Whether as a solitary plant or as a hedge: the hibiscus always brings an exotic flair to the garden. However, only if it is properly planted and cared for.
The hibiscus (Hibiscus) originally comes from China and India and is not only a popular houseplant, you can also cultivate this beautiful plant as a shrub in the garden. But only if you pay attention to a few important points when planting and caring for them. This is the only way you will have something of the up to two meter high shrub for a long time.
Popular variety: Hibiscus 'Helene' / 'Helena'
| Hibiscus 'Helene' (Hibiscus syriacus 'Helene' / 'Helena') | |
|---|---|
| Growth Speed: | 10 - 20 cm a year |
| Growth: | 150 - 180 cm |
| Growth: | 100 - 150 cm |
| Root system: | Herzwurzler |
| Location: | Sun to partial shade |
| Floor: | Nutrient, sandy-loamy, slightly acidic to alkaline |
Location and Planting
You should always plant this colorful plant in a bright spot in the garden, because it needs a lot of light. However, it should be noted that a partially shaded spot is best for the hibiscus. However, the soil in this place must not be acidic, but calcareous, light and humic.
When planting in spring, it is best to use a mixture of sand and compost, because this way the soil is nice and loose and optimally supplied with nutrients. The hibiscus is not only suitable as a solitary plant, but also as a hedge plant.
Care and Cut
➤ Casting:
The hibiscus needs water regularly, but you should only water it moderately. The root ball must not be too wet, but never dry out completely. So it is important to find a good balance.
➤ Fertilize:
You should provide the plant with a liquid fertilizer all year round, except during hibernation (reading tip: Overwintering hibiscus - this is how it's done). During this time you should administer the fertilizer about every 14 days.
➤ Pruning:
AtWhen cutting the hibiscus, a distinction is made between educational cuts, maintenance cuts and rejuvenation cuts.
➥ Training pattern:
In February, carry out the educational pruning, removing all weak and diseased shoots. You should also do this with young plants, because this is the only way to develop strong shoots. The main trunk should remain unchanged. You only have to shorten the shoots to two buds. If you gradually shorten the shoots around the crown to a few buds, this will get a nice shape over time.
➥ Preservation cut:
Carry out the maintenance cut when a nice crown has already formed. Then simply remove the dried and weak branches and cut back the thin branches. If you want to keep the current shape, you simply have to cut off the shoots that fall out of the mold (reading tip: Use green waste - 4 clever recycling tips).
To improve the flowering splendor, you should shorten all last year's fruiting shoots by a third in winter. If the growth is very compact, you can also thin out the hibiscus a little on this occasion.
➥ Taper Cut:
Pruning for rejuvenation occurs when the plant has grown too large. Then you should shorten the shoots by about two thirds and completely remove diseased and old shoots.
Pests and Diseases
You only have to worry about diseases and pests on the hibiscus if you take care of it too little or incorrectly. These usually include:
➤ Leaf spot fungus:
The leaf spot fungus is noticeable, for example, through brown spots on the leaves, which appear irregularly. It is usually sufficient to remove the discolored leaves.
➤ Leaf thickening:
If the hibiscus is too cool, the leaf veins will show deformities. If the leaf thickens, you should then think about changing the location.
➤ Aphids:
Aphids are often found on buds and shoot tips. The best way to combat them is to use a 10:1 mixture of water and washing-up liquid. It works so well against the little creatures because the washing-up liquid takes away the air for the aphids to breathe and they die accordingly. In addition, the aphids can then not adhere as well to the buds, leaves and shoot tips and move around.