Planting hibiscus: location, time & procedure

In order to plant hibiscus and enjoy the hibiscus flower, specialist knowledge of the ornamental tree is required. We have helpful tips ready for you.

It is a real eye-catcher in every garden, but can also shine visually in the house. The hibiscus native to Asia (Hibiscus) belongs to the mallow family (Malvaceae) and adorns the windowsills and beds of many hobby gardeners with its colorful and expansive flowers. The often two-tone flowers shine in the richest colors - from delicate white to strong crimson. There are many different types of hibiscus, all of which have different requirements when it comes to cultivation and care. We'll tell you what to look out for when growing hibiscus.

The hibiscus places high demands on its location. It is about the quality of the substrate as well as the solar radiation. We explain step by step how the hibiscus likes it best.

Planting hibiscus: location

A nutrient-rich soil with a balanced sand-loam ratio is ideal for planting hibiscus. Enriching the topsoil with compost is advisable, as this promotes flowering in summer. The pH should be in the neutral to slightly acidic range. It is important that especially the outdoor garden hibiscus is in full sun. The rose hibiscus, or rose marshmallow (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) called, is kept with us mainly as a houseplant. This genus of hibiscus also likes it very sunny. For the hibernation, however, you should put it in a little more shade.

Planting hibiscus: planting time

As soon as you can hope for warmer temperatures in spring, the hibiscus should be planted out. In the first one to two years it is not particularly hardy, which is why an establishment phase that lasts as long as possible until winter has a positive effect.

Planting hibiscus: the procedure

If you want to plant a garden hibiscus, you should have had a good breakfast. The excavation for the garden marshmallow, which can be up to three meters high, should be at least twice as large as the root ball. It is also advisable if the excavated soil is loosened up well and enriched with some compost. If you prefer to grow the smaller version, i.e. the rose hibiscus, in a pot as a houseplant, you don’t have to use as much energy and can simply choose a pot that is big enough.

Propagating hibiscus yourself: using seeds or cuttings?

There are several ways to propagate your own hibiscus. Whether you prefer to do this on seeds or on cuttings should resort to depends on your experience and, above all, on your patience. We give the following helpful tips on the subject of hibiscus propagation.

Sow hibiscus seeds

By the end of summer, the seeds of the hibiscus are ripe and fall out. If you want to sow your own hibiscus seeds next year, simply collect the small, bristly seeds. The seeds should be lightly scratched before sowing and then covered lightly with compost for cultivation in a pot. So that the light seeds do not swim away when watering, you can also moisten the potting soil with a spray bottle. You should start sowing early in the year so that the plants develop sufficiently. Be sure to place the hibiscus in a warm, sunny spot during the germination phase. Of course you can also buy hibiscus seeds. Bags with around 100 pieces are available from €2.50 in well-stocked specialist shops or from mail order companies.

Propagate hibiscus by cuttings

Another way to propagate your beloved hibiscus is by growing cuttings. For propagation by cuttings, cut shoots about 15 cm long with at least three buds or eyes from the desired plant. These must then be wetted with rooting powder and then placed in small pots with special growing soil. It is important that the soil and especially the air are kept moist until the first strong roots have formed. A special potting soil such as our peat-free is well suited Plantura Organic Herb & Seed Soil.

Attention: If the humidity is too low, transpiration can cause dehydration! After a few weeks in a warm and sunny spot, the cuttings are ready to plant out.

Another possibility is propagation via sinkers or offshoots. Here, individual shoots are bent towards the ground and brought into contact with the ground at one point (lowering device) or completely sunk into the ground with the shoot tip. Where the shoot touches the ground, roots form. Both when laying down and when lowering, independent plants are created, which you can place where they cut the best figure.

If you choose the right one Care of the hibiscus If you are interested, you can read about it here in our special article.