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Hibiscus, also known as sorrel, Rose of Sharon, or flor de Jamaica, makes any home garden look like a tropical paradise as its adds a big and bold splash of color to any indoor or backyard flower garden.

Native to the tropics, the hibiscus is naturally partial to southern US climates but can be grown anywhere where summers are warm and fairly humid. As such, hibiscus requires special treatment to bloom indoors, with extra care taken to to provide proper amounts of humidity for best results.

In temperate zones, the most commonly grown ornamental species is Hibiscus syriacus, the common garden hibiscus, which is usually available in pots fully grown at local garden centers.

Hibiscus can either be left in their containers or transplanted into any well-drained spot in the home garden where it will get at least four hours of sun daily. Too much sun, and blooms will begin to drop.

Place hibiscus plants in a spot that receives afternoon shade to keep your hibiscus happy and thriving. During the heat of the day be sure to give your hibiscus plenty of water.

Hibiscus thrives best in a temperature range of 60-90 degrees (15-32 celsius), so if the weather drops below that range in your area you'll know it's time to move your hibiscus indoors for the winter.

Feeding and fertilizing - my hibiscus won't bloom!

Fertilizing hibiscus is one of the most contentious areas of discussion among garden experts, especially over the use of potassium-rich fertilizers that are sometimes suggested for helping keep hibiscus blooming.

Others suggest that a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer is fine for keeping both leaves and flowers in equally good shape. Whatever works best in your home garden, simply know that lack of fertilizer is one of the major causes of why hibiscus fails to bloom. Therefore, along with proper amounts of sun and moisture, make sure regular feedings are on top of your hibiscus care to-do list.

For the fertilzer-challenged, time-release fertilizers come highly recommended as a convenient means of feeding your hungry hibiscus throughout the growing season with one application.

Hibiscus pests

Garden insect pests common to hibiscus are spider mites and white fly, both of which can remedied with a carefully executed spray of water to the leaves, being careful not to harm the delicate flowers.

On the Web - How to plant & grow hibiscus

Hibiscus Care - How to grow hibiscus indoors with expert tips on light, warmth and humidity, watering and fertilizing, repotting, pruning and pest control, with related troubleshooting advice, photos.

Growing Hibiscus - 5 Pests and Diseases of Hibiscus - Detailed advice on how to get rid of white fly, aphids, thrips and other pests including remedies for common fungal diseases and related tips on spraying equipment and safety measures.

Hibiscus Propogating - Cuttings - Step by step instructions for growing hibiscus from cuttings with suggestions on growing medium, light and humidity, and how long it will take plus related photos to help follow along.

also see in Flower Gardening -> Asters | Bellflowers

Candytufts | Carnations | Daisies | Geraniums | Lavender