Gardens come alive with vibrant hues and delicate petals of beautiful flowers of hibiscus. The hibiscus flower, scientifically known as Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, is a tropical plant with large, showy flowers. But unlike some other flowers that bloom for extended periods, the lifespan of a hibiscus flower is relatively short-lived, making each blossom all the more precious.
A hibiscus flower will last for about one to two days before it starts to fall. While some varieties may produce flowers that last for a few more days, others may surprise you with blooms that endure slightly longer.
As one flower fades away, a new bud emerges, usually at the tips of the branches. These buds open in the morning and begin to wilt by late afternoon. In the end, the flower drops either in the evening or the following day. This captivating cycle repeats itself outdoors from early spring until late fall.
Know your hibiscus plant
It’s all about the blooming cycle. As one flower falls off, a fresh new bud grows. Keep a watchful eye, for these buds tend to emerge at the tips of the branches.
With time, the hibiscus bloom starts to lose its vitality. As the afternoon starts, the once bright flower gently wilts, and its petals start to droop. And as evening arrives, or the following day, the flower gracefully bids farewell, making way for the next bud to take its turn in the spotlight.
This captivating bloom cycle is not a one-time event; it repeats itself throughout the year.
Furthermore, hibiscus plants have 200 species, and the most beautiful variety of Hibiscus is Rose hibiscus, Tarden hibiscus, Almond hibiscus, swamp hibiscus and others.
The three main varieties of hibiscus plant are –
- Hardy Hibiscus
- Rose of Sharon
- Tropical hibiscus.
As for their requirements, hibiscus plants love sunlight. They thrive in bright, direct sunlight for at least six hours a day. But, if you live in a place where the temperature is very hot then try to give them some shade with some direct sunlight.
As well as regular watering is ideal to keep its soil moist but not too wet. Water your hibiscus plant deeply to reach its root zone.
As for their soil requirement goes hibiscus plants thrive in moist and well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. They prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 6.8. Consider adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Moreover, most hibiscus plant varieties prefer warm climates. They thrive well in temperatures from 60°F to 80°F. While tropical hibiscus can be sensitive to frost and cold temperatures, some hardy varieties can tolerate colder climates and even survive mild frosts.
When Does Hibiscus Plant Bloom?
Hibiscus plants start blooming during the warmer months when the weather is favourable for their growth. In most regions, you can expect to see these colourful blooms from spring through fall. However, the exact blooming period may vary depending on factors like climate, species, and specific growing conditions.
In warmer climates or tropical regions, hibiscus plants may bloom throughout the year, because of consistently favourable weather. These plants thrive in temperatures ranging from 60 to 85 degrees F. So, if you live in a warmer area, your hibiscus plant can thrive well.
Whereas, if you live in a colder region, hibiscus plants may go dormant during the winter months. They don’t particularly enjoy frost or freezing temperatures, so they tend to shed their leaves and stop blooming during this time.
Fear not! With proper care and protection, you can ensure their survival until the warmer months return and they begin to bloom once again.
Do hibiscus bloom all year?
Hibiscus plants do not bloom all year long. Their blooming period occurs during the warmer months when the weather is more favourable for their growth. You can see hibiscus flowers in full bloom from spring through fall.
In warmer climates or tropical regions, where the weather remains mild and warm throughout the year, hibiscus plants can indeed bloom.
Whereas, if you live in a colder region with different seasons, hibiscus plants may not bloom all year. They shed their leaves in winter and take a break from blooming until the warmer months return.
Remember that hibiscus plants come in different varieties, and each has its own blooming characteristics. Some hibiscus species produce flowers that last only a day, while others have blooms that can last for several days or even weeks.
How long does hibiscus flower last?
In general, most hibiscus flowers last for a relatively short period. The average lifespan of a hibiscus flower is typically one to two days. When a hibiscus bud begins to bloom, it opens up to reveal its full glory.
At this point, the flower is fresh, vibrant, and at its peak beauty. The next day or two, the flower starts to fade. The petals may lose their vibrant colour, and the overall appearance may become less vibrant.
Some hibiscus varieties have blooms that may last for just a single day, while others can stay in bloom for a few more days. Moreover, environmental conditions also play a role in how long hibiscus flowers last. Factors like temperature, humidity, and exposure to sunlight can impact the flower’s longevity.
Warmer temperatures and direct sunlight may cause the flower to wilt more quickly, shortening its lifespan. Whereas, cooler temperatures and indirect sunlight may help the flower last a bit longer.
If you want your hibiscus flowers to last as long as possible, give them proper care. Provide your hibiscus plant with ample sunlight, water it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and consider applying a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy blooms.
(Must Read: Why My Hibiscus Plant Not Flowering?)
How Long Does it Take a Hibiscus to Bloom From a Seedling?
When you start growing a hibiscus plant from a seedling, it’s an exciting journey to witness it grow and eventually bloom with beautiful flowers.
It takes about 8 to 12 weeks for a hibiscus seedling to grow well. This means you’ll need a little patience and care as your seedling goes through different stages of growth.
To grow a hibiscus from a seedling.
- Start by selecting a healthy seedling or germinate your own seeds.
- Plant the seedling in a well-draining pot with rich, loamy soil. Place the seedling in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Water it regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not too wet.
- To promote healthy growth of hibiscus plant you’re advised to use a balanced .
Important Tips to Keep Hibiscus Flower
Here are some tips to follow –
- Watering – Proper watering is essential for hibiscus plants. Keep the soil consistently moist, but be careful not to overwater it.
- Sunlight – Hibiscus plants love bright direct sunlight for at least 6 hours. Make sure to place your hibiscus where it can receive direct sunlight every day. A sunny spot in your garden or near a window is ideal.
- Fertilizing – Hibiscus plants benefit from regular feeding. During the growing season, apply a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for flowering plants. Fertilizing helps provide essential nutrients and encourages healthy growth and abundant blooms.
- Pruning – Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape and health of your hibiscus plant. Remove any dead yellow leaves off the hibiscus plant. You can also prune to encourage bushier growth. Prune in early spring or after the flowering season for best results.
- Pest and Disease – Keep an eye out for common pests as well as diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot. Regularly inspect your hibiscus plant.
- Winter Care – If you live in a region with cold winters, hibiscus plants are susceptible to frost damage. Before the first frost, consider bringing potted hibiscus indoors or providing them with protective coverings. Proper winter care ensures the survival and health of your hibiscus for the following growing season.
Read on this: Can you use coffee grounds to fertilizer hibiscus plants?
Conclusion
Hibiscus plants are beautiful blooming flowers. Its blooming in different colours of flowers brings pleasure.
Giving them proper care can help them so much in their growth as well as in bloom. Remember, each hibiscus variety may have specific care requirements, so it’s beneficial to research and understand the needs of your particular hibiscus plant.
Taking tips in mind and using them to care for your hibiscus plant will reward you with vibrant and long-lasting flowers.
Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting