Hardy hibiscus as a decorative and versatile garden dweller

Hardy hibiscus as a decorative and versatile garden dweller

We know the hibiscus with its colorful flowers in many ways. It has become an important design element in many gardens, where it is particularly welcome as a late bloomer. As a container plant it gives terraces and balconies a Mediterranean flair and as a house plant it stands out with its large flowers.

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Hardy hibiscus for the garden

For the garden, the garden hibiscus, bot. Hibiscus syiacus, also known as rose hibiscus, has proven itself as a hardy shrub. A large selection is available in nurseries and garden centers. Popular varieties are Hamabo, Russian Violet, Pink Giant or the filled variety Blue Chiffon. You can plant the hibiscus as a solitary, in a loose group or as a flowering hedge.

If the hibiscus has grown well in your garden, it can withstand frosty temperatures. In addition, new shoots are relatively safe from late frost in spring, as the hibiscus develops its flowers on fresh wood. In the months of July to September it reliably inspires with countless flowers. With good site conditions and the right care, it grows up to a height of 2 m.

Other hardy varieties are:

  • Hibiscus moscheutus, or Marsh Marshmallow, a perennial form for sunny locations
  • Hibiscus mutabilis, the almond-shaped fish that changes its flower color, hardy to approx. - 15 ° C
  • Hibiscus trionum, the hour flower

A good care

Even if the hardy hibiscus is a rather easy-care shrub, it makes some demands on its location and its care. The garden marshmallow feels most comfortable in a bright, sunny and sheltered location. The best time to plant is spring.

The hibiscus prefers a humus-rich soil, but it gets along just as well with normal soil. It is important that you water the garden hibiscus regularly. Waterlogging must be avoided, but the soil around the plant should be constantly moist. If the hibiscus is left dry for too long, it will simply shed its flowers, even the unopened ones.

Frost protection for young shrubs

The hardy garden marshmallow has adapted to our winters and tolerates frosty temperatures quite well. However, especially in the first few years, it is important to protect young hibiscus plants from severe frosts. To do this, simply cover the ground around the bush with bark mulch.

Older shrubs no longer need frost protection and can also tolerate brief frosts down to -20 ° C.

Frozen branches

Even if the hibiscus has adapted well to our winters, individual parts of the plant can freeze to death in severe frost. This is not a broken leg, as the hibiscus is robust and sprouts vigorously in spring. Frozen branches and twigs are removed during the annual pruning in spring. The cut should be made into the fresh wood to prevent diseases.

Not hardy varieties

In addition to the popular, hardy Hibiscus syriacus, many other hibiscus varieties can be found in the garden and on the terrace during the summer. The popular Chinese hibiscus, bot. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. It can stand outside in the bucket during the summer without any problems, but must be taken in before winter.

Inside he feels comfortable in a bright place in the room or in the winter garden. The ideal temperature is 10-15 ° C.

Other beautiful, not hardy varieties are Hibiscus caesius (climbing hibiscus), Hibiscus El Capitolio and the yellow Hibiscus calyphyllus.

Tips & Tricks

A layer of mulch protects the young hibiscus from frost damage. Instead of bark mulch, you can also cover the ground around your hibiscus with dry leaves and branches of fir or spruce.