Are you the lucky owner of a Hibiscus?

Then I would like to introduce myself to you.

My latin name is hibiscus. In some countries I am simply called "Hawaii flower". Because of my beauty, I have been selected the state flower of Hawaii where they have over 2000 different species. For many years, I have been cultivated as an ornamental plant - especially in Hawaii. My place of birth is tropical Asia where the humming birds enjoyed the nectar from my flowers.

The most beautiful flowers in the world

There are many reasons for you to feel lucky having me in your home. I am a vigorous, green bush with shiny, dark green leaves. My flowers are the most beautiful in the world. They are large and brightly coloured and come in every shade - from the most delicate pastels to the brightest scarlets. In the summer, when there is plenty of sunlight, I unfold my new flowers almost daily. Feel free to pick a few, put them in a beautiful bowl with water and place them on a festive table. They will help make the occasion even more special.

Care

The sun is my best friend! I love to bathe in its rays, so I feel the best if you place me in a window or close to one. If you take good care of me, I will in time grow big. I can grow to a couple of meters like in Hawaii, and I will bring you joy with my flowers. For this to happen, you need to give my roots more space in a larger pot every year. I will be extra happy if you choose a fine pot that goes with my shape and colour of flower. The soil in which you plant me should be a good, rich soil, preferably with some clay in it. Even though I am a beauty, I am tough and easy to care for.

I also like the outdoors

I like to take a small vacation outside in a pot or planted directly into the garden soil. But I do not thrive in temperatures below 12 degrees. My place outdoors should be sunny and protected against fierce winds. Having me in your garden will make you feel like you are actually in Hawaii.

Water is everything to me

Since I am a vigorous plant, I need plenty of water from spring to fall. You should water me every second or third day, but remove surplus water from the tray after about ten minutes. After that the upper layer of soil can dry out slightly before you water me again. In order for me to thrive, my roots need lots of drainage. So there should be air between my pot and the flowerpot holder or tray. I do not tolerate being planted directly into a flowerpot holder. In the fall and winter, I do not grow as much and so do not need to be watered as often.

Fertilizer

To become a big, healthy and strong plant with lots of flowers, I need fertilizer. From April to August you should give me fertilizer once a week. I like the kind of fertilizer used for flowering plants. The rest of the year, when I do not grow as much, I only need fertilizer once a month. If you forget to give me fertilizer, I will not thrive so well - my leaves will become pale green and my branches thin.

It is good to trim me - it will make me feel better

When I am more than two years old, it is a good idea to cut my branches to half their size. This should be done in early spring from February to April. Maybe you do not like to cut me down, but it is actually good for me. In the winter, when there is less light, my new branches will become thin and too weak to carry my large flowers. Just cut them back, but remember that enough light and warmth is important to make me strong enough to set new buds. It will take a while for me to blossom after trimming - at least two and a half months. If you should wish to shape me into a large, compact plant, you can trim me through the summer and into September.

Unwelcome visitors

If you think I look a little sad, I might have unwelcome visitors. These might be spider mites (1.), greenflies (2. especially on my buds), whiteflies(3.) or mealybugs(4.). You can tell from the pictures what they look like and I will be really grateful if you get rid of them for me. First you can try to wash me down with water - I can stand that easily(5.). If this does not work, you can try different non-prescription insecticides. I will thank you!

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