hibiscus, (genus Hibiscus), genus of numerous species of herbs, shrubs, and trees in the mallow family (Malvaceae) that are native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Several are cultivated as ornamentals for their showy flowers, and a number are useful as fibre plants.
The leaves are often lobed and may be smooth or covered in trichomes (plant hairs). The flowers can be borne singly or in clusters, and the flowers of many species last only a single day. An epicalyx (whorl of leaflike bracts that surrounds the sepals) is particularly common, and the stamens are typically fused into a tube. Members of the genus characteristically have spiny pollen, and their fruits are capsules.
Major species
1.} The tropical Chinese hibiscus, or China rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), which may reach a height of 4.5 metres (15 feet), rarely exceeds 2 metres (6.5 feet) in cultivation. It is grown for its large somewhat bell-shaped blossoms. Cultivated varieties have red, white, yellow, or orange flowers.
2.} The East African hibiscus (H. schizopetalus), a drooping shrub with deeply lobed red petals, is often grown in hanging baskets indoors.
3.} Mahoe (H. tiliaceus), 4.} Kenaf (H. cannabinus), 5.} Roselle (H. sabdariffa), and 6.} Rose of Sharon (H. syriacus)
Different Colours of Hibiscus Flowers
Hibiscus flowers are available in White, Red, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Peach, and Orange colours. In some species of Hibiscus, flowers colour changes with age.
How to Plant Hibiscus?
Before planting Hibiscus Bulbs, soak the soil for 24 hours until it is evenly moist and not soggy. Plant Hibiscus bulbs 3 inches deep and cover the hole 2 inches high with soil.
Keep away the soil digging pests like squirrels by placing orange wedges around the bottom of the plant.
Do not plant Hibiscus in clay pots as these containers gradually turn the soil alkaline by dispensing minute particle. Use pots with at least 4 drainage holes at the bottom.
Best Time To Plant Hibiscus:
The best time to plant hibiscus, either hardy or tropical, is in spring after the weather has warmed. Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Hibiscus grows well in raised beds, particularly if the soil at ground level doesn’t drain freely.
What is Ideal Soil For Hibiscus flower?
Hibiscus thrives in any soil but it should be well-drained.
How Much Sun Does Hibiscus Need?
The hibiscus usually grows in tropical conditions, so that means it needs ample amount of sunlight. Give it around six hours of sunshine, and it will grow well.
The temperatures you grow your hibiscus in actually matters a lot as they are used to a particular set of conditions. Temperatures ranging between 60°F – 90°F or 16°C – 32°C are most optimum for the hibiscus, anything lower than that and your plant will not survive. So, bring it indoors during the winter!
How Much Water Does This Plant Need?
What you need to keep in mind while watering your hibiscus are the weather and the flowering cycle. In the flowering stage, the hibiscus requires more water. During summers as well, it needs a fair bit of watering but not too much so as to drown the plant.
Finally, in the winter, water only when you feel that the soil has gone dry.
Caring Tips Of Hibiscus Flower Plant:
If you are planning to use commercial fertilizers, opt for products that are high in potassium and low in phosphorus. Phosphorus content kill your Hibiscus.
Remove the trunk of the plant gently by its roots, by dislodging the soil from the sides of the container.
Just remember to ensure that the soil in the container has excellent drainage so that the roots of the hibiscus can move around easily.
a beautiful hibiscus for your garden. So, cut around one-third of the longer branches and remove any dead, weak or oddly shaped branches.
Tackling pests and diseases
Deal with aphids and scales before they spread by pruning any and all infected branches as soon as you can and treating the plant with insecticidal oil.
Spider mites are common hibiscus pests, and you can deal with them by showering your plant in lukewarm water.
home remedies of Hibiscus:
The paste of leaf and flower mixed with sesame oil is used to apply over the scalp for the strengthening of hairs.
The mixture of the paste of tender flowers of Hibiscus and milk is consumed to control heavy bleeding in menstruation.
Hibiscus flower is soaked in water overnight, and the water is to be consumed the next morning to control diabetes.
The Mixture of Hibiscus flower paste and cow urine is used to treat the condition of alopecia.
The paste of hibiscus flower mixed with lukewarm milk can help to relax the mind and trigger good sleep.
Benefits of Hibiscus Tea
Antioxidants – Hibiscus tea is rich in powerful antioxidants and may, therefore, help prevent damage and disease caused by the buildup of free radicals.
Lower Blood Pressure – Many studies have found that Hibiscus tea helps in lowering high blood pressure. High Blood Pressure can trigger the risk of heart disease.
Improves Liver Health – Liver secretes bile to breakdown fat and produce protein for the body. Hibiscus tea can help to improve our livers.
Promote Weight Loss – Some elements of Hibiscus help our body to lose weight. If used after a work-out, the result will be much better.
May Prevent Cancer – Hibiscus contains a compound called POLYPHENOLS which possess power anti-cancer properties. Hence, drinking Hibiscus tea may help to prevent cancer.