Exotic lovers will love the unpretentious, beautiful hibiscus flower. Flowers that look like magical butterflies amaze with their variety of shapes, sizes and rich palette of colors. Chinese rose, ketmia, okra, Sudanese rose, Syrian rose - a list of wonderful names for this magnificent shrub.
Hibiscus is native to Southeast Asia and Polynesia. In Malaysia, it is one of the symbols of the country. His image is printed on coins. And in Hawaii it is called the flower of beautiful women. During national holidays, Hawaiian girls and women decorate their hair amazing flowers hibiscus.
Hibiscus differ from each other in size, color and shape of flowers and leaves. It is impossible to remember all the names of this beautiful plant. All the colors of the rainbow and shades have large double or single flowers. They, like , are very popular in Russia.
And although you can only admire the beauty of a flower for a day, it decorates itself for 8 months. The secret is that in place of the fallen flower, a new bud appears. You just need to treat it with care and know the features of caring for it. Its main types can be distinguished.
Hibiscus hybrid
So named because it was bred by crossing red, pink and holly flowers. It is bred for its enormous flowers of indescribable beauty. This herbaceous plant has been decorating parks and courtyards for many years.
Chinese hibiscus
Better known as the Chinese rose. This shrub can grow from two to three meters. It has oval dark green leaves with jagged edges. There are about 500 varieties of roses. It has a rich palette of colors: from snow-white to purple. Flower petals are often double and reach up to 15 cm.
Dissected hibiscus
This shrub has small red or orange flowers with fringed, curved edges. The leaves of the bush are glossy and green in color.
Most often this plant is used to create landscape compositions. It can be planted separately, or in a group to form a hedge. There are about 250 varieties.
Among them there are shrubs, trees, and herbaceous plants. In temperate climates, Syrian hibiscus is most often planted.
Growing this beautiful plant is not difficult. The main thing is to know the rules for caring for it and listen to the advice of gardeners.
Place for planting and watering
For successful cultivation Shrubs need to take care of the planting site.
Hibiscus is a heat-loving and light-loving plant. Therefore, the place should be well lit and protected from wind and cold. The soil should be light and permeable.
In extreme heat, mulch will help maintain moisture: straw, fallen pine needles, chopped bark, and so on. Dry air can cause leaves to wrinkle and buds to fall off the bush. Therefore, it is necessary to spray the plant generously.
Planting, care and propagation of plants
Flower growers recommend planting it in well-warmed soil. It is advisable to take strong seedlings with a well-developed root system. It will be easier for the plant to endure seasonal adversity, gain strength over the summer and prepare to meet the winter cold.
Propagating hibiscus is very easy. Most often, gardeners cut a suitable cutting and place it in water. Branches with three nodes are suitable for cuttings. It is advisable to cover the top with a container to maintain humidity. When the roots appear, it is transplanted into a pot of soil. It is advisable to take the soil from the garden, adding a third of the peat to the soil.
For the winter, the pot can be taken indoors, or the cutting can be planted in the ground. It is necessary to wrap it up for the winter to preserve the young root system. Thanks to this method, the specific characteristics of the flower are preserved and next year it will delight gardeners with flowering.
Secondly, hibiscus can be propagated by dividing the bush. This method depends on the number of shoots and age. It is advisable to thin out the bush every year. This will prevent the flowers from becoming smaller.
The most labor-intensive method is propagation by seeds. Seeds are sown in the soil at the end of February, having previously treated them with epin. It is also necessary to take a prepared soil composition: peat and sand mixed in equal quantities are added to the soil.
The container is covered with glass, periodically opening for watering and ventilation. When 3-4 leaves appear on the seedlings, the plant is cropped and transplanted into pots. If all the recommendations are followed correctly, then in the third year the plant will delight you with beautiful flowers.
The winter vacation
With the onset of cold weather, reduce the amount of watering. After the leaves fall from the flower, it is cut off at a distance of 8-10 cm from the root. To prevent the plant from dying, it is covered with paper bags, mats, straw or sawdust. It is sometimes watered to moisten the soil.
You can dig up the plant and plant it in a pot together with a lump of earth. In this form, send it to the basement or indoors for the winter. At home, the flower will remind you of summer with its greenery and flowers.
Top dressing
The flower is fertilized every week, always after watering. For dense foliage, select fertilizers with a high nitrogen content. For lush flowering and growth, it is advisable to alternate mineral and organic fertilizers. With the onset of cold weather, the rose must be prepared for winter. To do this, starting in September, you need to feed it 2-3 times with any potash fertilizer.
Shrub pruning
Lovers of the Syrian rose (as garden hibiscus is most often called) need to remember that new flowers appear only on young shoots. Therefore, the bush should be trimmed. You can trim it after two years of age and do it annually to improve the health and formation of the bush.
Branches that please with their color must be removed. On cut branches there will appear side shoots, on which flower stalks will form. This will promote the formation of buds next year. Be sure to cut out weak and diseased branches, leaving up to two cm from the bud with leaves. Shoots growing inside the bush and those that grow parallel to the main trunk must be removed.
Pruning is done before the beginning of the active phase of the bush’s life, at the end of winter. He is not afraid of pruning. It gives the flower a well-groomed appearance, rejuvenates it and stimulates it to bloom vigorously. With careful care, garden hibiscus can grow in a permanent location for up to 20 years.
Photo of hibiscus Pests and diseases of hibiscus
Although the Syrian rose is an unpretentious plant, gardeners may encounter some unpleasant difficulties when growing it.
- The buds are falling off. This occurs due to lack of fertilizers, lack of moisture, and cold.
- The leaves have turned yellow. It is necessary to reconsider the amount of moisture, lighting, nutrients (lack or excess), as well as temperature fluctuations.
- Lack of flowers with abundant foliage. The reason lies in excess nitrogen fertilizer or lack of watering in the spring.
- Root disease. Lack of moisture during dry weather.
- Leaf chlorosis (yellowing and falling of leaves, drying of the tops of shoots). Deficiency of iron and magnesium, soaking of roots, low acidity of the soil.
- Falling leaves. Long-term drying out of the soil.
Most often, hibiscus suffers from attacks by spider mites, aphids, thrips, and scale insects. For prevention, the plant should be sprayed soap solution, and then with the Actellik insecticide.
Exotic room decoration
For people who want to see this flowering bush all year round, it is advisable to plant indoor hibiscus. It looks very nice among other indoor plants.
The flower purifies the air in the room, fills the air with a subtle and pleasant aroma, and has a beneficial effect on other indoor flowers. It can be grown like a tree, or it can be shaped beautiful bush various shapes. Indoor hibiscus is unpretentious, but you need to know some features of caring for it.
1. Lighting. The flower feels comfortable near windows that face west and east. It is not recommended to place it on a windowsill. Direct sunlight has a negative effect on hibiscus leaves.
On warm days, the flower can be placed on the balcony or in the garden. You need to make sure that the rose does not stand in a draft. In winter, it is necessary to provide additional lighting for hibiscus. In poor lighting, the plant will not please with lush flowering.
2. Watering. The flower must be watered regularly with settled water. When the soil dries out, the rose drops its flowers. The flower tolerates spraying very well. In spring and summer it should be watered as often as possible, but with the arrival of autumn, the amount of watering must be reduced.
Moist air has a very beneficial effect on flower growth. The easiest way is to install a humidifier, or you can put a flower pot in a tray. Pour expanded clay or pebbles into it, moistening them periodically. To prevent the roots from getting wet, there should be no water in the pan.
3. Transplant. It is advisable to replant young plants every year. The pot should be selected 5-10 cm larger than the previous one. Narrow pots will prevent hibiscus from throwing out flowers. For replanting, prepare garden soil, sand and peat (2:1:1). You can add finely crushed charcoal.
Drainage must be placed at the bottom of the pot. Adult plants are replanted once every three years. In between it is enough to change upper layer land.
How to transplant hibiscus correctly
Useful properties of hibiscus
- Real Hibiscus tea is made from the flowers of the Sudanese rose (sabdarif). But it does not grow at home. People learned to cook healing teas from Chinese hibiscus. Grind 5g of petals and leave in a glass of warm water for 7-8 hours. This infusion is good to rinse your mouth during inflammatory processes, drink for insomnia, and for hypertension. Leaves and petals ground into a pulp help with abscesses.
- A decoction of Chinese rose flowers is used to prepare hair conditioner, and the paste from the flowers is used as shampoo, as a mask, and as hair dye. After washing your hair like this, your hair looks simply gorgeous.
- The fruits of Okra (edible hibiscus) are widely used in cooking. They are fried, stewed, boiled, frozen, canned. Unripe fruits successfully replace green peas, and “Gombo” coffee is prepared from ripe and roasted ones.
- Hibiscus seeds and roots are used in medicine.
The extraordinary world of hibiscus gives people a feeling of beauty, peace and tranquility.
Hibiscus is a tree, shrub or herbaceous plant from the Malvaceae family. There are about 200 varieties of it, and therefore cultivation garden hibiscus– very exciting activity for flower growers all over the world. One of the species (Sudanese rose) is used to make Hibiscus tea. Okra, okra - edible hibiscus, it can be grown on garden plot or on the balcony. A popular indoor flower - - grows in open ground in countries with warm climates. In our latitudes, it is only suitable for container gardening: flowers are taken outside in the summer and brought back in when it gets colder. Tree hibiscus, or Syrian hibiscus, is also grown at home, a deciduous shrub that has a pronounced dormant period and requires certain wintering conditions.
Garden types of hibiscus
Growing garden hibiscus on the site and caring for it does not cause any trouble; this plant allows you to decorate a shady corner with large, bright flowers. Breeders have developed several varieties that can be planted in central Russia, but they require winter shelter or digging out of the ground. There are frost-resistant species, but they are rarely found on sale.
Hibiscus plants are suitable for regions with temperate climates:
- trifoliate,
- Syrian,
- swamp,
- grassy,
- garden.
Syrian and garden hibiscus are often confused, because the first has another name - tree-like. In southern countries it received the nickname “flower of love.” Usually it is a shrub about 1.5-2 meters in height, completely covered with large simple or double flowers, similar to mallow. The classic colors are white and lilac, but now others have been introduced: pink, red, blue. Swamp hibiscus, or okra, is a very ornamental shrub with large flowers, usually pink or red. It is frost-resistant, tolerates temperatures down to –30 °C.
Herbaceous hibiscus grows 3 meters in height - it is a frost-resistant shrub that blooms from August to September. Its stems are massive, erect, with large leaves reminiscent of sunflower leaves. Flowers can be white, light pink or red. Growing and caring for it is very simple. The plant is sun-loving and undemanding to soil composition, which is why it is popular among gardeners. In the winter it is cut off at the root, and in the spring it grows back. There are more than 1000 hybrids of herbaceous hibiscus. Trifoliate, or northern, hibiscus is a medicinal herbaceous plant. annual plant with small light yellow flowers that open for several hours in the morning.
Garden hibiscus is a hybrid herbaceous perennial, resulting from crossing 3 species: red, pink and holly. Characterized by decorative foliage and large spectacular flowers, the size of which can reach 40 cm. Maintenance is simple. 
There are several hybrids.
- Youth is a plant with light green leaves and purple flowers, reminiscent of a tulip in shape.
- Late - a shrub with oval leaves and crimson bell-shaped flowers, grows up to 1 m.
- Pale pink - a plant up to 2 meters high, yellowish foliage, bright pink, tulip-shaped flowers.
- Pink porcelain- a medium-sized bush up to 1.5 m high, flowers are large, pink, with a white throat, in the form of bells. Bright green succulent leaves on long petioles.
Hibiscus for container gardening
The following species are used as tub crops on the site.
- Dissected petal hibiscus (Schisopetalus)- the petals of flowers of this species are strongly dissected and bent back. Outwardly, it resembles domesticated Chinese. Flowering lasts from spring to autumn.
- Chinese hibiscus- a shrub with flowers of various sizes and shades. It is common to grow as a houseplant, but can be moved into the garden in the summer. Caring for a tub flower consists of abundant watering and fertilizing.
Growing these plants is not difficult, but there are some rules that you need to follow to ensure that your hibiscus grows healthy and strong.
Caring for garden hibiscus
Planting is done in an area with nutritious and breathable soil, in a place protected from winds and bright sun. Shrubs are planted in the spring, then by autumn the young plants will have time to take root. To grow garden hibiscus in open ground you will need deep landing pit, which needs to be filled with a thick layer of drainage - at least 15 cm - with sand and rotted compost. Garden soil mixed with sand and peat is laid out on this mixture.
Plants are placed in a hole so that the root collar is level with the soil; there is no need to deepen it - this can lead to rotting. Then sprinkle with soil and water abundantly. Planting and care before winter should be accompanied by mulching of the soil. Additionally, it is better to insulate the seedlings with spruce branches.
Further care for garden hibiscus consists of abundant watering, regular loosening of the soil, pruning and fertilizing. You need to water the shrub as the soil dries with warm, settled water; on hot days, more liquid will be needed. Some types of hibiscus drop their leaves when there is a lack of moisture. It is advisable to feed the shrub in the spring-summer period once every 2 weeks with phosphorus-containing fertilizer.
Loosening the soil improves aeration and allows the root system to breathe. Prune garden and tree hibiscus better in spring or at the beginning of summer - this has a beneficial effect on flowering, makes it easier to care for and helps give the tree a beautiful shape. It is important to properly prepare young trees for the dormant period: before frost, garden hibiscus is pruned and watered abundantly, after which the soil around is mulched using dry leaves and. Young plants are wrapped or bent to the ground. For shelter, a frame and special material, such as agrotex, are used.
Hibiscus pruning
Spring plant care involves pruning the branches. This is a necessary procedure for both indoor and outdoor garden species. It is produced after a period of dormancy, when the bush has not yet begun to grow. Proper shortening of shoots has a positive effect on flowering, improves branching and appearance bush.
In some species, flower buds are formed only at the ends of new shoots, so without pruning the plant may stop blooming. Tree and garden hibiscus forms well; you can give it any shape, for example, turning it into a standard tree. The cuttings obtained during pruning are used for plant propagation.
You should not get rid of hibiscus rhizomes in early spring - these plants wake up late, and it is better to wait a while than to uproot a bush that is still alive.
Propagation of hibiscus by cuttings
Garden and tree hibiscus propagate very simply: by seeds, cuttings, grafting. Cuttings begin in the summer, before flowering begins. To do this, shoots with several internodes are cut from the bush, the ends are dusted with a root formation stimulator and planted in a greenhouse with peat soil. Rooting lasts about a month, when the shoots begin to grow, they are transplanted into pots with a nutrient substrate and grown there until a bush is formed. After this, planting plants in open ground is possible.
Young plants do not have the frost resistance of adults, so they need to be covered for the winter or dug up, replanted in pots and stored until spring in a cellar or in the dark on a glazed balcony.
The water method is also suitable for cuttings, but when using it, most of the leaves are removed from the shoot, leaving 3-4; large ones are cut by a third to reduce evaporation. An activated carbon tablet is added to the water to prevent rotting. Hibiscus usually reproduces successfully from cuttings.
How to propagate hibiscus by seeds
Growing from seeds is the easiest way to propagate these plants. Garden hibiscus obtained in this way blooms in the year of planting, while Syrian hibiscus blooms only in the third year. It is better to start sowing in winter, from the end of January. The seeds need fresh, they do not require stratification. Planting is carried out in a mixture of peat and sand; before planting, the seed must be soaked in a growth stimulator for a day.
The crops are watered and covered with a bag or placed in a greenhouse, placing it in a bright and warm place where the temperature is not lower than +25 °C. Until friendly shoots appear, caring for seedlings consists of regular ventilation and spraying. Cultivation in open ground begins at the end of May, when the threat of frost has passed. Plants are planted in a permanent place, protected from drafts and scorching sun.
Diseases and pests
Spider mites are considered the main pests of hibiscus. They multiply quickly in hot and dry conditions, covering the bush with white cobwebs. Yellow dots appear on the leaves, the buds do not open, but dry out and fall off. In case of severe damage, plants need to be treated with special preparations. There are also folk recipes getting rid of this pest: spraying with garlic infusion, solution essential oils(10 drops per 1 liter of water) and others. Bushes are sometimes affected by aphids. These are quite large insects, visible to the naked eye. When they appear, insecticides are used.
Hibiscus can suffer from chlorosis, in which the leaf blade turns yellow, only the central veins remain green. The disease most often occurs due to a lack of nutrients, especially iron. It is necessary to add additional organomineral fertilizers to the soil and spray the leaves with iron chelate. Lack of nutrition is also indicated by such signs as lack of flowering, frequent yellowing and falling of leaves, and poor development of shoots. If the plant is not cared for correctly, problems may occur. fungal diseases caused by excessive watering or low water temperature.
So, hibiscus can be trees, bushes or herbs. They prefer a sunny location, abundant watering and fertilizing with phosphorus fertilizers. In central Russia, some frost-resistant varieties can be grown in open ground, but most species require shelter for the winter with special material or spruce branches.
Perennial shrubs, such as garden hibiscus and tree hibiscus (Syrian), shed their leaves in the winter, but herbaceous species rarely retain the above-ground part, growing anew from the rhizome every spring. Major diseases are associated with errors in care and lack of nutrition. Pests are often affected by mites and aphids. Plants propagate well by seeds and cuttings.
The Chinese rose has long been known in many countries of the world, as it is distinguished by its bright colors, ease of care and abundant, long flowering. In total, more than 250 varieties of this evergreen shrub are known, which in nature reaches 6 meters. Hibiscus comes from Southeast Asia, but its other varieties are from America, Africa and the Pacific Islands.
At home, caring for Chinese hibiscus is not a lot of work, so the bush in the room grows up to 2 meters without any problems. It has oval, long leaves of a dark green color, with small teeth along the edges. The size of its buds can vary, but the maximum reaches 14 cm. The colors of the petals vary. These colors can be white and fiery red, pink and cream, yellow and orange. Typically, buds appear in early spring and are replaced until late autumn, but for this, caring for a hibiscus rose must be correct.
In its homeland, hibiscus is considered not only decorative flower, but also an excellent healer, because the shoots and young leaves of the flower are used for cooking. In addition, the roots, seeds, fruits and leaves of roses are used in folk medicine. In production, flowers are used to produce paint for the food industry and cosmetology. And many people know the very tasty Hibiscus tea. These are Chinese rose petals, which are dried and added to fruit tea. 
When caring for indoor hibiscus at home, you need to remember that it loves well-lit window sills, but does not tolerate direct sunlight, so its leaves can get burned. In the summer, the flower can be taken outside, but it must be placed in a place where there is no wind or draft. The most optimal temperature for this shrub is from +18 to +21 degrees. If care and watering are good, the Chinese rose will bloom from spring to autumn. It is very important during flowering to provide good watering and soil drainage.
Daily spraying will give the flower a good appearance, especially if the hibiscus grows in the winter in a room where heating elements operate that dry out the air. Many people complain that their rose does not bloom, what's the matter? Not everyone knows that the flower buds of this plant are formed when optimal temperature+15 degrees. With this temperature, the soil does not dry out, and watering becomes rare. Therefore, if you have the right hibiscus: care and cultivation, then flowering will occur very quickly.
Many have seen that huge roses grow in tubs in office buildings and educational institutions, because it is cool there, so the plant feels great in such a climate and gives those around it abundant blooms throughout the warm season. Therefore, if the house is cool enough, then this is the best option for a Chinese rose. But if the apartment is very hot, then for a while it is better to move the flower to a cool place, for example, to a balcony or loggia. Watering in winter should be rare, since the plant is dormant and does not require much nutrition.
Plant propagation by seeds
Almost all ornamental shrubs begin to form seeds after the buds bloom, so propagation of hibiscus by seeds is also possible. Using seeds, you can get good, strong seedlings, which are planted in pots or in open ground, depending on the type of shrub.
In nature, hibiscus disperses independently with the help of birds and wind. After a while, the seeds are buried in the ground and germinate. In harsh climates with severe frosts, the seeds simply do not ripen. If the flower grows in the southern regions, then it is very easy to propagate hibiscus from seeds. Each type of this ornamental shrub is capable of reproducing in this way, but the herbaceous species is the best in this regard.
Growing hibiscus in open ground: features and varieties
In terms of external qualities, a flower can be in the form of a shrub, tree or herbaceous plant, so care and propagation of hibiscus in open ground may differ slightly. For example, a tree variety is usually grown in open ground, as a small shrub or standard tree. This variety includes the Syrian rose, which grows up to 1.5 meters. The herbaceous appearance has many hybrid varieties, which are annuals and perennials, and each hibiscus is attractive in its own way in the spring.
Despite such diversity, types and varieties of Chinese roses, they all have common features. For example, their leaves are petiolate, notched, the flowers are bright, large, there are yellow double or simple hibiscus, large or small. Regarding flowers, red, yellow, white, lilac, crimson, purple, violet and blue petals are very common. There are also spotted varieties that may have a border around the edges of the petals and splashes of a different color. The fruits of the shrub are five-leaf, forming a seed capsule. Today, more than 500 varieties and varieties of this plant are known. For example, Sumish, Copper King, Hardy, Schizopetalus, Fireball.
Varieties of hibiscus flower
There are cultivated and wild species of hibiscus, which are either annual or perennial.
The main three types of flowers are: shrubby, treelike and herbaceous. The color palette is diverse and includes several thousand colors and colors, with the only exceptions being black and blue. There are variegated hibiscus (Cooper) with dark green leaves, with large or small flowers, and the largest bud can reach up to 30 cm when opened. The seeds of the rose are covered with fluff or are completely smooth, depending on the variety. If it is a hybrid garden hibiscus: its care and propagation will be different, since many hybrids cannot tolerate frost. A flower can grow in one place for more than 20 years; in early spring it needs pruning, which makes the bush more branched. If the conditions are most comfortable, then the bush can reach a height of 3 meters or more.
Syrian hibiscus
The Syrian rose or Ardens is a very beautiful, deciduous shrub, whose height is 6 meters. Its leaves are large - up to 10 cm in length, their color is bright green. In terms of bud size, the Syrian rose is inferior to the Chinese rose, but is distinguished by beautiful, double, two-color flowers. To ensure proper care for Syrian hibiscus in the garden, you need to prune the bush or tree every year, which blooms all summer, including the first week of September.
The Syrian rose was brought from Western Asia and China, and today it grows successfully in Moldova, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Kuban and Crimea. Very often, Ardens hibiscus is planted in parks, on streets or squares, where the shrub has gained immense popularity. However, it grows very slowly, so the first flowering begins only after the seedling is three years old.
Growing Syrian hibiscus: planting and caring for it should be the most optimal, taking into account the climate. The rose blooms almost the entire warm period, but the bud only lives for one day. Since there are a lot of buds on the tree, young ones replace old ones. A rose bush in one place can be about 20 years old; it needs periodic pruning at the end of winter and after flowering.
tree hibiscus
A fairly unpretentious, frost-resistant variety that is very easy to replant and prune. It will make a wonderful flowering hedge on any summer cottage, will decorate every garden and windowsill of the house. Carrying out good care for tree hibiscus, its flowering will be abundant and long-lasting. The very first buds bloom in late spring, and the last ones in late autumn. The garden tree shrub is distinguished by medium ovate leaves that appear very late. The bush can be up to three meters high and 1.5 meters wide.
In autumn and spring, the leaves of this type of flower can acquire a yellow tint, which becomes characteristic feature. When replanting hibiscus, you need to use good, fertile soil with a lot of humus. In order for the bush to give abundant flowering, he needs to choose a quiet, sunny place where there will be no drafts. Watering the flower should be frequent and regular, but the roots should not be allowed to flood, as they will rot, and hibiscus diseases may also develop, which are difficult to cure. In open ground, young seedlings are necessarily closed for the winter, which will help them survive frosts.
Swamp hibiscus
A fairly large, herbaceous perennial, which is distinguished by dying shoots in winter. The plant can reach a height of 2.5 meters, so pruning hibiscus becomes a necessity. Its leaves are heart-shaped with a jagged edge, slightly rough on top with a faint edge. The buds of this species are large, simple, up to 20 cm in diameter. The color of the flowers can be pink, white, crimson and red. To plant it, it is better to choose wet, sunny places with a lot of moisture. It should be noted that swamp hibiscus, unlike other species and varieties, is the only one that grows in the swamp.
Therefore, if in suburban area If there is an artificial pond, a wet and illuminated area, then this flower will become a real decoration of this unclaimed place. When planting swamp hibiscus: planting and care in open ground it should include acidic soils where the moisture content is maximum. If planting in a hot area, it is better to choose partial shade for planting. The ideal place for such a unique flower is next to a stream or small pond.
herbaceous hibiscus
Among other types of shrubs, the herbaceous perennial outdoor hibiscus was obtained by crossing several types of flowers - swamp, armed and bright red.
It can be annual or perennial, however most of flower growers choose the second option, since it does not require additional care and constant planting. Each variety of this species is distinguished by incised, petiolate leaves and bright flowers. 
Moreover, their colors can be very different: snow-white, lilac, blue, crimson, burgundy, yellow and pale pink.
There is also a hibiscus mix, that is, when there are two shades on one flower. The bush is able to reproduce by seeds that ripen in a five-leaf box. Providing care for herbaceous hibiscus will not require much effort and time, since the flower is able to grow well in any climatic conditions, it tolerates frost and drought, and does not require mandatory pruning and additional fertilizing.
When planting herbaceous hibiscus: planting and care should include soil with a high acidity level. It is advisable to add rotted needles and organic fertilizers to the soil before planting. Seedlings of this type of hibiscus are planted in the spring, when there is no threat of frost. Over the summer, the young trees will take root and get stronger, so wintering will be successful. Herbaceous varieties grow well in sunny meadows that are protected from drafts and wind. And if there are roses nearby, then their growth and the condition of the crown will only be better. You can read the article: .
Hibiscus plants are found all over the world in all their diversity. These magnificent flowers from the widespread Malvaceae family are found in wild and cultivated flora as annual and perennial, evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, herbaceous and indoor plants.
In the humid floodplain onions of Southeast Asia, where they come from, you can admire continuous thickets of delicate buds with large petals. According to various sources, the flowers of the hibiscus family have from 150 to 300 species. Sometimes they are mistakenly confused with Ukrainian mallows. Let's try to understand the features of the most common varieties.
Did you know? In many countries, hibiscus is not just decoration. For example, young leaves and sprouts of some varieties are eaten as vegetables, while the seeds and roots of others are processed for cooking. medicines, and the flowers are used to make black hair dye, crimson food coloring and the favorite hibiscus tea of many.
Hybrid hibiscus (Hibiscus hybridus)
This perennial is very common in our latitudes and is cultivated as a house and garden plant. In warm countries it can be found exclusively as a grassy outdoor decoration. The variety was obtained about 70 years ago by a Soviet botanist, Professor Fedor Rusanov, who is the founder of the Tashkent Botanical Garden in Uzbekistan. 
For the developed variety, the breeder successfully selected the mother material - hibiscus from North America: bright red (Hibiscus coccineus), marsh (Hibiscus moscheutos) and armed (Hibiscus militaris). From these herbaceous crops, hybrid hibiscus, through the process of crossing, inherited tolerance to low temperatures and large scarlet inflorescences, which reach from 18 to 25 cm in diameter.
The buds open in August and delight the eye with their exquisite beauty until the first frost. For the winter, only powerful rhizomes remain alive in garden hibiscus, and the stems completely die off. In late spring, they throw out scanty sprouts, similar to spears, stretching up to 2 meters and higher, and slowly cover themselves with 3-5-lobed leaves.
Giant single flowers appear already in the second year after planting; they can be simple or double. They are also different in color – from pure white to blood red. Faded inflorescences turn into green seed pods, which when ripe become brown and dry out.
Caring for representatives of this species does not require additional effort or knowledge, and is accessible even to beginners. When planting, it is advisable to place the plant in a sunny area, protected from northern winds and shade. Any soil will do; of course, hybrid hibiscus will be more comfortable in enriched and well-drained black soil.
The flower tends to tolerate moderate drought and frost. In order for the root system to safely overwinter, it is covered with mulch or dry leaves for the winter. This type of hibiscus reproduces by dividing the rhizome, scion and cuttings.
Important! Dark scarlet spots on the leaves indicate excessive feeding and a simultaneous lack of light.
Indoor specimens love well-lit places, but get burned in direct sunlight. Western and eastern sides are more suitable for flowerpots. In summer, the pot is taken outside, protected from drafts and rain. With the reduction of daylight hours, the need for additional artificial lighting arises. Otherwise, you may never get any inflorescences.It is typical that at home, hybrid hibiscus is kept at a temperature of +20 °C during the growing season, and in autumn-winter it is accustomed to +16 °C. If you continue to decrease the temperature, the flower may lose its leaves. By the way, this is a great reason to do it pruning. It is needed for the formation of the crown and rejuvenation of the flower. For this purpose, shoots are cut at a level of 8-15 cm from the ground.
Proper pruning is always carried out after replanting a flowerpot or changing the soil in a pot. If you then place the container in a cool place and water it rarely, the crop will go dormant for several months. When new shoots appear, watering and spraying are increased and sprouts are pinched off from time to time for better branching.
Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
In the wild, this variety of hibiscus can be seen in its native islands of the Pacific tropics and East Asia. To residents of the temperate climate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, the Chinese rose is well known as an indoor crop, and in the subtropics it is cultivated to decorate gardens and greenhouses. Also called flower "rosanelle".
Evergreen can develop in the form of a bush or small tree, stretching up to 4 meters. On powerful branches the bark becomes brown and green on young ones. The leaves are large, oval in shape, sharp at the edges with a glossy surface and slight internal roughness.
Hibiscus roses reach a diameter of 10-15 cm. Most often these are simple single flowers with a tall peduncle, a funnel-shaped bell-shaped cup and long pistil threads, which, growing together into a tube, extend far beyond the petals. Flowering lasts only a couple of days, but due to the appearance of new buds, hibiscus continuously pleases with roses from early spring to late autumn.
Did you know? The Chinese rose can often be found in administrative premises. People are afraid to grow the flower at home because of the many superstitions associated with it. Sudden flowering and falling of leaves is considered a bad sign. They say it's a sign of bad luck, illness and family quarrels..
The most common are simple red flowers, but in the last two decades, breeders have developed many double species of various shapes and colors: from soft orange to deep purple. Low-growing species of Dutch origin and hibiscus with variegated leaves of bright scarlet color with white splashes also appeared. 
Reproduce Chinese hibiscus mostly cutting method.
The variety requires special care at a young age and during the flowering period. Mistakes made are reflected in the absence of flowers and plant diseases. For a lush flowering crown, after rooting, pinch off the top of the seedling, and when the buds appear, water and spray the flowerpot every morning and evening, make sure there is sufficient lighting and feed it. In the future, as necessary, you will need to cut off weak branches and shape the crown.
Mixtures of phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen fertilizers are very useful for Chinese roses. Liquid fertilizer pour monthly under the roots and into a spray bottle for spraying. It is important that the solution does not come into contact with the flowers.
Blackening on leaves and wilting of buds– clear signs of infectious diseases that are the result of improper care. Culture is very sensitive to spider mites, felt mites, thrips, whiteflies and fungi. For prevention, it is recommended not to dry out or over-moisten the soil, and to protect the flower from drafts and sudden changes in temperature. In addition, treat the bush with pesticides once a month. 
Unlike superstitious housewives, botanists find explanations for the absence and sudden appearance of flowers, yellowing, falling leaves. Scientists completely dispel the myth that hibiscus flowers are a sign of illness and death, drawing the attention of gardeners to the need to trim the crown of the Chinese rose (otherwise the entire potential of the plant will go into the growth of branches, and there will be no strength left for flowering). With proper care, the Chinese rose can live up to 20 years and produce spectacular, beautiful roses every year.
Important! Indoor and garden hibiscus suffer from leaf chlorosis, which is accompanied by their falling off. The cause is excessive amounts of chlorine and calcium in irrigation water and a lack of nitrogen and iron. To prevent disease, make sure that the water you are going to water the plant with is well settled. Feeding is also advisable.
Swamp hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)
The herbaceous perennial is popular in flower beds at subtropical latitudes. Ukrainian flower growers cultivate it in open ground, rarely indoors. Popularly this type of bush hibiscus is also called "swamp mallow".
It got its name due to two important care requirements: For full development, the shrub needs water and a sunny lawn. Very comfortable conditions a flowing stream or pond will be created close to him.
Despite the unattractive name, the variety attracts gardeners elegant flowers of various colors with exquisite corollas and bright spots-outlines. The flowering period begins in early summer and ends in autumn. Each flower reaches from 12 to 16 cm in diameter. In place of faded calyxes, seed pods with glossy grains ripen.
The leaves are large, slightly convex, rich green in color, which lasts until frost. A frost-resistant plant, like hybrid hibiscus, can survive 25-degree frosts in the presence of snow cover. At the end of winter or spring (before the sap begins to flow and buds open), they begin crown formation. At the same time, old, diseased and damaged branches are also removed. Marsh mallow retains its given shape all year round.
In favorable conditions, the bush grows up to 3 meters in height and up to 18 meters in width. Based on these features, it is used as a decorated hedge. Moreover, the culture can live up to 23 years and is not at all picky about care.
By providing it with plenty of sun and constantly moist, slightly acidic soil when planting, you can count on lush and long-lasting flowering. In the shade, swamp hibiscus will bloom poorly, actively increasing green biomass.
Important! To root hibiscus using cuttings, sprouts with three buds are cut off, then treated with “Kornevin” and deepened into a moist mixture of peat and sand. After a month, roots appear.
A characteristic feature of swamp hibiscus is its lack of response to a lack of fertilizer. At the same time, too much of them immediately affects the decorative effect. Any organic matter (applied in the spring) and phosphorus-potassium mixtures (applied in the fall) are considered the most suitable for the bush. Traditional care, like any hibiscus, consists of mandatory watering, loosening the soil and removing weeds.
Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)
Varieties of Syrian hibiscus are the most common in post-Soviet territory. They are a fairly tall shrub, from 3 to 6 meters high, with even branches, bright green oval-shaped leaves and large single flowers of different shades of the scarlet and purple spectrum, which can be simple or double. There are also two-color specimens.
The peculiarity of the variety is the slow development of the bush. The intensity of its growth will be accelerated by moderate systematic watering. Do not flood or overdry the soil. When drought occurs, the crop drops flowers, so in hot weather, daily watering may be necessary.
Syrian hibiscus enters the flowering phase in the 3-4th year of life, begins in May and fades in November. The diameter of the flowers is on average about 12 cm. It is typical that the pedicel fades on the day of flowering, but this fact is unnoticeable due to the many buds.
The best place for the plant will be a sunny area with well-drained loamy soil. Does not like limestones. It responds well to pruning, which involves removing old branches and cutting off too long branches. Propagated by cuttings, layering, seeds and scion.
Young seedlings are very sensitive to low temperatures, so for the winter their root system is covered with dry leaves or fresh sawdust. If the hibiscus is still damaged by frost, new shoots will appear on it in the spring.
You should not rush to conclusions about the death of its roots, since sluggish signs of life on the bush appear late in the spring. Its tolerance to cold develops as it grows. Old specimens can successfully overwinter at 22 °C below zero. Terry species are more stable in this aspect. 
For better wintering in the fall, the plant is fed with potassium. And to increase the intensity of growth and strengthen the root system, water it with a liquid infusion of chicken manure. As an alternative, phosphorus fertilizers can be used.
Did you know? IN South Korea are very sensitive to Syrian hibiscus. The plant is considered national and is believed to accompany happiness and love.
In landscape design, Syrian hibiscus is used as a single plant and in compositions, given standard and clipped forms, and planted in containers. The plant goes well with lavender, which, in addition to a beautiful decorative picture, drives away pests from the bush.
When purchasing a young seedling, you should give preference to specimens with well-grown roots and a strong trunk. The shrub can be propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Sour hibiscus (Hibiscus acetosella)
In the wild, this species is found in the tropics of Africa, for which it is called in unofficial circles "African mallow". And there are also names "red leaf hibiscus", "maple leaf sorrel". And all because of the crimson color of the maple foliage, which gives the hibiscus indescribable beauty and uniqueness. At home, young shoots of the crop are widely eaten. They taste sour, reminiscent of sorrel. 
The cultivated version was discovered by the French. It is assumed that the sour hibiscus variety inherited biological features from the species Hibiscus asper and Hibiscus surattensis. Today it is represented by a rich variety of forms.
Externally, it is a luxurious perennial subshrub, popular in tropical and subtropical climates of all continents. Can survive mild winters with frosts of no more than 8 degrees. In temperate zones it is cultivated as an annual plant. It is characterized by a dense crown, which stretches up to a maximum of 1.5 m and grows in width up to 80 cm.
The stems are elastic, straight, covered with light down. The leaves are large, as already mentioned, five-lobed with smooth surface, on which the veins are clearly defined, and with an unusual variegated coloring. In some species it takes on greenish, purple or crimson shades.
Hibiscus flowers are small in comparison with the above varieties, reaching 5-10 cm in diameter, appearing in the upper part of the stems from axillary leaves. They come in different colors.
A typical feature of the variety is the harmonious combination of the veins on the foliage with the color of the petals. The exoticism of the buds is complemented by a long stamen, over 2 cm, extending beyond the flower. On faded pedicels a seed ripens, very reminiscent of chestnuts.
Did you know? In Congo and Cameroon, sour hibiscus is sold in bunches at markets for use in salads. And in Brazil, the crop is grown as spinach and the foliage is highly valued for vitamins C, A, group B, iron microelements and antioxidants. They also note the meatiness in the structure and the property of not losing color and taste during heat treatment. The Angolan people use hibiscus to raise hemoglobin in the blood. And in Central America it is used to prepare thirst-quenching burgundy lemonade, which is drunk with lemon and ice. Tea is made from flowers. African peoples it is mistakenly called hibiscus, although, in fact, real hibiscus is prepared from the flower cups of the Sudanese hibiscus.
Today, sour hibiscus is presented in different forms on the flower market. The most common: Red Shield, Panama Red, Panama Bronze, Garden Leader Gro Big Red, Jungle Red. Most of these are low-flowering, heat-loving varieties, recognized for their unique foliage. As annuals, they adapt well to our latitudes; they love moist, well-permeable, slightly acidic soils in sunny areas. Tender stems are afraid of strong winds. Flowering begins in August and lasts a couple of weeks, but throughout the summer and part of autumn the plant flaunts extravagant variegated foliage. For the winter, the roots are dug up and transplanted into a pot. The advantage of the species is its resistance to nematodes. This quality is used by breeders when crossing to produce new breeds.
Hibiscus arnottianus
Globally, this species is known on all continents due to its medicinal properties. The leaves, flowers and bark of the bush are used to prepare laxative decoctions and for the purpose of purifying the blood. From the Hawaiian Islands, where the evergreen Arnotti hibiscus is native, it has spread far beyond the tropics and subtropics. In temperate climates it is cultivated as an annual plant. 
Among other species of the family, it is distinguished by tall, straight stems, which sometimes reach up to 10 m, and fragrant tubular flowers with multi-colored “eyes”. The diameter of the flower is over 10 cm. The petals are mostly white with delicate scarlet or purple veins, in harmony with the pistil rising above the bud.
In its native latitudes, the plant grew among forest trees over 30 m high. Obviously, the shrub needs to create the closest possible conditions in the garden plot. For full development it needs enough warmth and moisture. Comfort will be provided by drained black soil. From time to time it needs to be enriched with organic matter and mineral complex fertilizers.
In winter, the roots are replanted to be kept indoors. Some gardeners grow varieties of this species in large containers to avoid unnecessary hassle. In the summer they are taken outside and taken indoors for the winter.
Shrubs are propagated exclusively rooting cuttings, since in our latitudes the seeds almost never ripen.
Did you know? In Hawaii, hibiscus is called the “flower of beautiful women” and is considered a national culture.
Some subspecies of Arnotti hibiscus are considered endangered. For example, immaculatus suffers from being eaten by wild animals. Its representatives are rarely found on 2-3 Malay Islands around the globe.
Hawaiian hibiscus (Hibiscus clayi)
Among Ukrainian flower growers, Hawaiian hibiscus is known as an indoor tree-like plant, and in warm countries it is used for outdoor landscaping. The stems of the bush grow to a level of 30-50 cm. The leaves have a glossy surface, slightly oblong, slightly curved, reminiscent of a dwarf ficus. The flowers consist of five red petals arranged in a long green cup. 
The birthplace of the culture is the forests on the Hawaiian island of Nunu. With the development of civilization, the species practically did not survive in the wild. It is cut down, expanding resort areas, highways and cities, and in rural areas irreparable damage is caused by animals for whom it is just food.
Little is known about the Hawaiian hibiscus. Botanical encyclopedias present very succinctly general features species, without mention of the history of origin, flowering cycles, longevity, the main requirements for full development and factors inhibiting growth.
Flower growers, in their reviews of the culture, mention vital conditions for it:
- diffused light;
- temperature regime from 18 to 22 °C - in the hot season and from 16 to 18 °C - in the cold season;
- soil and air humidity, which requires systematic watering and spraying;
- monthly one-time fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizers;
- light turf soil mixed with sand and humus, good drainage.
Hibiscus divaricatus
At its core, this type of hibiscus has collected Australian varieties - analogues of Chinese rose. Externally, the splayed hibiscus represents evergreen shrub with thorny stems. It has a strong trunk with uneven bark, low-lying branches and large leaves, round in shape up to 10 cm in diameter. The flowers are yellow with a crimson base. On the calyx, and then on the pod with grains, hard fibers, similar to spines, are noticeable.
Important! All indoor hibiscus They need to be replanted every three years. It is better to replant young specimens annually.
Cultivated varieties reach a height of three meters, and on the native coasts and forest edges of Australia, where the spreading hibiscus comes from, it stretches over 5 m. Obviously, it got its name because of the awkward shape of the crown: the branches first extend from the trunk at a right angle, and then rush upward.
Flower growers are more attracted to exotic inflorescences. Each flower is about 10 cm in diameter and is pollinated by insects. But the shrub is rarely bred with seeds, preferring the method cuttings. Special care Young seedlings require, and mature plants are very patient.
Hibiscus diversifolius
Its homeland is the Australian lands from Botany Bay in New South Wales and the Pacific Islands. Also found in Africa, Mauritius, Madagascar. In our latitudes it is cultivated as potted plant. Some lovers of indoor flora often confuse variegated and spreading hibiscus.
Besides their origin, they have a lot in common: stems of the same length, similar in appearance, large flowers with a long pistil, petiole propagation method. The difference between the multi-leaved species is the leaves, resembling a heart shape up to 10 cm in diameter, with uneven sections along the edges. There are many thorns on the stems.
The variety of leaves of the species is explained by ragged, uneven serration and the presence of leaves of different sections on one stem. Near the tops they can be solid, and going down they can be dissected into 3 or 5 segments. On the inside, each leaf is densely covered with pile, which makes it rough.
The buds are pale yellow color with a rich purple center are collected in inflorescences that point downward. The calyxes are bright green with bristly hair.
In addition to warmth and sun, hibiscus of this species adore water. In their native environment, they inhabit the banks of reservoirs, wet fields and the outskirts of swamps. At home, they require frequent watering and crown pruning. The peculiarity of diversifolius is its endurance to moderate winters.
Hibiscus drummondii
It is a shrub up to 2 m tall with thin branches directed upward. The leaves are trilobed, up to 5 cm long, with rough teeth along the edges. Tubular flowers of 5 petals, scarlet and purple color, which flows from more saturated in the center to delicate at the edges.
Name "sleepy hibiscus" due to incomplete openness of the buds. They seemed to be preparing to bloom and froze, waiting for the right moment. Variegated roses reach 11 cm in diameter.
On the Australian coasts, where the Drummond hibiscus comes from, the buds are filled with a light pearlescent tint. From a distance, when you see a flowering bush, it seems as if someone painted purple crepe paper with a mother-of-pearl brush and hung it on the green crown of the bush.
For regular lush flowering, the crop needs diffused light and moisture. In native shady areas in dry forest areas, hibiscus does not produce flowers, directing its branches higher and higher towards the sun. At the same time, the bush grows very much, intertwining with other plants, forming a green wall.
Important! If a mature home or garden hibiscus does not bloom, it is worth reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilizing, which provokes an increase in green biomass. Also, the reason may lie in a lack of water, light, or too much high temperature during hibernation.
High hibiscus (Hibiscus elatus)
The plant, which has spread throughout the world from Jamaica, is characterized by highly decorative flowers and high-quality wood. It is these two features that explain the parallel Caribbean name for high hibiscus - "blue maho", which means blue polish. 
In its natural form, the plant is found in the southwestern part of India; cultivated evergreen trees decorate the streets in countries of warm latitudes. It’s hard not to notice them even with the buds not yet open. The fact is that the straight trunks of these trees are very tall.
They grow upward quickly and reach 25-30 meters. In temperate climatic conditions, the maximum height of hibiscus is within 7 meters, and in regions with high humidity and warm climates, the crop can be stunning at a kilometer height.
The branched crown is round in shape, with wide oval leaves up to 20 cm long. The trunk is powerful with fibrous bark. Tubular flowers of 5 petals amaze the imagination with their variegation: the buds are yellow, and as they open, their color turns into deep orange, then red. Roses reach a diameter of 12 cm, their edges are slightly curled towards the cup. In some varieties, yellow-crimson stripes on the orange body remain throughout the entire flowering period. 
In its homeland, the crop is used for reforestation and is considered a valuable species. The aesthetics, strength and excellent texture of high hibiscus wood make it suitable for use in the production of furniture, picture frames and other interior decor items. It is also indispensable in the manufacture of the musical instrument katros, somewhat similar to a lute. Cubans use the bast plant in boxes for cigarette cases.
Edible hibiscus, or okra (Hibiscus esculentus)
This beautiful species of hibiscus is known in English-speaking countries as lady's finger, which translated means women's fingers. Also called okro and gumbo. In the UK, USA and Philippines - okra.
The geographic origin of the edible hibiscus species is not known with certainty. Appropriating it to yourself, on this topic before today botanists of South Asia and West Africa argue. The crop is widely grown throughout the world in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate latitudes and is valued for the nutritional content of the young pods. 
Did you know? In 1216, the Spaniards visited Egypt. They really enjoyed the treats made from the cooked green seed pods. Returning home, they talked about the unique crop that Africans grow. In 1658, okra appeared in Brazil, and in 1748 - in distant Philadelphia. For the first time they started talking about developing new varieties of the species in 1806.
In our latitudes, the perennial is cultivated as an annual herbaceous plant. Externally, okra is a shrub up to two meters tall. Recently, breeders have proposed dwarf varieties no higher than 50 cm. Thick stems are densely branched, slightly pubescent.In adulthood, the trunk becomes woody. The leaves are huge, up to 20 cm long, with 5-7 lobes, covered with weak hair, light shades of green. Flowers are medium in size - up to 8 cm, with 5 petals of white, yellow color with red, purple “eyes” at the base. The fruits are formed in the leaf axils and are shaped like a capsule up to 18 cm long with a transverse pentagonal cross-section. It contains round grains.
Young ovaries that are no more than 3 days old are eaten. Old ones, brown in color, are considered unsuitable due to their bad taste. Okra is eaten raw, fried, stewed, boiled, and is also suitable for freezing and home canning.
The chemical composition of 100 g of okra contains 7.45 g of carbohydrates, 0.19 g of fat, 1.9 g of protein, 3.2 g of dietary fiber, and 89.6 g of water. And also vitamins: A – 5%, C – 28%, E – 2%, K – 30%, thiamine (B1) – 17%, riboflavin (B2) – 5%, niacin (B3) – 7%, folic acid(B9) – 15%, potassium – 8%, calcium – 6%, zinc – 6%, phosphorus – 9%, iron – 5%, magnesium – 16%. 
During the cooking process, edible hibiscus turns into a slimy mass. The plant in its original form is red and green. By taste qualities they are identical. When heat treated, the red species turns green. The foliage is also suitable for consumption. Oil squeezed from okra seeds is highly valued on the world market. They have learned to use it not only for culinary and cosmetic purposes, but even as fuel.
Unripe pods are used to make soup and stew, while ripe specimens are roasted and prepared into the famous gombo coffee. The drink is allowed even for children, as it does not contain caffeine. In some countries, the species is cultivated exclusively for its fruit, which is high in a starchy substance called gombin.
It is processed into powder, which is widely used by local cooks as a thickener for soups and creams. In addition, cough medicines are made from the plant, to restore immunity and treat the digestive tract.
Fruit collection must be carried out with gloves, since the hard fleecy structure of the stems provokes irritation of the skin. 
Did you know? When the first okra fruit ripens, the development of the remaining flowers and pods slows down. If the ovaries are regularly pinched off, they will form before the fruit appears.
The culture is not demanding in terms of care. It loves warmth and sun, and is considered the most heat-resistant of all mallows. It is cultivated even on dry clay soils. Drought is not a problem for okra, unlike frost. Can withstand short-term frosts up to 3 degrees, but will reduce growth rates.
The heat-loving plant is planted by seed in open ground only in warm countries. In our latitudes, gardeners practice planting hibiscus seedlings in greenhouses. After germination and strengthening of the sprouts, the seedlings are planted in pots and subsequently grown as a houseplant. In summer, the container is placed in the garden, protecting it from drafts and rain.
The plant is under threat powdery mildew, root-knot nematodes and verticillium wilt. For preventive purposes, the crop is periodically treated with pesticides.
Hibiscus fragilis
A species of extremely rare endemic shrub growing on the steep slopes of the mountains of Cordegardie, Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius. Externally, fragile hibiscus looks like a Chinese rose.
The perennial is an evergreen, very dense bush with a widely branched crown. Leaves are 5-7 segmented. The flowers are tubular, with 5 petals that overlap each other, in bright scarlet, terracotta and red shades. They are up to 10 cm in diameter.
The brittle hibiscus is disappearing in the wild. Today it numbers only four dozen copies and cannot independently recover to its former numbers. According to scientists, this is due to active competitive hybridization. Employees of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew are trying to solve the problem by reproducing seedlings of the crop. Success in cultivation raises hopes for the return of the species to the natural environment.
Hibiscus heterophyllus
The perennial plant is common in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. It is a tall, fast-growing shrub or tree with white, soft scarlet flowers and edible fruits. 
In its native environment, hibiscus varifolia prefers warm and humid conditions. The flowering period and the color of the petals depend on the habitat. For example, specimens in the northern regions of Queensland bloom brightly in June. yellow roses, and those closer to southern latitudes bloom with white buds in December.
In its native environment, the evergreen shrub grows up to 6 m, and in zones with a temperate climate its maximum height is up to 2 m. To maintain the neat appearance of the widely branched crown, the branches are periodically trimmed. Gardeners consider the post-flowering phase to be the best period for this procedure. Then you need to pinch off the top by a third.
Indirect light, moisture and heat are vital for the development of hibiscus. The plant can tolerate a temporary drop in temperature, but this will be reflected in its flowering. Does not like northern winds and rains.
It is better to place the flowerpot in the room away from direct sunlight, and in the summer, when taking it out into the garden, hide it in protected partial shade. When grown in open ground, the best place for this specimen will be near a wall or fence.
Multileaf hibiscus propagated cuttings or seeds. Depending on the chosen method, stems will be formed. That is, if you root a cutting, in the future you will get fibrous roots that promote abundant and long-lasting flowering. In cases with grains, the taproot will grow, and therefore there will be few flowers and they will appear late.
Important! To propagate hibiscus by cutting at the end of winter, cut off the upper part of the branch from a healthy specimen at an angle through a node and leave it in a container with water for 6-8 weeks until roots appear. After which they are planted in a substrate of humus, peat and leaf soil.
Hibiscus huegelii
It is one of 35 Australian hibiscus species. The sandy coasts of Western Australia are his native environment. The plant stands out among its fellows big flowers, which vary greatly in color. In Europe it is called "lilac hibiscus". The name is most likely due to the color of the buds.
The species received its official name in honor of Baron von Huegel. Scientists are still debating the classification of the species. In the encyclopedic literature, hibiscus varieties huegelii leptochlamys (lilac) and hibiscus huegelii wrayae (white), are no longer considered a subspecies of cultivated varieties. 
Externally, it is a tall, up to 4 meters, well-branched bush, with bright green fleecy leaves, divided into 3-5 segments. Their edges are jagged, inner side pubescent, and the veins are clearly visible on the outside. The buds consist of 5 petals, up to 7 cm long, the edges of which overlap each other. The most common colors are lilac, lilac, blue, red, and cream.
By the end of the day, like all mallows, the flowers gain bright colors and fade, resembling paper in structure. In the wild, flowering lasts from June to January, and in a cultivated environment - until the temperature drops.
The plant is not at all picky about soil. Loves clayey, sandy, well-lit, drained areas and moisture. Does not tolerate low temperatures. For supporting vitality needs feeding. After flowering, the bush is trimmed to make the crown compact. A feature of the species is the sparse foliage on the lower branches and fast-growing young shoots that emanate close to the cuttings.
Hibiscus kahilii
Distributed on Australian shores. In our latitudes it is cultivated in open ground as an annual and as a potted plant.
Externally, it is a medium-sized bush with straight powerful stems stretching upward and in width up to 1-2 meters. The leaves are large, up to 8 cm long, covered with light hair, bright green, with 3-5 segments.
Blooms from late May to September. The buds are tubular, single, with 5 petals, up to 10 cm in diameter. Their color is often scarlet, red, or lilac. It is characteristic that the flowers do not fully open, which is similar to Drummond’s hibiscus.
Representatives of this species love light, although they can develop in partial shade. Also important is soil and air humidity, twice-daily fertilizing (preferably in spring and summer) and timely pruning.
Important! To propagate hibiscus by seed, ripe grains are first poured for a day warm water, after which they are sown in a container with a moist substrate and sent to a warm place until germination.
Hibiscus mutabilis
The plant is named so because of the ability of flowers to change the color of their petals as they ripen. In addition, in its homeland, China, hibiscus was nicknamed "lotus tree", and in Buenos Aires - "mad rose".
The culture is widely known on all continents in tropical, subtropical and temperate latitudes, cultivated as an outdoor, garden decoration and potted plant. The Chinese believe in medicinal properties hibiscus, so for them it is not just a beautiful flower, but also a means to relieve pain. 
In the wild, hibiscus variata is an evergreen shrub, and in countries with cold winters it is a leafy shrub. It has powerful stems up to 3 m high. The crown is umbrella-shaped. The leaves are toothed, maple-shaped, rich green in color, with slight hairiness. Their length reaches 25 cm.
The flowers are double and large in size, unlike other types of hibiscus, and do not bloom on the day the bud opens. Moreover, the color of the petals amazes, which change three times during the flowering period. At first the buds are creamy, on the second day the open rose is white, tomorrow it will become soft scarlet, and the day after tomorrow it will turn purple. The flowering period begins in July and lasts until September.
In indoor conditions, it is better to place the flowerpot on the south and east sides, since it will die in the shade. In summer it can be taken out into the garden, and in winter it can be kept at a reduced temperature (up to 15 ° C). Also, as daylight hours decrease, additional lighting will be needed. Representatives of this type of hibiscus are pruned every season, pinching off the apical growth points. Heavily overgrown shrubs are trimmed sparingly - they will soon send out arrows of new shoots.
The soil for the crop is chosen to be slightly acidic; it should be sufficiently moist and drained.
Hibiscus panduriformis
Hibiscus panduroides is an evergreen perennial shrub that is cultivated for its foliage for landscaping purposes. In its native environment, in Florida and Miami, its stems reach up to 1.5-2 m and grow 60 cm in width. A feature of the species is the toxicity of all parts of the bush. If they come into contact with the skin, they cause allergic reactions. 
The plant loves partial shade and sunny areas, has an average water requirement, tolerates temperatures in the range of 4.5-35 °C, is kept in acidic and semi-acidic soil, and is used for growing in open ground and in containers. The species is propagated exclusively by cuttings.
Did you know? It has been scientifically proven that regular consumption of hibiscus tea helps lower blood pressure and normalizes cholesterol levels in the blood.
Hibiscus sabdariffa, or rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa)
It is its flowers that are widely used all over the world to make hibiscus tea. The plant is cultivated as edible. Not only the calyxes of the flowers are used for food, but also the leaves and stems. They are used to prepare preserves, jams, marmalade and even wine products, which surprise with their pleasant natural color. By the way, rosella is an excellent food coloring.
In some countries, the plant is called the Sudanese rose, although in fact it has nothing to do with Sudan. The native land for the bush is India.
In temperate latitudes, the crop is grown as an annual. For hibiscus, well-drained, moist soil, a sunny area, moderate watering and systematic feeding are important. The bush is very thermophilic, develops quickly at +20-30 °C.
Scott's hibiscus (Hibiscus scottii)
In its natural form it grows in dense semi-deciduous forests of tropical and subtropical zones. It is rare because the species is classified as endangered. Today, Scott's hibiscus can only be found in Yemen. 
It is distinguished by yellow-orange flowers and bright terracotta spots at the base. Their calyx consists of two toothed segments. The leaves are oval, with large teeth along the edges, slightly bent.
Sparkling hibiscus (Hibiscus splendens)
Its native habitat is Australia. It is a dense shrub up to 2 m high and wide. The stems are velvety. The leaves are heart-shaped, large, covered with hairiness and divided into asymmetrical serrated lobes, up to 20 cm long. The flowers are single, 5-petaled, tubular, about 16 cm in diameter, in most cases lilac and red.
When grown, it requires drained sandy soil, moderate moisture and periodic pruning. Often the procedure is organized immediately after flowering or in the spring before the juice begins to flow.
Important! If the roots of your hibiscus are drying out, you should pay attention to the temperature regime. The flower does not tolerate cold soil.
Linden hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus)
Deserves interest due to its healing and decorative properties. Since ancient times, decoctions have been prepared from the roots, petals and flowers of linden hibiscus to treat respiratory diseases.
The Hawaiians used light and dense wood in shipbuilding, made fishing gear from bast fibers, and used bark to seal cracks in trays. And now the wood is used for wood carving, making high-quality natural furniture and various decorative items. 
Modern scientists have confirmed the antioxidant qualities of the culture.
You can see the bush in its natural habitat in the Maldives, Virgin Islands, Eastern and Northern Australia, South and Eastern Asia. Often these are beaches, swamps, and coastal areas. The plant is invulnerable to sea salt, can grow in quartz and coral sands, limestones, crushed basalt. It is comfortable in slightly acidic soil.
The maximum height of the bush is 10 m. The trunk grows 15 cm in width. The branches are curved. The leaves are large, up to 30 cm long, heavily pubescent, heart-shaped, serrated. The flowers are bright yellow with a dark red base. During the day they change color to orange and red.
Trifoliate hibiscus (Hibiscus trionum)
In Southern Europe, where hibiscus trifoliata comes from, it is considered an annual weed of arable land. The culture grows up to 50 cm, blooming white self-pollinating flowers with pigment coloring. The seed pods are pale green with purple pearlescent tints, reminiscent of oriental lanterns. Stems are straight and hairy. The lower branches are longer than the upper ones, raised or drooping.
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The homeland of the Hibiscus plant (Chinese rose) is supposedly Asia Minor, but the flower grows in China, Korea, and India.
Under natural conditions, this is most often a shrub (sometimes three-meter height!) with smooth gray branches.
Hidden in the cool green crown are large flowers with the thinnest, almost transparent petals of various colors in white-pink-red tones, from soft white to dark crimson.
And not so long ago, flowers appeared even with shades of blue - the so-called "Florida" hibiscus. The lifespan of each flower is short, only one day. But every morning the miracle repeats itself: new flowers appear from the buds.
Kinds
In terms of the number of species, varieties and varieties, hibiscus is one of the most diverse ornamental plants: the genus Hibiscus includes from 250 to 300 representatives. Hibiscus are evergreen and deciduous, trees and shrubs, perennial and annual herbs.
According to the form of growth, the following types of Chinese rose can be distinguished: tree-like, bushy and herbaceous. Trees include, for example, the Syrian rose, grown in the form of a tree. This same plant can also be a shrub as tall as a person.
Herbaceous species include varieties of hybrid hibiscus, as well as swamp hibiscus. Herbaceous forms are annual. Their peculiarity is the death of above-ground shoots in the fall, so that in the spring new strong shoots grow from the buds at the bottom of the stem and on the root. But, of course, perennial hibiscus are more attractive.
According to the shape of flowers There are simple and terry (multi-layer) varieties. The property of multi-layering is unstable: under unfavorable conditions, flowers quickly degenerate into a simple form.
To try to understand the variety of varieties, we will highlight three varieties of Chinese rose:
- Hibiscus at home (original).
- Hibiscus, which can be grown in open ground even in temperate zone(frost-resistant).
- Indoor hibiscus.
Primordial
Syrian
The ancestor of most hibiscus is the Syrian Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) - a deciduous shrub that grows to impressive sizes under 3 meters. Delicate white flowers, as befits mallows, have a white pistil “cob” in the middle.
The petals can be of almost any “floral” shade: white and pink, blue and dark red, with specks and patterns along the edge. Double hibiscus have a special charm, but simple ones are also good. If you take care of covering the plant in winter, this species, with some restrictions and precautions, can be grown in our temperate zone.
Look at the photo to see what the Syrian Hibiscus flower looks like:
Sudanese rose
Sudanese rose, sabdariffa (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is a shrub native to India, cultivated in the tropics of Africa and Asia. We are more familiar with this name as hibiscus- flower tea. Cultivated as a food crop. Thus, Hibiscus and Hibiscus are one and the same.
Edible cups are used for For drinks, jam, juices, sauces, jellies, wine, pies and as a red dye.
Unlike the Syrian rose, the Sudanese rose does not tolerate frost; in northern latitudes it has to be re-grown from seeds every year.
Photo of the subspecies Hibiscus hibiscus or Sudanese rose:
Frost-resistant
For open ground In temperate latitudes, special types of garden hibiscus have been bred: Syrian, trifoliate, maple-leaved and others.
Syrian
Sometimes it is called "garden", in temperate latitudes requires painstaking care. In the southern regions it is found everywhere. Its crown can easily be given any shape: cube, ball, cone... - which is widely used by gardeners.
Trifoliate, or northern
A modest, inconspicuous plant with pale pink or pale yellow flowers, up to 80 cm high. Named for the shape of the leaves - with three lobes. After flowering, a ball-shaped fruit is formed on its peduncle - hence another name for this hibiscus, “swollen”.
In gardening unpretentious, but loves brightly lit sunny places and loose, nutritious soil. Possesses wound healing property, for this the crumpled petals must be applied to the wound.
Photo of the subspecies Hibiscus trifoliata:
Maple Leaf Mahogany
They are called so because of the shape of the leaves: they look like leaves of Japanese palm maple. Another name for it is sour hibiscus. It grows as a dense, tall bush with reddish leaves ranging from pale red to dark burgundy. Large flowers (5-10 cm in diameter) are wine-red or pink with a lilac center.
This hibisus is called sour for the taste of its young leaves, sourish-tart, similar to sorrel. In Congo and Cameroon, the plant is grown as a vegetable crop; in local markets its long shoots are sold in bunches, like onions in our country. In temperate climates it survives only as an annual and must be regrown from seed every year.
Hybrid
More practical in our latitudes is the hybrid hibiscus (Hibiscus hybrida), or herbaceous one - it is obtained by crosses of three species from North America: red hibiscus, swamp hibiscus and holly hibiscus.
The last two species are frost-resistant, so hybrids can withstand frosts up to 30 degrees. By crossing, flowers of various shades were obtained, from white to crimson, and very large sizes, up to 25 cm in diameter.
Photo of the hybrid Hibiscus subspecies:
Bolotny
A perennial herbaceous plant, up to 120 cm in height, blooming with pink, bright red or terracotta flowers. In cold regions the above-ground part dies off in the winter, Only the buds remain in the ground, so the plant does not require shelter for the winter.
Native to North America, from the swamps of the Mississippi River basin. Therefore, for planting it, it is better to choose sunny places without shade with moist, almost swampy soil.
One of the varieties of swamp hibiscus is the frost-resistant perennial hibiscus Kopper King - a compact rounded bush with soft lilac flowers of impressive size (up to 30 cm!), blooming for a long season. Can be used individually and in group plantings, as well as to create hedges.
Photo of the Kopper King subspecies:
Musky
Hibiscus musk is a perennial shrub, a voluminous bush with a height of up to 150 cm with pinkish stems, large dark green heart-shaped leaves and large bright burgundy flowers.
Photo of the subspecies Hibiscus musk:
Angel wings
For those who do not have a garden, but have a greenhouse or a piece of land in front of the house, the “angel wings” variety has been created - a miniature rose bush that blooms very profusely. A small (up to 30 cm) plant blooms with white-pink double and non-double flowers 4-9 cm, which can be on one plant up to one hundred pieces simultaneously!
Indoor
Until recently, the only variety of domestic hibiscus with bright red double flowers, jokingly called "grandmother's" flower. He wandered from house to house, from generation to generation - after all, the plant lives for at least 20 years! Now the palette of indoor hibiscus plants is almost inexhaustible!
Schizopetalus
Hibiscus schizopetalus, or dissected petal, is a guest from the Brazilian forests, with exquisitely shaped flowers. Its flowers, which the local Indians call "earrings of the leader's daughter", really look like expensive jewelry.
Its calyx has the shape of a tube with strongly dissected red-orange petals, bent back. The pistil, strongly protruding forward, makes the flower look like a bird of paradise. In summer, the plant can be kept outside, but in winter it is better to bring it into the warmth.
Photo of the subspecies Hibiscus schizopetalus:
Mix
Hibiscus mix - evergreen shrub, indoors it grows from 0.7 to 1.2 m, sometimes with variegated leaves. Large flowers of various shapes (simple or double) can be any color, from white to dark red. In summer, the flower will be more comfortable outdoors, in the garden; you just need to make sure that it is not exposed to the wind and is protected from direct sun.
Photo of the subspecies Hibiscus mix:
King
Hibiscus with bright yellow double flowers up to 17 cm is likely to be hibiscus variety "King" (Koenig)- Hibiscus "Koenig". The homeland of the indoor flower Hibiscus King is Southeast Asia. The plant is light-loving, but like all hibiscus, it does not like to stand in the sun. This variety is quite picky, at improper care drops buds.
Photo of the subspecies Hibiscus king:
Cooper
The variegated hibiscus (or Cooper's hibiscus, named after the scientist who brought it to Europe) is somewhat different from ordinary hibiscus. The main beauty of this plant is its leaves: they combine red, white and green.
Color depends on lighting, temperature, humidity: in the bright sun the leaves become unpredictably variegated, fade in the shade... Flowers, pink or red, are common for hibiscus. This variety is disease resistant and unpretentious.
Photo of the subspecies Hibiscus Cooper:
Curious. Eustoma - Lisianthus - is often mistakenly classified as hibiscus. This plant is a different species, although one of its names is Japanese (or Irish) rose.
Okra
You can surprise your guests edible form hibiscus- okra. This is an annual herbaceous plant up to 2 m in height. From the beautiful yellow flowers appear long, finger-shaped pods from 6 to 30 cm long, from which you can make salads, boil, stew, fry, and also freeze and preserve.
Photo of the subspecies Okra:
Kenaf
Equally unusual is the Hemp Hibiscus, or Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus), it is bred in many tropical countries for its unique spinning fiber.
Photo of the subspecies Hibiscus hemp:
Useful video
For more information about the variety of Hibiscus varieties, watch the video:
Conclusion
At home, almost all hibiscus require relatively easy care- and in gratitude they delight the owners with lush, bright flowers. Surely, among this endless variety of exotic flowers, yours exists!
