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I get asked a lot of
gardening questions through the year, and one very common question is “Tell
me how to take care of my hibiscus”. And my response to the question is
always the same. “What type of hibiscus do you have?” To which they
respond “I didn’t know there were different types!” Well, there are, and
they all 3 require different care. Let me show you the three types we
commonly see in our area.
This hibiscus is
commonly known as the “Chinese or Tropical Hibiscus”, and is not hardy for
our zone. Great shiny green foliage, available in a multitude of
spectacular colors, and truly one of the best bangs for the buck for all
summer color, this hibiscus is either grown as an annual here, or taken
inside the house during the winter season. These are a great container
plant and are seen an awful lot gracing many patios and decks. That’s
tropical hibiscus.
This hibiscus is hardy
in our zone, is a woody plant, and many selections can get as much as 10-12
feet tall! Its Hibiscus syriacus, or commonly known as the Rose of Sharon.
It’s late to leaf out in the spring, but by mid summer the new growth
becomes loaded with wonderful hibiscus flowers that will last well into the
fall, again in colors from whites to pinks to purples to reds. That’s the
Rose of Sharon.
And then we’ll find the
hardy perennial hibiscus, Hibiscus moscheutos or coccineus or palustris, or
commonly known as “Hardy Hibiscus” or “Rose Mallow”. These woody perennials
usually range from 3-6 feet in height, come in a variety of leaf colors, and
of course are best known for their dinner plate sized blossoms that are
simply spectacular in the garden. These woody perennials are cut back close
to the ground in the spring, and re-grow each season to produce these
outstanding flowers. That’s the hardy perennial hibiscus.
So now you know the 3
types of hibiscus commonly grown in our area. So if you need more
information on their care, just email me…and be sure to tell me which type
of hibiscus you have! |
