Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Tropical shrub producing large showy trumpet flowers up to 15cm across in red, pink, orange, yellow, or peach. Each bloom lasts just a day but plants flower prolifically over a long season. Needs warmth and bright light.
Best rooms for hibiscus
Light requirements
Best near a window with filtered light — avoid harsh direct rays.
Thrives on a sunny windowsill with several hours of direct sunlight.
How to care for hibiscus
Bright light with some direct sun is essential for flowering. Water freely in summer, keeping compost moist. Reduce in winter. Feed weekly with a high-potash fertiliser when buds are forming. Prune in early spring to shape. Keep above 10°C in winter; 18-25°C for best flowering.
Watering
Water when the top 2–3cm of compost feels dry. Roughly weekly.
Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Softwood cuttings in spring
Toxicity
This plant is not known to be toxic to cats or dogs.
Common problems
- Bud drop from cold draughts or being moved
- Whitefly and aphids
- No flowers in low light
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