Want your Hibiscus blooms to last longer this season? Hibiscus blooms can last a while, but there are some things you can do to make them last longer. You can get the most out of your hibiscus this season by following these tips from gardening expert Melissa Strauss.
There are few shrubs that can boast flowers to compete with the hibiscus. The giant-flowered rose mallow, a type of hibiscus, actually has the biggest flowers of any hardy perennial.
The 12” blooms produced by these plants live up to their dinner-plate-sized reputation. The different kinds of hibiscus plants have long flowering seasons that can last for several months and produce lots of big, colorful flowers.
Hibiscuses like a healthy dose of fertilizer, as well as plenty of sun and water. But what are some other tips that will help those blooms really pop? Let’s talk about some things you can do to get the most blooms from your hibiscus.
With their large, colorful flowers, hibiscus plants can add a tropical flair to gardens and indoor spaces. Getting a hibiscus to bloom bountifully requires providing the right growing conditions matched to the variety you are growing. Follow some key tips to understand the blooming habits of hibiscus and optimize both outdoor and indoor plants for frequent flowering.
Why Proper Care is Key for Flowering
Hibiscus bloom on new wood, meaning new growth produces the flowers. Any factors that promote vigorous growth will increase flowering. Hibiscus also tend to bloom seasonally, with most varieties flowering in summer into fall. Providing ideal conditions during active growth periods is critical. Elements that influence hibiscus blooming include:
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Sunlight – Hibiscus require full sun for at least 5-6 hours per day for abundant blooming. Inadequate light leads to sparse flowering.
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Moisture – Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Too little water stresses plants, while overwatering causes root rot. Both limit flowering.
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Nutrition – Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer supports plant vigor and more prolific blooms.
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Pruning – Pruning encourages branching and bloom production. But improper pruning can remove flower buds.
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Plant Type – Some hibiscus varieties bloom more heavily than others by nature. Research bloom frequency.
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Plant Health – Overall plant health and lack of stress is required for good flowering. Control pests/diseases.
Growing Conditions to Maximize Flowering
Tailoring care to match your specific hibiscus variety optimizes flowering. Key growing requirements include
Sun Exposure
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Place plants in an area receiving full sun for a minimum of 5-6 hours daily. Morning sun is ideal.
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More sun exposure results in more abundant blooms
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Insufficient sunlight causes sparse, lackluster flowers
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Acclimate indoor plants gradually if increasing sun exposure.
Adequate Water
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Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated.
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Water thoroughly when top few inches of soil become dry.
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Increase watering frequency in summer heat.
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Allow soil to partially dry between waterings.
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Yellow leaves indicate under-watering. Wilting shows overwatering.
Humidity
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Indoor hibiscus prefer 40-50% relative humidity. Use a humidifier if needed.
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Outdoor plants grow well in average humidity.
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Low humidity causes bud drop before flowers open.
Optimal Temperature
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Daytime temperatures of 65°F-85°F (18°C-29°C) are ideal.
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Nighttime lows of 60°F-65°F (15°C-18°C) are recommended.
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Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) hinder growth and flowering.
Nutrient Requirements
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Fertilize actively growing plants every 2-3 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer.
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Discontinue fertilizer after summer to prep for dormancy.
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Excess nitrogen causes leggy growth with less flowers.
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Fast-release fertilizers can burn roots if over-applied.
Proper Plant Selection
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Some hibiscus flower more heavily, like Hibiscus rosa-sinensis.
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Tropical hibiscus bloom repeatedly, while hardy hibiscus flower once per season.
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Research bloom habits of different varieties before purchasing plants.
Techniques to Maximize Flowering
Beyond basic care, certain techniques further enhance hibiscus blooming:
Strategic Pruning
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Prune branches back by 1/3 to 1/2 in early spring to encourage new growth.
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Avoid pruning in fall which removes flower buds.
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Pinch off spent blooms to promote additional flowering.
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Remove crossed inner branches to open plant centers for better light.
Protect Tender Varieties
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Bring potted tropical hibiscus indoors before frost in fall.
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Mulch hardy outdoor hibiscus heavily for winter protection.
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Move container plants to sheltered areas in winter.
Apply Fertilizer Strategically
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Use high-phosphorus fertilizer to stimulate blooms.
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Avoid overfertilizing which produces more leaves than flowers.
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Fertilize at half strength and increase if needed.
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Stop fertilizing after mid-summer.
Control Pests & Diseases
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Scout for common pests like aphids, whitefly, etc.
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Treat diseases promptly, especially fungal issues in wet weather.
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Healthy plants produce more flowers.
With the right hibiscus variety matched with optimal care techniques, you can enjoy prolific blooms that bring stunning tropical color to your garden or indoor space. Pay close attention to sunlight, pruning, plant health and strategic fertilizing to get the most flowers from your hibiscus.
Pick the Right Location
If your hibiscus is strictly an outdoor plant, pay attention to the drainage when choosing a location. Hibiscus can actually adapt pretty well to different environments, but we’re not just talking about surviving here. The healthier the plant, the more flowers it will produce, and the longer it will sustain them.
Hibiscus plants do best in soil that drains well but keeps a steady level of moisture with regular watering.
Naturally, tropical types can handle heat and drought better, and some species like it when their feet are wet. For the most part, well-drained but moist soil is the optimal environment.
Provide Plenty of Sun
As much as with soil type, hibiscus plants are tolerant of varying amounts of sunlight. Technically, hibiscus shrubs can grow and flower in some shade, but they will have a lot more flowers if they are planted in full sun. For some species, that number should be closer to 8+ hours daily.
Full sun is typically described as 6 or more hours of direct sun exposure daily. Not all sun is equal in terms of hibiscus health. The ideal time for that full sun is as early in the day as possible. While both suns help with photosynthesis, the morning sun is much kinder than the afternoon sun, which can dry out plants.
If you decide to put your hibiscus somewhere with stronger afternoon light, just keep an eye on how much water it needs and give it more if it starts to look brown and dry.
Hibiscus plants are water lovers. In fact, providing that the soil is draining properly, it would be difficult to overwater. This is especially true in the summer, when it’s hot and the flowers need a lot of water.
If your hibiscus is in a container and outdoors, you can go ahead and water it every day. It should be possible to get soil that is consistently moist but not wet as long as the pot has enough drainage holes.
For hibiscuses in the ground, there is the question of climate and rainfall. The ultimate goal, though, is the same. Whether by rainfall or by irrigation, keep the soil moist, but don’t flood the plant.
There are a handful of hibiscus varieties that naturally grow in boggy, swampy climates. These are exceptions, as they prefer to be planted in places with poor drainage.
This makes them a great plant for people who need to improve the look of a spot that doesn’t drain well. H. coccineus and H. mutabilis are both species that flourish in boggy areas.
Several types of hibiscus do well in wet soil, but most of them don’t do well in very wet conditions. Too much water in the soil dilutes the nutrients, making it impossible for the plant to take in what it needs.
Signs of an overwatered hibiscus plant are yellowing of leaves and a plant that appears to be wilting, despite the soil being wet. If you have overwatered a hibiscus in a container, it is best to repot the plant in fresh soil to ensure that your hibiscus is not sitting in soil that is compromised by fungus.
Growing Gorgeous Hibiscus (5 MUST DO TIPS)
FAQ
How do I get my hibiscus to bloom?
Why is my hibiscus plant not giving flowers?
Will Epsom salt make hibiscus bloom?
Will coffee grounds help hibiscus bloom?
Is it difficult to make a hibiscus Bloom?
It’s not difficult to make a hibiscus bloom, but you have to make sure that the environment is just right for the plant to grow properly and bloom. Here are a few things that you need to do to take care of the plant and make it bloom properly. This is a tropical plant, and as a result, you should know that it loves the sun.
How to grow more hibiscus flowers?
1. Use The Correct Fertilizer For More Flowers (Avoid ‘Blooms Boosters’) 2. Prune Your Hibiscus in the Early Spring For More Flowers 3. Consistently Moist Soil Promotes More Hibiscus Blooms 4. Avoid Nitrogen Fertilizer to Promote More Flowers 5. Hibiscus Flower More in Full Sun 6. How I Increase the Number of Blooms On Potted Hibiscus 1.
Can Hibiscus bloom in a pot?
Hibiscus and many other flowering plants will bloom best in a pot if it is at least somewhat root bound. If you plant a hibiscus in an oversized pot and there is a lot of excess potting mix, it may take a while before your hibiscus starts to bloom well. 6.
Do Hibiscus bloom all year round?
If you have a hibiscus plant in your house, you should know that it’s going to bloom almost all year round. When the plant is growing vigorously vertically, the plant doesn’t necessarily bloom, but once the plant reaches its age of maturity or stops growing vertically, it will continue to give off flowers.
Do hibiscus flowers grow vertically?
When the plant is growing vigorously vertically, the plant doesn’t necessarily bloom, but once the plant reaches its age of maturity or stops growing vertically, it will continue to give off flowers. The hibiscus flowers are generally quite big and beautiful, and usually range from a host of different colors.
Do hibiscus flowers bloom on new wood?
Flowers are produced to their fullest when they are pruned properly on new wood. Hibiscus plants bloom on new wood, so pruning the right way, at the right time will help to maximize your plant’s flower production. Light pruning to remove any damaged branches is fine at the end of the fall.