





|
Get the most from your hibiscus
The hibiscus is one of the easiest flowering
houseplants to grow. With enough light and proper care, they are
capable of growing and producing flowers all year round with the
greatest profusion during the summer months. Be sure to place you
hibiscus in a location that gets as much direct sun as possible. For
best results, put it outside when nighttime temperatures remain above
55 degrees. If your hibiscus has been inside for the winter, don't
move it into full sun right away. Give it just morning sun for a week
or so before moving it into the all day sun it prefers. This will
allow it to acclimate to the brighter light and avoid sun-scald and
shock. Hibiscus are heavy drinkers during this active period, so be
sure to keep the soil moist (not wet) to the touch. If the container
has a saucer, make sure there is never water standing in the saucer.
Drain the water from the saucer after watering or after rain. This
will avoid drowning the roots. During its stay outside in full sun,
feed your hibiscus a high phosphorus, soluble plant food with every
fourth or fifth watering (about every two weeks). This, and the sun,
will provide the energy needed for the non-stop flowering that
hibiscus are famous for. Hibiscus are attractive to insects, so spray
every ten days with a good houseplant insecticide. Systemic
insecticide added to the soil will control insects for up to sixty
days.
As the days shorten in August, start to feed at half strength. When
nighttime temperatures dip below 55 degrees, you should bring it
inside for the night. Bring it outside in the morning as long as the
days are hot. During late September it will be time to bring your
Hibiscus in for the winter. Prune off 25% of the foliage to help it
adjust to the lower light inside. Stop feeding at this time. As the
days get longer during March, start light feedings to prepare for the
move outside in June.
Home
Peter Bowden's Gardening Magazine
Information Directory
Contact Us
|
|
 You'll find great tips on gardening, as well as loads of information about everything from flowers to fertilizer!
 The area's best-known gardener sheds light on the "mysteries" of gardening and provides helpful tips and insightful anecdotes about gardening in the Northeast.
 With eight stores serving the Capital District, you're sure to find a Hewitt's near you.
 Check in every Friday for new sales!
 Visit this page for a virtual tour of the largest permanent Department 56 display in the Northeast!
 Discover the answer to nationally formulated lawn products. Hewitt's Country Estate Lawn Products are formulated especially for the Capital District!
 Creative Silks--The best "silk" flower arrangements are available only at Hewitt's!
|