With huge colorful blooms that produce abundant nectar, the hibiscus is attractive to most pollinators but especially to hummingbirds.
The birds hover at the bloom, draw nectar and transfer pollen by coating themselves with it via their flapping wings.
When hibiscuses are in their blooming stage, they require large amounts of water. Your hibiscus will need daily watering in warm weather. However, once the weather cools, your hibiscus needs far less water, and too much water can kill it.
The plant also requires a lot of nutrients in order to bloom well. In the summer, use a high potassium fertilizer. You can either use a diluted liquid fertilizer once a week, Osmocote a slow release fertilizer once a month or you can add high potassium compost to the soil.
When properly cared for, you can expect blooms all summer long and in to the early fall. Hibiscus flourish as temperatures become more moderate and will produce more flowers, larger flowers, and more intense colors that last longer.
Hibiscus flowers best in temperatures between 60-90 F. (16-32 C.) If you live in an area where it gets more than a few days a year below freezing, 32 degrees F. (0 C.), you should store your hibiscus indoors for the winter.
Growing your hibiscus in pots will make wintering easier. Plant hibiscus in a pot filled with a lightweight, well-drained potting mix, such as a Ferti-lome that contains compost and perlite or vermiculite. Be sure the pot has a drainage hole in the bottom to prevent root rot and other diseases caused by poorly drained soil and excess moisture.
Most pests are easily controlled with insecticidal soap spray. Apply the spray when the sun isn’t directly on the foliage, as the spray may burn the plants. Never spray when temperatures are above 90 degrees F. (32 C.). A cool morning or evening is best.
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