The hibiscus not only delights as a houseplant, winter-hardy varieties have also become indispensable in garden design because of their abundance of flowers. In order for the hibiscus to settle permanently in the garden, the following answers to the most frequently asked questions.
How to plant a garden hibiscus?
The Hibiscus syriacus (garden marshmallow) and Hibiscus moscheutos (swamp marshmallow) are suitable for a garden hibiscus. Plant it in a sunny, sheltered location in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil in spring. A hedge requires 2 plants per meter, flowering time is from July to September.
Which hibiscus is suitable for my garden?
Suitable hibiscus species for the garden are the garden marshmallow, bot. Hibiscus syriacus, also known as rose marshmallow, and the marshmallow, bot. Hibiscus moscheutus. The garden marshmallow develops into a robust shrub with 8 - 15cm flowers. The Hibiscus moscheutus is a rather herbaceous plant whose flowers reach a diameter of 15 - 30cm.
Can I also plant the rose marshmallow outside?
The rose marshmallow, bot. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, is a houseplant. If it is planted in a pot, it can spend the time from May to October on the sunny terrace and must be brought indoors over the winter.
Which location is suitable?
The hibiscus feels most comfortable in a sunny, protected location. There should be enough space here, as it spreads widely and can reach a height of around 2-3 meters.
Does the hibiscus need a special soil?
The hibiscus thrives particularly well in a permeable, nutrient-rich soil, but it also grows successfully in normal soil.
When is the best time to plant?
The best time to plant hibiscus is spring. Since the hibiscus is somewhat sensitive to frost in the first few years, it can grow well until winter.
What is the best way to plant the hibiscus?
- Dig a planting hole that is approx. 50cm deep and wider than the root ball or container of your plant
- Loose up the soil in the planting hole, maybe add some compost (€12.00 on Amazon) and water everything well
- Water a bare-root plant in a bucket before planting
- loose up the soil ball of a container plant
- Insert the plant, cover the roots with soil and water again and again
- Tamp down the soil, water it again and cover with mulch as frost protection for the first few years
Can I also plant the hibiscus as a hedge?
Yes, the hibiscus can also be planted as a flowering hedge. However, it is only opaque during the summer. You need about 2 plants per meter of hedge.
When will my hibiscus bloom?
Hibiscus is a summer bloomer. From July to September it enchants with flowers in pink, purple, red, white and yellow. It develops its flowers on the new shoots. Although the individual flowers usually only bloom for one day, they are replaced by new flowers throughout the summer.
Can I transplant my hibiscus?
Hibiscus roots are very delicate, so you need to be very careful when transplanting. You cut the hibiscus back by about a third and dig it up generously.
Can hibiscus be propagated?
Hibiscus can be propagated by seeds and cuttings. Since it sows itself, small plants often grow under the bush, which you can move and grow as a bush.
Good neighbors
- good companions are ground cover roses and early bloomers
- underplanting with lavender, sage and thyme helps against aphids
Tips & Tricks
Early bloomers such as crocus, snowdrops and hyacinths and especially ray anemones feel at home under the hibiscus. In contrast to hibiscus, they show their flowers early in the year. The bulbs are placed around the bush and do not require much space.
