Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis: Overview

Hibiscus (Rosa sinensis) is a flowering shrub with vivid green, toothed leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers in different shades of pink, purple, red, white, or yellow. A Hibiscus flower can reach up to 8 inches in diameter but its exotic beauty is short-lived, as each flower blooms only for one day. With proper Hibiscus plant care, each shrub can produce around 20 flowers simultaneously, showcasing a stunning display. The flowers of Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) also attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies to your garden. Hibiscus flowers are used to make a delicious, slightly sour tea. Studies show that Hibiscus tea benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, lowering blood pressure, and promoting weight loss.

Hibiscus can reach 10-12 ft. in size, living for around 20 years. This large plant is suitable for hardiness plant zones 9-12 but should be kept indoors during winter. The Hibiscus plant is very sun-loving and thrives in full sun to partial shade. Hibiscus requires some extra care, but while not the easiest plant to take care of, its gorgeous flowers, pet-friendliness, and other remarkable Hibiscus benefits make the additional effort worthwhile.   

The yellow Hibiscus is the state flower of Hawaii and is associated with grace, hospitality, friendship, and beauty. The red Hibiscus plant symbolizes courage, love, and success in various Asian cultures.

Hibiscus Plant: Benefits

• Symbolizes love, friendship, and success
• Bright, large flowers with a pleasant, fruity scent
• It’s a non-toxic, pet-friendly plant
• The flowers have many medicinal properties when prepared as hibiscus tea
• Suitable for locations with full sun exposure

Rosa Sinensis: Alternative Names

• Chinese Hibiscus
• China Rose
• Hawaiian Hibiscus
• Shoeblack Plant
• Rose Mallow

Hibiscus Plant: Care Guide

Knowing how to care for a Hibiscus plant will help your Rose Mallow Hibiscus adapt quickly and start producing those amazing blossoms.

Light and Temperature

After you receive your Hibiscus, place it in a spot with a bright light. After it gets accustomed to the abundant sunshine, you can even move your plant into full sun.

Hibiscus is a tropical plant that thrives in warmer temperatures from 50℉ to 79℉. When temperatures drop below 50°F, bring your plant indoors and place it in a brightly lit location.

Watering and Humidity

Unlike succulents that can store water in their leaves, Hibiscus plants cannot, so they require consistent moist soil. Make sure your plant isn’t standing in water, which can lead to root rot, but provide regular watering so that the soil doesn’t get fully dry during the growing season. Water less in winter.

For the best Hibiscus rosa-sinensis care, provide additional humidity by misting the leaves, grouping the plant with other plants, or using a pebble tray.

Soil and Repotting

The best soil for Hibiscus plants is well-draining, nutrient-rich, and slightly acidic. Add perlite for enhanced drainage and increase acidity by adding peat moss. You can cover your plant’s soil with mulch to retain moisture.

Repot your plant when the roots start growing out of the drainage holes into a 2-inch larger pot.

Feeding and Propagation

Knowing how to care for Hibiscus plants involves fertilizing them correctly. Fertilize every two-three weeks during the growing season, letting the plant rest during winter.

You can propagate your China Rose via cuttings. Take several healthy cuttings in spring, pot them in moist soil (dipping in the cuttings root hormone is also optional), and then wait for the roots to form.

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

For the best Hibiscus care, prune during spring, removing one-third of the last year’s growth. This will increase the shrub’s density and produce more flowers.

The Hibiscus Rosa Sinensis can drop its buds if moved to a different location. If you notice yellow leaves on your Hibiscus, check the soil, as it could be a sign of overwatering. Curling, yellow-brown leaves indicate insufficient humidity or underwatering. If you suddenly move your Hibiscus into direct sun, it may develop whitish burns on its leaves. Also, check your plant for pests, like aphids or spider mites.

Rose Mallow Hibiscus: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

Flowering Hibiscus is a highly decorative and eye-catching plant that looks amazing whether you grow it in your garden or a pot.

Best Locations & Uses

• Great for patios with full sun
• Amazing gift plant that symbolizes love and courage  
• Perfect for plant lovers with pets
• Ideal plant for experienced gardeners
• A wonderful bedroom or office plant because of its mood-lifting and air-filtering properties

Companion Plants

Combine your Hibiscus with other flowering plants to create a stunning porch garden:

• Peace Lily Plant (Spathiphyllum): The amazing white blooms of the Peace Lily give this graceful plant its elegant appearance, which along with its air-purifying properties make it a favorite houseplant.
• Giant Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia nicolai): The exotic Giant Bird of Paradise has huge, dramatic leaves and an unusual white-blue blossom that resembles a tropical bird.
• Blooming Kalanchoe Plant (Kalanchoe): The bright, long-lasting blooms of the Blooming Kalanchoe are sure to add a splash of color to your green oasis.

Alternative Plants

Other large plants to consider growing in your living space include:

• Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata): With its pretty, violin-shaped leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig needs extra care to thrive, preferring medium light and a balanced watering schedule.
• Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow (Dieffenbachia seguine): The easy-care, air-filtering Dieffenbachia Tropic Snow is an amazing statement plant with colorful, green-and-cream leaves.
• Burgundy Rubber Tree (Ficus robusta 'Burgundy'): The Burgundy Rubber Tree boasts thick, glossy leaves, which are coral-red when they unfurl, gradually turning green as they get older.

Order Your Hibiscus Plant From Lively Root Today!

Get a stunning Hibiscus plant for sale in bright red or brilliant yellow from Lively Root today!