FEATURESTORY
Hibiscus is a Great Greenhouse Plant
Plant Name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Common Names: Hibiscus, China Rose
Light Needs: High light
Best Temperatures: Warm conditions between
60-70ºF (16-21ºC)
Water and Humidity Needs: Keep soil moist
Growing Guidelines: Grow in well-drained, soil-
based mix and repot every 2-3 years in the spring. Fer-
tilize with a 3-1-2 fertilizer twice a month.
Common Problems: Whiteflies and mealybugs
Propagation: Stem cuttings in spring
Comments: It can be cut down to 4 inches in the
spring to stop the plant from becoming leggy
Fun Facts:
Hibiscus is the National Flower of Malaysia
and is the native flower of Hawaii. It is considered
the Queen of the Tropics and grows wild in many
tropical, subtropical, and warm-temperate regions
around the world.
Hibiscus is a diverse genus made up of roughly
220 species of annuals, herbaceous perennials, shrubs,
subshrubs, and trees and has been cultivated for cen-
turies. The name ‘Hibiscus’ comes from hibiskos, the
32
old Greek name for the common marshmallow. The
most commonly grown species is Hibiscus rosa-sinen-
sis, which means China Rose. They have large, flat,
conspicuous, trumpet-shaped flowers, with five petals,
ranging from white to pink, red, purple or yellow. The
petals range in size from 1 ½ inches to 6 inches wide.
Hibiscus is native to the tropical region of Asia,
and tends to grow in wet or swampy areas.
Many plants of this family are useful ornamen-
tally, while some are also sources of fiber, food, and
medicine. Hibiscus tea is caffeine free, with a unique,
delicious taste. It is distinctive, vibrant, with a natural
color, and is rich in Vitamin C. The flowers are busy
members of the mallow family with hundreds of dif-
ferent hibiscus species. The flowers are large and
brightly colored, shaped like a horn or trumpet, and
some species will change color as they age. The most
popular and conspicuous use for the flowers is deco-
rative, with other uses being for cooking in herbal
teas, and for garnishing. Besides being used for orna-
mental purposes, some hibiscus varieties have specific
uses ranging from industrial uses to medicinal uses. GG
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
May 2019