How to Grow Hibiscus

You know that it’s summer when you start seeing the Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.) in flower. There are many species and varieties of Hibiscus available, from the perennial evergreen to the deciduous, all with those magnificent large flowers in various colours ranging from white, lemon, red, orange, pink, purple and maroon. They are also quite versatile and can be grown in pots or used in the garden as hedging plants.

Full Sun to Part Shade

Water Until Established & During Hot Weather

Fertile, Moist, & Well-Drained Soil

Can be Grown Australia-Wide Depending on Variety

Hibiscus Varieties

There are many species of Hibiscus that can be grown in Australia. Some of these include:

Chinese Hibiscus

Chinese Hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis) 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

Syrian Rose Hibiscus (H. syriacus) is 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

Cottonwood (H. tiliaceus) is 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

Native Hibiscus (Alyogyne hakeifolia) is just one of the 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.

How to Grow Hibiscus in a Garden

Step 1

Choose a spot in the garden that receives full sun or part shade (depending on species). Enrich the well drained soil with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. If the soil is clay based, add gypsum and fork in well.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots. Position in hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down.

Step 3

Form a raised or doughnut shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, sugarcane or pea straw, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Water deeply, one to two times a week, depending on weather conditions.

Step 6

Feed every 6-8 weeks from spring to mid autumn with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser and weekly with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

How to Grow Hibiscus in a Pot

Step 1

Choose a pot at least 600mm wide. Position in full sun to part shade (depending on species) and fill with quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 2

Remove the shrub from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 4

Once planted, keep the plant well watered, but don’t let the water sit in a saucer at the base of the pot.

Step 5

Feed weekly with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food.

Hibiscus Growing Tips

Are Hibiscus Drought Tolerant?

Hibiscus are remarkably drought tolerant but the plants will perform at their best if water stress is kept to a minimum.

When to Prune a Hibiscus

Trim back plants in spring to encourage new growth for summer flowering.

Common Problems of Hibiscus

Why Are My Hibiscus Leaves Curling & Covered in Sticky Substance?

Hibiscus are prone to various sap-sucking pests such as Aphids, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Scale Insects, and Mealy Bug. These pests suck out the plant juices, causing the stems and leaves to curl and wilt. Then also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew that encourages the disease Sooty Mould.

How to Get Rid of Sap-Sucking Pests on Hibiscus

As soon as Aphids, Thrips, Whitefly, Leafhopper, Scale Insects, Mealy and Sooty Mould are noticed on your hibiscus, spray plants with Yates Nature's Way Citrus & Ornamental Spray.

Why Are There Holes in My Hibiscus Leaves or Flowers?

Caterpillars, Snails and Slugs, and Beetles including the Hibiscus Flower Beetle.

How to Get Rid of Caterpillars on Hibiscus

As soon as pests are noticed, spray with Yates Nature's Way Citrus & Ornamental Spray.

How to Get Rid of Snails & Slugs on Hibiscus

Sprinkle garden beds or pots with Yates Snail & Slug Bait.

How to Get Rid of Hibiscus Flower Beetle

To make traps, set out a few white or yellow ice cream containers and place them underneath the plants, half-fill with soapy water. Check traps every few days or so, empty and refill.