Hardy Hibiscus Planting Guide
Planting Instructions - Dig a hole twice as wide and twice as your roots. Partially backfill the
hole with soil and place the plant into the hole. The top of the root ball should be level with the
ground surrounding the hole. Refill the hole with soil, firming the soil around the plant with your
fingers. Check to be sure that the plant is not planted too deeply. If it is, raise the plant carefully
and refirm the soil. Water thoroughly.
GET THE MOST ENJOYMENT
Hardy Perennial Hibiscus has long been one of the most popular of all perennials. They make
excellent additions to your sunny perennial garden as a background for shorter perennials or
planted singly as specimens throughout the yard. Their dramatic color and tropical flair adds
charm wherever you plant them. Each winter your Perennial Hibiscus will die back to the ground
but when spring arrives they will burst forth with 3 - 6 feet of growth by the time they bloom in
mid-summer.
Hardy Perennial Hibiscus is one of the last perennials to sprout or break dormancy. There are
also differences between varieties with some growing faster than others. It is not unusual to have
one or two break dormancy two weeks after their counterparts. Once Hibiscus sprout, they grow
rapidly. Warm weather will accelerate their growth.
SOIL PREPARATION
Although these plants will perform well in average garden soils of all types, we recommend
having your soil tested periodically by the local County Extension Office. These tests can
determine if the soil needs any amendments to enhance your plants' growth and
performance. See below for our recommended practice to improve your soil without any
additional testing:
1. Spade or till the soil to a depth of 12-18 inches.
2. To provide nutrients and improve drainage, add organic matter to your soil by mixing in a 2
to 4-inch layer of dehydrated manure, garden compost, shredded leaves, and/or peat moss.
3. After active growth begins, periodically feed with your favorite fertilizer. Plants in containers
need more frequent watering and feeding, especially when in active growth and bloom.
CONTINUING CARE
Water - Your plants require 1" of rainfall (or equivalent watering) each week when planted in
the ground. Do not allow plants in containers to dry out. In a container that is exposed to full
sun, water it well at least once every other day, and possibly every day, during periods of intense
summer heat. You may wish to temporarily move containerized plants to an area where they are
shielded from the hot summer sun (i.e.,in the shade of a tree, on a porch near an overhang).
