How to Grow Hibiscus (Tropical)
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Hibiscus is a tropical shrub that thrives in warmth and full sun. In the UK it is best grown in a large container so it can be brought indoors before the first frost. Use a free-draining, loam-based compost and feed fortnightly with a high-potash fertiliser during the growing season. Water regularly but do not let the pot sit in water. Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape. Flowers appear on new growth, so pruning encourages more blooms. Move outdoors to a sheltered, sunny spot once night temperatures stay above 10°C.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed fortnightly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser from spring through late summer to promote abundant flowering.
Watch For
- Aphids on new growth
- Whitefly under glass
- Red spider mite in dry conditions
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, sheltered position
Needs maximum sunlight and warmth to flower well. Place in the brightest, most sheltered spot available. South-facing patios are ideal.
Watering
Regular but not waterlogged
Water regularly during the growing season but never let the pot sit in water. Reduce watering significantly in winter when growth slows.
Fertilizing
High-potash feed fortnightly
Feed every two weeks with a high-potash liquid fertiliser from spring through late summer. Stop feeding in autumn to encourage dormancy.
Pruning
Light spring prune for shape
Prune in early spring before new growth. Remove dead or crossing branches and shorten leggy stems by a third. Flowers appear on new wood.
Growing Tips
Grow in containers for flexibility
A large pot allows you to move the plant outdoors in summer and back inside before frost. Use a loam-based compost with added perlite for drainage.
Prune in spring for more flowers
Hibiscus flowers on new growth. Shortening stems by a third in early spring encourages branching and a heavier flush of blooms.
Mist regularly indoors
Central heating dries the air and encourages red spider mite. Mist the foliage regularly or stand the pot on a tray of damp pebbles to raise humidity.
