural conditions tree-like forms reach 5 m. Large (up to 10 cm) oval or ovoid leaves have a bright green color. The flowers are located singly, very large, reaching a diameter of up to 27-30 cm. Terry or simple inflorescences cover almost the entire range of shades, they are two- and three-color.

Planting and growing garden forms

Tree hibiscus is propagated by any means - from sowing seeds to direct division of the bush. Starting your acquaintance with the plant, purchase ready-made seedlings from a well-established nursery. In this way, you will protect yourself from the negative consequences associated with possible diseases and the presence of pest larvae.

We plant hibiscus by dividing the bush

• choose a bright, draft-free place;
• use well loosened fertile land;
• lay drainage at least 10 cm thick at the bottom of the pit (sand, washed crushed stone, gravel);
• straighten the roots and fill the hole with earth so that the root neck is at the level of the soil.

In order to prevent aphids, plant lavender bushes near the hibiscus.

The plant is moisture-loving, but it can not be flooded. Abundant weekly watering is recommended, and in dry weather - 2-3 times a week.

Growing hibiscus from seeds

You can also grow a full-fledged copy of the tree-like form of the Asian beauty from seeds, but you should prepare for the fact that this process will take a long time. Seeds are sown in winter - in January-February:

• prepare a bowl with peat-sand soil mixture;
• pre-soak the seeds in any stimulant for a day;
• cover the container with polyethylene or glass.

Seeds are planted to a depth of 0.7-1 cm. The first shoots appear at 2-3 weeks, subject to the temperature regime (+ 25-27 ° C), regular ventilation and moisture. As soon as the first pair of true leaves appear, transplant the seedlings into separate pots.

In May, transfer the seedlings to the ground. In warm climates, hibiscus, obtained from seeds, can begin flowering 2-3 years after planting, in temperate - 3-4 years.

Reproduction by seeds has its positive and negative sides. A plant grown from seeds has stable reactions to sharp fluctuations in the weather and is immune to diseases. Varietal characteristics are at risk - a new plant most often will not have a complete resemblance to the progenitor.

Hibiscus cuttings

Cuttings are a simple and inexpensive method of propagation. The hibiscus grown by green cuttings fully corresponds to the hybrid form of the donor.

In the spring (during the formation of buds) or at the end of September (when the growth of annual shoots ends), cuttings up to 15-20 cm long are cut.

4-6 buds are left below and the sprout is placed in a mixture of peat and sand (the ratio is equal). Root formation lasts about 3 weeks, then the plant is planted in a pot.

It is better for a young seedling to overwinter the first year in a warm room, especially if it is an autumn cutting. Hibiscus are transplanted to a permanent place in the spring. Over the summer, a new resident of your garden will gain strength and be able to comfortably winter.

How does garden hibiscus winter?

How to warm hibiscus for the winter:

• prune the plant after flowering;
• pour abundantly under the root;
• after a week, spud the bush with light soddy soil with the addition of sand;
• with the onset of the first frost, insulate completely.

We warm the planting of hibiscus before winter

Warming is carried out in several ways:

1. Young plants are bent to the ground, sprinkled with sawdust, leaves or a special covering material. Lay on top polyethylene film, which is pressed to the ground with pegs or stones.
2. Stamp forms remain in a vertical position. A wooden or wire frame is installed around the tree and wrapped with a covering material. Lapnik or straw is tied over the shelter.

In winter, rodents like to climb into such warm houses. To prevent damage to the plant, lay the ears of crops soaked in poison inside the hut, or arrange mousetraps.

Galina Yurchenko, expert

During the winter, keep an eye on temperature fluctuations - during the early spring thaws, hibiscus must be aired.

Resuscitation of hibiscus in spring

The plant is hard to come out after wintering, but there is one secret that will help you quickly bring it back to life:

• in the first warm days, remove the insulation from the hibiscus and cover the flower with a light greenhouse;
• in the middle of the day, air the bush for 15 minutes at intervals of 1-2 hours;
• remove the film gradually, as the shoots grow.

In two or three weeks, your Hawaiian beauty will gain strength and thank you with lush flowering.

Pruning and shaping hibiscus

There is a point of view according to which it is not recommended to prune hibiscus in the first years after planting. This is not true, because flowers appear only on young shoots. The more often the old branches are removed, the more the bush gives to the young shoots. To enhance flowering, regular annual pruning is performed before the start of sap flow.

Decorative pruning is carried out in order to form a bush. In the photo, the hibiscus flower looks like a small multi-colored tree. The procedure for forming a stem-pigtail:

• plant three varieties of plants in one pot;
• when the seedlings take root, twist the shoots with a pigtail;
• secure the weave with a bandage or fabric strips in several places;
• continue weaving to the desired height.

Hibiscus Syrian tree is widely used in the design of personal plots. Shrubs are planted in tapeworms or groups, next to bright annuals or against the backdrop of an emerald lawn.

And where do you grow an oriental miracle? Share your observations with readers and surprise your neighbors by learning new secrets with us.