hibiscus

[maggie01]

Has anyone grown hibiscus. How hardy are they and can you grow ones that do not grow too big.

[andyjevs]

You can grow hardy hibiscus which are in flower now in gardens. They will grow into small trees. They will survive the coldest of winters. They are the last to get their leaves and the first to loose them so don't presume it's dead if it doesn't come into leaf at the same time as other plants. Tropical hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis) can be grown outdoors during the summer months. They like full sun but can again, grow into small trees. Selective pruning can keep them in check. These hibiscus are best kept in a cool conservatory during the winter with a min temp of around 7deg C. They are very prone to apids and red spider mite so keep an eye out for bugs. Hope this helps

[rampart]

We've had the most beautiful hibiscus in our gardens for years. They have great blooms - big as your hand. And the colors are so tremendous. Hisbiscus thrive on heat, and are very tough.

Our plants do grow, but not like a weed. We have low ones between shrubs, and taller ones that we permit to grow taller. As they grow taller, they have a more wooden-like trunk rather than green ones. The gardner keeps leaves off the trunks and weaves them into a braid. The top part he prunes into a ball, somewhat larger than a soccer ball. They are about chest-high.

We find them quite easy to maintain and the blooms are so large and beautiful you can see them from quite a distance.

[maggie01]

rampart I can just see them. They sound lovely. I don't have a gardner so would have to look after them myself but its worth a try. Many thanks.