Maintenance Landscaping Design

Blue hibiscus is a beautiful plant that is known for its unique blue flowers. This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world, and is most commonly found in Asia, Africa, and Australia. The blue hibiscus is a beautiful addition to any garden, and can provide a splash of color in any landscape.

Also known as

• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
  
• Hibiscus syriacus
  
• Hibiscus trionum
  
• Hibiscus sabdariffa
  
• Hibiscus cannabinus

Things to Know

• Blue Hibiscus is a shrub that grows in tropical climates.
  
• The flowers of the blue hibiscus are large and blue in color.
  
• The blue hibiscus is native to the Caribbean and South America.
  
• The blue hibiscus is used as an ornamental plant in many gardens.
  
• The blue hibiscus can also be used in landscape design.
  
• The blue hibiscus has many medicinal uses.
  
• The blue hibiscus is known to have anti-inflammatory properties.
  
• The blue hibiscus is also known to have antioxidant properties.
  
• The blue hibiscus can be used to make tea.
  
• The blue hibiscus can also be used in cooking.

Related plant:
Buddleja Davidii Nanho Blue

Growing Steps

1. For blue hibiscus, first step is to choose a healthy plant. You can find these at your local nursery or garden center.
   
2. Once you have chosen a healthy plant, it is time to prepare the soil. Blue hibiscus prefers well-drained, sandy soils.
   
3. Amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or manure to help improve drainage and increase fertility.
   
4. Plant blue hibiscus in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
   
5. Water the plant regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
   
6. Fertilize blue hibiscus monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
   
7. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming.
   
8. Prune the plant as needed to shape and control growth.
   
9. Watch for pests and diseases such as aphids, scale, and powdery mildew. Treat these problems promptly.
   
10. Enjoy the beautiful blooms of blue hibiscus all summer long!

Related plant:
Blueberry Ash

The Soil

About soil condition, the blue hibiscus needs well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. The soil should be moist but not wet, and it should be allowed to dry out between watering. The plant also needs full sun to partial shade.

About light

So, like the other flowers, hibiscus need sunlight to grow. They should be planted in an area where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight each day. Hibiscus will also do well in partial shade, but they may not bloom as often.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for the growth of blue hibiscus is between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant is not frost-tolerant, so it is best to keep it indoors or in a heated greenhouse during the winter months.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 60-70%. The hibiscus should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Allow the top one inch of soil to dry out in between watering. Water the plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry out before nightfall.

The Fertilizer

Mentioning fertilizer, usually the plant will need more nitrogen than phosphorus and potassium. For a blue hibiscus, it is best to use a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen like a 10-10-10 fertilizer. The roots of the blue hibiscus are very sensitive to cold. If the temperature gets too low, the roots will die. It is important to plant the blue hibiscus in an area that is well-drained and does not stay wet for long periods of time.

Plant Pruning

Pruning your blue hibiscus is important to keep the plant healthy and blooming. You should prune the plant in the spring, after the last frost. Cut the plant back by about one-third to encourage new growth. Be sure to use clean, sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Blue hibiscus can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or division. Seed propagation is the most common method, and it is also the easiest. Cuttings and division are generally best done by professional growers.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is considered to be fast. Mature specimens can reach up to 6 feet in height and width. When growing blue hibiscus in containers, keep in mind that the roots are quite aggressive and will quickly fill the pot. If you want to keep your plant smaller, consider planting it in a pot with a smaller diameter.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants include over watering, excessive sunlight, and poor drainage. If the plant is not receiving enough water, the leaves will begin to yellow and drop off. The plant will also become less vigorous and produce fewer blooms. If the plant is receiving too much water, the roots will rot and the plant will eventually die. Excessive sunlight can cause the leaves to turn brown and dry out. The plant will also become less vigorous and produce fewer blooms.

Tips on Growing

• Do not forget to water the blue hibiscus plant regularly. The plant cannot survive without water.
  
• Place the plant in an area with plenty of sunlight. The blue hibiscus plant needs sunlight to thrive.
  
• Use a well-draining potting mix. The blue hibiscus plant will not do well in soggy soil.
  
• Fertilize the blue hibiscus plant monthly using a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune the plant regularly to encourage new growth.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat the plant immediately if any problems are found.
  
• The plant may be slow to bloom. Be patient and do not give up hope.
  
• The blue hibiscus plant is not winter hardy. Bring it indoors or protect it from the cold weather.
  
• The plant may attract bees and other pollinators. This is generally considered

Substitution

• Hibiscus abyssinicus
  
• Hibiscus acetosella
  
• Hibiscus acetosella subsp. quadrilocularis
  
• Hibiscus aculeatus
  
• Hibiscus adnatus
  
• Hibiscus aethiopicus
  
• Hibiscus africanus
  
• Hibiscus aguilarii
  
• Hibiscus albostellatus
  
• Hibiscus albosylvestris
  

Source:
Blue Hibiscus 1607 – Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
Hibiscus | UMN Extension - University of Minnesota
Common Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) — UIC Heritage Garden