Tropical Hibiscus

Frost Tolerance: Semi-tender the low deserts, can use protection on coldest nights

Heat Tolerance: Does better with late afternoon shade in summer, tolerates the high heat

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: China

Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub, up to 15 feet tall (4.5 m); leaves variable, depending of the cultivar.

Watering Needs: Regular water, needs good drainage

Propagation: Heeled cuttings under mist, low branch layering, seeds

Propagation: Cutting or occasionally seed, layering, grafting/budding

• by softwood stem tip cuttings, in late spring. Use intermittent mist. Root in 4-6 weeks.
• by air layers, in summer. remove a ring of bark.
• by cleft grafts, in spring. For grafting stock preferences the rootstock should be 8
• by seeds, in spring. Germinates at 80 degrees F. The seeds need scarification. The usual germination temperature is 80 degrees F.

Most hibiscus in Phoenix suffer from some frost damage in winter but recover in spring.

Blooming Habits:
The flowers last only a day or two, but they are produced in abundance most of the year.

Culture:
The Hibiscus request frequent deep watering, but good drainage. It is sensitive to root rot if the ground stays soaked. Check regularly for aphids and mealy bugs, and fertilize.

Propagation:
The success of cuttings depends heavily on the variety. Even for easy varieties, the cuttings might takes 2 or 3 months to start growing, showing that their have developed a root system. Be patient. Use layering or air layering for the more difficult varieties.
Graft in spring using whip grafting or side grafting.