How long does the flowering period of hibiscus last
The editor will answer how long the flowering period of hibiscus lasts and provide detailed explanations on the care knowledge of hibiscus in the field of green plants and flowers. Next, the editor of this site will introduce to everyone.
I. Introduction to Hibiscus
Hibiscus: Also known as Flos Hibisci, Buddhist hibiscus, and Chinese rose. Since the flowers are mostly red, it is commonly known as "big red flower" in the Lingnan area of China. It is an evergreen shrub, about 1-3 meters tall; the young branches are cylindrical, sparsely covered with stellate pubescence. The leaves are broadly ovate or narrowly ovate, hairless except for a few sparse hairs along the veins on the back. The flowers are solitary in the upper leaf axils, often pendulous; the corolla is funnelform, 6-10 cm in diameter, rose red or light red, light yellow, etc., the petals are obovate, rounded at the apex, and sparsely pubescent on the outside. The capsule is ovate, about 2.5 cm long, smooth and hairless, with a beak. The flowering period is throughout the year.
II. Types of Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a world-famous flower with bright colors, large and beautiful flowers, numerous varieties, and flowers all year round. There are more than 3,000 varieties worldwide.
III. Environmental Requirements for Growing Hibiscus
1. Soil
Hibiscus can adapt to various types of soil, but the best is fertile and loose slightly acidic soil.
2. Light
Hibiscus is a strong positive plant. It requires adequate sunlight during the growing period to grow and bloom normally. If there is not enough light, the flower buds are prone to fall off, the flowers are small, and the color is dull; however, excessive sunlight can cause sunburn, so it should be shaded and protected appropriately.
3. Temperature
The optimal growth temperature for hibiscus is 15-25°C, and from October to the following March, it is 13-18°C. The temperature in winter should not be lower than 5°C, otherwise the leaves will turn yellow and fall off. Below 0°C, it is prone to frost damage, but it can still grow normally at temperatures above 30°C.
IV. Watering Method for Hibiscus
Watering should be based on the dryness and wetness of the soil, avoiding over-dry or over-wet conditions. Water in the morning and evening during the hot summer, in the afternoon during spring and autumn, and control the amount of water in winter due to low temperatures, as otherwise, the plant is prone to frost damage. Additionally, it should be watered frequently during the growing period.
V. Fertilizing Method for Hibiscus
For both potted and outdoor planting, enough base fertilizer should be applied to the soil. Hibiscus requires more phosphorus but not too much, and the application of compound fertilizer should be reasonable. Fertilizing during the flowering period can be done by intermittent foliar application for the best results.
VI. Propagation Methods for Hibiscus
1. Cutting Method
May to October, with higher survival rates during the plum rain season. The cuttings should be semi-woody and one-year-old, 10 cm long, with the lower leaves removed and the top leaves retained. Make a flat cut and insert it into the sandbed, maintaining high air humidity and a room temperature of 18-21°C. Roots will form 20-25 days after insertion. Treating the base of the cutting with 0.3%-0.4% indole butyric acid for 1-2 seconds can shorten the rooting period. When the roots are 3-4 cm long, transplant them into pots.
2. Grafting Method
Performed in spring and autumn. It is often used for hibiscus varieties that are difficult to propagate or take root slowly, especially for double-flowered varieties with low survival rates after cutting. Both cleft grafting and bud grafting can be used, with single-flowered hibiscus as the rootstock. The grafted seedlings will produce branches and flowers in the same year.
Hibiscus Flowering Period
VII. Pruning Method for Hibiscus
To maintain a beautiful tree shape and a large number of flowers, pruning and shaping can be done in early spring before moving the plant out of the room. All branches except the base, which should retain 2-3 buds, are cut. Pruning can promote new branches and a more vigorous growth, making the plant more beautiful. After pruning, as the above-ground part consumes less, water and fertilizer should be moderately restricted.
VIII. Potting and Repotting of Hibiscus
Potted plants should use loose and fertile sandy loam soil. Every early spring, before moving the plant outside in April, repotting should be done. When repotting, three things should be done: replace with new potting soil, cut some dense and curled fibrous roots, and apply enough base fertilizer, adding a little phosphorus fertilizer at the bottom of the pot.
IX. Reasons for Yellowing of Hibiscus Leaves and Treatment Methods
1. Move the plant from the room to a semi-shaded outdoor area promptly, water when the soil is dry, sprinkle water on the leaves several times a day around noon, and stop fertilizing.
2. After entering winter, when the temperature reaches 5°C, it should be moved indoors for frost protection. During this period, there may be no new leaves growing and the old leaves may turn yellow and fall off. However, as long as the branches remain green and the soil is watered after it dries, new leaves will grow again in the second spring and summer.