Tuesday, June 3, 2014

By Patrice McCoy


The two hundred different species of spectacular hibiscus, especially cajun hibiscus, draw people into the dream of having a garden of their own. Since these are tropical flowers, many folks grow them in pots so they can be brought inside to spend the colder months protected. By following a few sensible guidelines, everyone can enjoy these tropical beauties for themselves.

Many designers look for a pop of color to add a cheerful focal point to a room, or a garden designer might choose to use flowers for the same purpose. Hibiscus are a popular choice because they come in a wide array of vivid oranges, reds and yellows. They are perennials and will return year after year without replanting. This is an advantage to many new gardeners who do not want to make the commitment of planting annuals every season.



To plan your garden, find an area of well drained soil and direct sunlight. Do not place in the ground if your area has temperatures that stay below forty five degrees Fahrenheit for several days at a stretch. Also consider exposure to wind, as excessive wind can be detrimental for the establishment of new plants.

After you decide where to plant, you need a routine watering schedule. These plants appreciate consistent watering, but soaking them can lead to root rot. A light watering often appears to be the preferred schedule. If the air is getting cooler, less water may be required. Another sign to reduce watering is when the leaves are dropping off. Avoiding both over and under watering the plant is optimal.

Fertilizer is another area that the new gardener must consider. These species are known to prefer heavy fertilization, especially if they are grown in a container. However, too much phosphorus is bad for the root system and can lead to root rot. Some people add mulch on top of the fertilizer to slow the break down process of the fertilizer.

Spiders and mites can bedevil the old and new gardener. One solution is to purchase an insecticide and spray the plant evenly. This should be done with care since overly harsh chemicals may stress the plant. Consider the suggestion to spray under the leaves only to eradicate the pests but cause less trauma to the flowers and leaves.

Eventually, the new gardener will have to consider whether his plant need to be transferred to a new container. One clue to look for is whether the roots are touching the walls of the existing pot. If so, it may be time to move it to a new home.

If a new gardener desires show stopping blooms with an attractive fragrance and a wide selection of colors, the cajun hibiscus may be the right choice. Since these are tropical flowers, they can be grown in pots and spend the cooler months inside, but blaze to glory on the deck all summer along. With a few guidelines in mind, the gardener with a healthy hibiscus may have years of glorious blooms ahead.




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