Tropical Landscaping

The Hibiscus

by Jorge Oliver

Chinese, or Evergreen Hibiscus, (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) offers an excellent source of summer landscape color and is one of our most popular tropical or sub-tropical flowering plants. In recent years, the popularity of hibiscus in Texas even appears to be on the rise, although insects, diseases and the possibility of injury during the winter place limitations on its use.

Hibiscus plants are known for their large, showy flowers with deep-colored bases. The plants range from low, spreading forms to upright varieties reaching 20 feet in height. Some are compact and dense while others are open and thin. The flowers can vary in size from blossoms two inches in diameter up to 12 inches, with colors ranging from white to purple. The flowers of most varieties last only a day, with the blossoms opening early in the morning and wilting by late afternoon; however, the flowers of a few varieties remain open for two days. Most hibiscuses are odorless, but some of the basic varieties have a modest fragrance.

All of the astounding variety of hibiscus cultivars has been established by plant breeders. Most hibiscus varieties have been developed for a particular growth habit, size, shape and color of flower, and the ability to adapt to specific environmental conditions. Although the six basic colors are red, orange, yellow, white, lavender, and brown, breeding has created a wide range of color combinations and shades, and flower forms. Hibiscus flowers are basically characterized as single or double forms with variations in the number and arrangement of petals. Flowers that have been picked from the plant don't need any water, but, if they're going to used in the evening, should be refrigerated until it's time to display them. Hibiscus are used in the landscape as informal hedges  or screens, background or foundation plants, usually in a mass planting of a single variety.  Selected varieties, called "standards," may be trained to grow with a single trunk and are often used as attractive specimen plants for patios, terraces, and flower gardens. In areas that are subject to frost, hibiscus can be grown in pots and brought inside for the winter. Many of the basic, non-grafted varieties will come back from the roots if a frost kills the upper plant. When a hibiscus plant dries out to the point where the leaves wilt for more than one day, the leaves will dry up and fall off; however these leaves will grow back rapidly. Dropping leaves is a method the plants use to reduce moisture loss.

Editors Note: Jorge Oliver is been interested in tropical landscaping and culture since growing up in his native Puerto Rico. His background in engineering and anthropology have influenced his success as one of the most successful tree farmers and landscapers for some of America’s most elite homes in Florida. He is also a champion Koi raiser and pond designer. He can be reached at  jorgeoliver@contempomag.com