- Hibiscus are remarkably drought tolerant but the plants will perform at their best if water stress is kept to a minimum.
- Trim back plants in spring to encourage new growth for summer flowering.
- There are many species of Hibiscus that can be grown in Australia. Some of these include:
- Chinese Hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis)
This is the most common Hibiscus seen in Australian gardens. This species is suitable for temperate to tropical climates. Best grown in full sun, it is evergreen and slightly salt tolerant but prefers not to be in the line of strong winds. As it can grow to around 3 metres in height it is great to use as a screening or hedging plant for the garden.
- Syrian Rose Hibiscus (H. syriacus)
Another common Hibiscus seen in the Australian landscape. This plant is best grown in full sun and is more tolerant to the cooler climates, but still performs well in temperate climates. It is deciduous and produces a lovely purple flower in summer and can be grown as a hedge or screening plant as it can grow to about 3 metres in height.
- Cottonwood (H. tiliaceus)
Grown mainly as a small tree, it can reach up to 10 metres in height in the right environment. This tree produces a large amount of yellow flowers in summer that all have that defining red centre. Suited to the temperate to tropical climates, this plant can tolerate salty areas and very sandy soils.
- Native Hibiscus (Alyogyne hakeifolia)
There are many varieties of the Native Hibiscus available in a range of colours and leaf textures. These varieties are great for native gardens, for that additional burst of colour in summer.
