Hibiscus Flower

 The hibiscus flower is one of the most recognizable flowers due to its color, size, and overall beauty. Keep in mind that hibiscus is an entire genus of plants, and there are actually over 300 species! Of all the different species of hibiscus, they are mostly found in the tropical regions of the world.

                                                   

Hibiscus trees are part of a large genus of flowering plants —some edible, some not—which include everything from tropical ones that thrive best in heat to hardy options that can withstand the cold. Hibiscus is a small-to-medium-sized plant that can be pruned to appear shrub-like or its stems can intertwine giving the appearance of a tree. A well-maintained hibiscus tree can grow up to eight feet tall, she adds, and its dark green leaves are about four to six inches long, with a toothed edge and a slightly stringy sap .

Where to Grow Hibiscus

                                              

Plant is native to the tropics, hibiscus is a perennial in zones eight and up, or where temperatures do not drop below 50 degrees at night. "It can do fine in a greenhouse setting but thrives outdoors. In all [USDA hardiness plant] zones numerically below eight, hibiscus is an annual and must be replaced every year."

How to Grow Hibiscus

Hibiscus does not produce viable seeds. Nurseries produce healthy plants from a "stock plant" by either grafting or air-layering. These plants are more reliable than trying to start from seed or propagate. As a hardy plant, depending on the USDA hardiness zone, hibiscus can be planted directly into the ground, or you can put it in a pot or a bed. 

     Either way, make sure your hibiscus is placed in an area with full sun—while some varieties can thrive in full morning sun with afternoon shade, most prefer stronger light conditions. With that in mind, choosing a planting location that gets six to eight hours of direct sunlight and enough air circulation. "If the area is too hot, or if the soil drains away too quickly, it will need more frequent watering," .

Hibiscus requires soil that drains well, as hibiscus does not do well sitting in a bunch of water. For fertilizer, she makes a worm cast tea, and fertilizes the plants every two weeks. There are many well-balanced (with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) and specialized fertilizers on the market created specifically for hibiscus.

Tips to Consider Before Growing

It's important to give the shrub plenty of space when planting in the ground, digging a hole one foot by two feet deep to provide the roots with space before filling it in with compost. Ensure each plant has about four feet between them to provide enough room for the branches to grow.

                                                     

But giving hibiscus trees enough room to grow isn't the only thing to consider when planting. Pests happen more often on a hibiscus if its roots are wet or if two plants are planted too close to each other or to a structure. "The most common problems include mealy bugs, which cover the plant in white cottony spots. It is also susceptible to aphids, scale, ants, and whiteflies." These can be controlled with appropriate pesticides by inviting beneficial insects like ladybugs to the garden and/or pruning to improve air circulation in the hibiscus.

Some species such as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, also known as Chinese hibiscus, are more well known than others. These days, hibiscus flowers can be found across the globe in landscapes, botanic gardens, homes and doctors’ offices. The flower is depicted in paintings, featured in traditional clothing, and even has its own Emoji! ?

It’s easily one of the most famous blooms out there. So, what makes hibiscus so special? We’ll go over some of the most important reasons this flower has made a name for itself all over the world.

Cultural Importance of Hibiscus

 The hibiscus flower has a lot of cultural importance for people across the globe, especially in the regions where the flower is native. The yellow hibiscus, Hibiscus brackenridgei, is the state flower of Hawaii. Other species of hibiscus are the national flowers of Haiti, South Korea, and Malaysia.

                                                  

In certain Hindu rituals, people offer red hibiscus to the Goddess Kali and Lord Ganesha. It’s believed that divine energy and divine consciousness are emitted from hibiscus flowers. For this reason, they are staples in traditional prayers throughout India and other countries.

You can see other types of hibiscus flowers adorning the headdresses and leis at a traditional Hawaiian Luau. Rumour has it that when a woman wears a hibiscus flower behind her left ear, she’s married or has a boyfriend. When it’s worn behind the right ear, she’s single and available.

Medicinal Hibiscus

 Hibiscus has a long history of medicinal use. In cultures all over the world, the vibrant flower is used to treat a variety of ailments and illnesses. The most popular species of hibiscus used in medicine is Hibiscus sabdariffa, also known as Roselle.

Drinking a tea made from the plant is the most common way to use hibiscus medicinally. The tea is made from drying many different parts of the plant, but mostly the flower itself. Once the dried parts are steeped, the tea turns a rich ruby red color. The drink itself is quite sour, with a taste similar to cranberries.

Hibiscus tea has many medicinal benefits, including lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, protecting your liver, and much more. The hot (or cold) beverage is full of vitamin C and antioxidants, so it’s a great way to prevent colds during the winter months!

Other Uses of Hibiscus

 

Dried and cured hibiscus flowers can make for a really tasty snack. It’s a popular food in Mexico, as well as other Latin American and Asain countries. Other various uses of the hibiscus plant include making rope from the bark of one species, and paper from another.

Another reason the hibiscus is so special is that it makes an excellent choice for a garden! There are hundreds of varieties of hibiscus available in the horticulture trade, and they are quite hardy and versatile. They will thrive directly in the soil with lots of space, but they also do well in small pots. The showy flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, so they can really liven up your garden.

Keep in mind that some species of hibiscus are suited for tropical regions, while others are better for temperate regions. So, it’s a good idea to ask somebody at your local nursery or garden store which type would be best for you.