Colorful flowers in abundance and lush green - the hibiscus delights as a shrub in the garden, as a container plant on the terrace and as a potted plant in the house. An important factor for a he althy plant is the right location.
Which location is best for hibiscus?
The ideal location for hibiscus is a sunny, sheltered spot in the garden or on the windowsill. Garden marshmallow (Hibiscus syriacus) and moscheutus prefer a sunny garden spot, while Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa sinensis) prefers bright, sunny interiors as a container or house plant.
All hibiscus varieties have one thing in common - they love light and sun. Depending on your use, you have different demands on your location.
Hibiscus in the garden
The hardy species Hibiscus syriacus, also called garden marshmallow or rose marshmallow, and the lesser-known Hibiscus moscheutus, a herbaceous plant, are suitable for the garden. In the garden, the hibiscus thrives particularly well in a sunny, sheltered spot.
The hibiscus is very fast-growing and can reach a height of 2-3m after a few years. If you make sure there is plenty of space to spread out before planting, you will save the hibiscus from having to transplant it unnecessarily.
The hibiscus as a pot plant
A Chinese hibiscus spreads in a pot throughout the summer, bot. Hibiscus rosa sinensis holiday flair on the terrace. In a sunny spot it develops bright flowers from June to September. Once set up, the pot should not be moved, otherwise the hibiscus will drop its flowers.
Since the Chinese hibiscus is not hardy, it must be brought indoors from October onwards. In a bright place in the well-air-conditioned winter garden, in a cool room or in the stairwell with a window, it can gather strength for the next flowering season at temperatures of 12 -15 degrees.
The right place in the room
The Chinese hibiscus or rose marshmallow is most commonly used as a houseplant. It needs a bright, sunny location. It is in good hands on the windowsill, but not necessarily in the blazing midday sun.
The rose marshmallow tolerates proximity to heating well if there is sufficient irrigation water and air humidity. Once the hibiscus has put on its flowers, it must no longer be moved to avoid the flowers falling off.
During the rest period in winter, the indoor hibiscus should be kept in a cooler but always bright place. This encourages new growth and flowering for next summer. The ideal room temperatures are 12 – 15°C.
Location errors and their consequences
- The hibiscus cannot develop its blooms in a shady spot in the garden because it gets too little light and sun
- An unprotected place is critical in the first winters with severe frosts, as young plants are still sensitive to frost
- Chinese hibiscus can lose its leaves in dark winter quarters
- At room temperatures below 10°C there is a risk that the entire indoor hibiscus will die
Tips & Tricks
Once the hibiscus has moved into its bright, cool winter quarters, it needs sufficient humidity. By ventilating regularly, you can also prevent infestation with spider mites.
