Want to escape to a tropical paradise without spending a fortune, taking time off work, and packing up all your gear? Just surround yourself on a patio with tropical hibiscus, mix up a pina colada, and play some Jimmy Buffet (and use your imagination too)!
After last winter's freezes I vowed to limit myself to two Snow Queen hibiscus plants, with their lovely variegated foliage and red flowers. They've done great, but I've still missed the hibiscus for my patio. So now I've been seduced by Rum Runner, a funky hybrid from a recent plant shipment here at the nursery. I found out that hibiscus do well in 10-14 " pots for years, and being portable, can be moved out of the blazing afternoon sun (this helps produce more blooms).
All hibiscus need to be fertilized lightly but frequently. Keep them evenly moist but not soggy wet. Prepare them for a freeze by mulching and covering them. In pots, however, cut them back to about 5" from the main stem and bring inside to a sunny window. Keep them fairly dry and don't worry about dropping leaves. Let them rest and they'll return again for spring!
Type: Tropical Shrub
Exposure: Partial to Full sun.
Blooms: Will bloom 12 months out of the year if the weather is good.
Care: Fertilize lightly and frequently; do not over water or flood the roots; will not tolerate freezing weather, so mulch & cover or bring inside.
