The hibiscus blooms with such splendor that you would like to have it in multiple versions. Garden marshmallow (also rose marshmallow) and indoor hibiscus can be easily propagated, depending on the species, by cuttings, seeds, planters or seedlings.
How to successfully propagate hibiscus?
Hibiscus is easy to propagate, either through seedlings, cuttings, seeds or sinkers. Choose the right method depending on the species, make sure the location is warm and bright and always ensure sufficient watering for the young plants.
Propagation by seedlings
The garden hibiscus makes propagation easy for you because it sows itself. Small sinkholes grow under most bushes in summer from which you can grow new bushes. If the sinkers have branched out, carefully dig them up and plant them in a new place.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is suitable for both the garden marshmallow and the rose marshmallow and should be done in summer if possible. You need growing pots or smaller flower pots with growing soil, rooting powder (€9.00 on Amazon) and secateurs (everything from the garden center).
First, cut off shoots up to 15cm long with at least 3 eyes from the hibiscus and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in rooting powder and then place them in pots with potting soil. It is important that the soil always remains moist. In a bright, warm location - a greenhouse is ideal - the cuttings will root after a few weeks.
Once the first leaves appear, you can transplant the cuttings into larger pots or into the garden. Even after planting, the hibiscus needs regular watering.
Propagation by seeds
Propagate by seeds requires a little more patience. With the garden marshmallow, all you have to do is collect the seeds in the garden. However, you will have to buy seeds from Hibiscus rosa sinensis. The right time to sow is spring or the beginning of summer so that the young plants develop well until winter.
The collected seeds are first scored, placed in a pot with potting soil and loosely covered with soil. So that the seeds are not washed away when watering, it is better to moisten the soil with a spray bottle.
Just like the cuttings, the seeds need a warm, bright place. If the plants have developed well and the first leaves have formed, you can transplant them.
Propagation of the garden hibiscus by planting plants
Another method for propagating garden hibiscus is lowering. To do this, bend a suitable shoot downwards, lightly score the bark and place it in a prepared depression. You attach the branch with a wire and cover it with soil, with the end of the branch sticking out of the soil.
After some time, the branch forms its own roots at the interface. If the sinker has become large enough, it can be separated - preferably in late spring - and planted in a suitable location.
Tips & Tricks
If you don't have a greenhouse or indoor greenhouse, you can also put a transparent plastic bag or freezer bag over the pot. Place the pot in a bright place on a windowsill out of direct sunlight and ventilate the bag regularly to prevent mold from forming.
