Hibiscus: 5 Fast Facts | Van Putte Gardens (2024)

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Hibiscus: 5 Fast Facts | Van Putte Gardens (1)

Hibiscus plants produce some of the most showy blossoms of summer, with their huge bursts of red, orange, pink and yellow. We love these flowersfor their huge size and vibrant color, but also as a pollinator-friendly plant— birds, butterflies and bees all love them!

Hibiscus: 5 Fast Facts | Van Putte Gardens (2)

Five Fast Facts About Hibiscus:

  1. There areTWO types of hibiscus: tropical and hardy. Tropical hibiscusare the ones that look like the picture above — they come in red, pink, orange and yellow, have slightly smaller blossoms, and will not survive a Rochester winter outdoors, though you can overwinter them indoors if you have a sunny window. Hardy hibiscus are perennial for our area (which means they come back year after year) and come in red, pink and white. Plus, hardy hibiscus blooms are larger than tropical hibiscus – almost the size of a dinner plate!
  2. Hibiscus NEED sun to blossom. Make sure your plants, whether tropical or hardy, are positioned to get at least 6 hours of sun per day in order to set buds and eventually blossom.
  3. Hibiscus flowers can be made into tea, which is a good source of Vitamin C.
  4. And the flowers last only a day or two. It’s hard to keep up on it, but try to remove spent flowers promptly to encourage more blooms throughout the summer season.
  5. There are over 200 varieties of hibiscus worldwide!
Hibiscus: 5 Fast Facts | Van Putte Gardens (3)

Bonus: Tropical hibiscus can be trained into a variety of shapes, including “trees,” which we love as a Mother’s Day gift idea! We have them in stock now but they do sell out fast every year which isn’t surprising… who wouldn’t want this kind of coloron their deck all summer long?

Hibiscus: 5 Fast Facts | Van Putte Gardens (2024)

FAQs

Hibiscus: 5 Fast Facts | Van Putte Gardens? ›

Hibiscus plants can be woody shrubs, 30-foot trees, or soft and small. There are about 200 different kinds. They belong to a family of plants called “mallows.” Yes, that includes marshmallows! Marshmallows get their name because they grow along the edges of marshes.

What are some fun facts about hibiscus plants? ›

Hibiscus plants can be woody shrubs, 30-foot trees, or soft and small. There are about 200 different kinds. They belong to a family of plants called “mallows.” Yes, that includes marshmallows! Marshmallows get their name because they grow along the edges of marshes.

How fast do hibiscus grow? ›

Native to Asia, tropical hibiscus plants produce flowers constantly, but each blossom only lasts one day. The shrub is fast-growing and can add up to 24 inches per year, eventually reaching heights of up 15 feet when growing under the ideal conditions.

What is the hibiscus plant known for? ›

Hibiscus, a plant with colorful flowers, has been used for centuries for decorative and medicinal purposes. People have used it to make extracts, teas, and supplements. In traditional medicine, people use hibiscus preparations to treat ailments such as liver problems and high blood pressure.

What makes hibiscus grow faster? ›

Hardy hibiscus benefits from warm temperatures for bud growth, so if it's a cold spring or summer, growth will be slower. To keep Hibiscus warm apply a layer of mulch to protect Hibiscus in the winter and early spring.

Do hibiscus have a lifespan? ›

Hibiscuses may live up to ten years when using fourteen inch pots. Make sure not to over-water, try to keep your plant on the dry side. There plants like humid weather, so it is beneficial to mist the leaves daily, or use a humidifier.

Do hibiscus bloom every day? ›

In our northern climate, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is the species most commonly available through nurseries, garden centers and florists. Hibiscus are bred specifically for flower size and color. The beautiful, exotic-looking flowers are short-lived, typically blooming for only one day.

Do hibiscus grow all summer? ›

rosa-sinensis) lights up the summer garden like few other flowering shrubs do. These tropical plants come in a wide range of striking colors, including: red, yellow, pink, orange, peach, coral and white. Treat these warm weather shrubs well, and you can enjoy nonstop blooms from spring through fall.

Will hibiscus grow back if cut down? ›

Pruning your hibiscus helps it wake up from its dormant winter phase. This way, it can grow new branches and fuller, bushier leaves. Plus, by cutting away any dead, sick, or hurt leaves and branches, you're helping your hibiscus stay healthy. Besides, it keeps your plant looking stunning when it's in full bloom!

Do hibiscus need lots of sun? ›

Where to Plant Hibiscus. All hibiscus plants grow best in full sun. Tropical hibiscus needs moist but well-drained soil. Perennial hibiscus grows best in moist soil that never completely dries out (this type can handle a bit more water than tropical hibiscus).

Is hibiscus good for hair? ›

Hibiscus for hair can be very beneficial when applied in the form of an oil or hair mask. It is rich in essential nutrients and vitamins that strengthen hair follicles, stimulate hair growth and prevent hair fall. It also acts as a natural hair colour to mask greys.

Do hibiscus attract bees? ›

Available in an array of colors, hibiscus plants are attractive to pollinators across the board. They produce plenty of nectar and pollen to feel hummingbirds, butterflies and bees alike! Not to mention, they are simply stunning blooms that bring tropical vibes anywhere they go!

Why is it called hibiscus? ›

The name Hibiscus came from the Greek word “hibiskos” that meant “marshmallow.” The sticky root or stem of some plant in the mallow family was used at one time to make marshmallow confections. Some common names for hibiscus plants include hardy hibiscus, rose of Sharon, rose mallow, swamp mallow, and tropical hibiscus.

Do coffee grounds help hibiscus? ›

Coffee grounds, crushed banana peels or tea grounds mixed in with the soil will provide a good supply of everything your hibiscus needs. You can alternatively water with liquid manure or decoction from plant residues or vegetable water.

How fast will my hibiscus grow? ›

Consider that over two years, most hibiscus will grow to 1.5–2 metres high. Be sure they always receive optimal sunlight. Full sun for the whole day will see your hibiscus grow and flower to its full potential. Hibiscus plants in any level of shade will tend to be leggy and will not flower well.

Do hibiscus like lots of water? ›

Hibiscus need to be watered often when the weather is warm, and even more when it is hot. In most locations, that means daily watering, unless sufficient rain makes watering unnecessary on a particular day.

Why is hibiscus unique? ›

The hibiscus flower is one of the most recognizable flowers due to its color, size, and overall beauty. Keep in mind that hibiscus is an entire genus of plants, and there are actually over 300 species! Of all the different species of hibiscus, they are mostly found in the tropical regions of the world.

What are the special features of hibiscus? ›

The Hibiscus flowers are showy and conspicuous. It is usually borne singly but sometimes can be seen in clusters. The flowers are trumpet shaped and range in colours of red, orange, yellow, pink or purple. There are five or more petals in a Hibiscus flower.

What is a fun fact about yellow hibiscus? ›

Hawaii's official state flower is the yellow hibiscus (Hibiscus brackenridgei), also known in the Hawaiian language as the pua aloalo. All colors and varieties of the hibiscus became the official Territorial flower in the early 1920s.

What are some fun facts about hibiscus tea? ›

Not only does hibiscus tea come with a heap of antioxidants but it also brings antibacterial properties to the table too. Test tube studies have shown that hibiscus extract can inhibit E-coli and in other studies hibiscus was also seen to fend off eight different strains of bacteria.

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