Tropical Hibiscus Plant Care and Essential Growing Tips

Tropical hibiscus plants are highly prized for their large, showy flowers and sweet, floral scents. Even though I find tropical hibiscus requires more care and attention than hardy hibiscus, they’re still extremely rewarding. In this article, I’ll run through the foundations of successfully growing these plants in your garden including planting locations, soil types, watering, fertilizing, and pest control.

Tropical Hibiscus Care Essentials:

Plant Family:	Malvaceae
Genus:	Hibiscus
Scientific Name:	Hibiscus rosa-sinensis
Native Range:	China and other parts of Asia
Colors:	Various shades of red, pink, orange, yellow, and white
Characteristics:	Large, showy flowers with prominent staminal columns
Mature Height:	6 to 12 feet (depending on the cultivar)
Flowering Season:	Year-round in warm climates
Growing Zones:	9 to 12 (some cultivars can be grown in zone 8)
Sunlight:	Full sun to partial shade
Watering:	Consistently moist soil
Soil:	Rich, well-drained soil with high organic matter content
Fertilizing:	Balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring and summer
Pests:	Spider mites, whiteflies, aphids
Pruning:	Prune in late winter or early spring to shape or control the size

Growing Tropical Hibiscus from Seed or Planting a Mature Plant

Tropical hibiscus can be grown from seed or bought and planted as mature plants. In my experience, the latter is the easiest way of adding these plants to your garden. Just make sure to choose a variety that can cope with your climate.

If growing from seeds, they should germinate and sprout within 7 to 30 days in consistently warm temperatures. 80 to 85ºF is ideal. I grow the seedlings in indirect sunlight and pot them up once they have several sets of true leaves. It can take between six months and two years for tropical hibiscus plants to flower from seed.

Where to Plant

I always aim to plant tropical hibiscus shrubs in areas that provide partial shade. They also need fertile, well-draining soils that still hold some moisture. Planting in a sheltered area helps protect the plants from cold or strong winds. I’ve also had success growing in pots.

To plant, dig a hole that’s as deep and as wide as the root system of your tropical hibiscus. Place the plant in the hole so its crown is leveled with the soil’s surface. Fill in around the plant and gently firm down the soil. Water your newly planted hibiscus thoroughly to help it acclimatize.

Soil Requirements

I find that tropical hibiscus shrubs grow best in rich, well-draining soils that still retain some moisture. These plants also prefer neutral to slightly acidic soils with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.0. Add lots of organic matter, such as compost, to the soil to improve drainage while adding vital nutrients.

Sunlight Requirements

Most tropical hibiscus shrubs thrive in partial shade, especially in hot, arid climates. Provide a few hours of direct morning sunlight every day. In hot climates, the direct afternoon sun is often too harsh. In cooler areas through, they can grow happily in full sun.

Watering Needs

Tropical hibiscus plants need slightly moist soil, so water them whenever the top of the soil feels dry. In most climates, these shrubs require 1 to 2 inches of water each week. In hot, dry summers, you may need to water your plants once or twice a day.

Fertilizing Needs

Fertilizing your tropical hibiscus helps it produce the best possible flowers. I feed my plants with a diluted liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks throughout the growing season.

Temperature & Humidity

Tropical hibiscus shrubs thrive in warm, humid conditions in Zones 9 to 12. These plants cannot tolerate cold temperatures or frost. I find that they grow best in temperatures between 75 and 85ºF (23 to 30ºC). Most will lose their leaves if temperatures drop below 40ºF (4ºC).

Pruning & Deadheading

I deadhead spent flowers throughout the season to keep my tropical hibiscus looking good. In warm areas with no risk of frost, lightly prune in the fall. This stimulates new growth, which produces more flower buds. In colder areas, I’d recommend pruning in the spring.

Propagating

The easiest way to propagate tropical hibiscus is through soft-stem cuttings. Take 4 to 6-inch cuttings during late spring or early summer and remove the lower leaves. Keep the cuttings warm and moist before planting them on.

Over Winter Care

Tropical hibiscus cannot tolerate frost or cold temperatures. If you live anywhere below Zone 9, grow tropical hibiscus in pots. During the winter, bring your tropical hibiscus indoors until the spring. If tropical hibiscus is left out in the cold, they will lose their leaves and die.

Common Pests & Diseases

Common tropical hibiscus pests include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Remove them using horticultural oils or insecticidal soap. Common diseases include gray mold and powdery mildew. Maintain good growing conditions to prevent diseases.

Best Companion Plants

Companion plants are the best way to protect tropical hibiscus from pests and browsing herbivores. Companion plants can also attract pollinators and enhance the overall landscape.

In my opinion, the most attractive companion plants include alliums, coneflowers, coreopsis, delphiniums, and poppies. Crape myrtles make wonderful companion shrubs for tropical hibiscus plants. Plants like marigolds, nasturtiums, oregano, and rosemary can help deter or distract pests from feeding on your plants.

What’s the Difference Between Tropical Hibiscus and Other Types of Hibiscus?

Hibiscus plants are divided into two main types depending on their required climate. Tropical hibiscus needs warm, tropical climates in USDA Zones 9 to 12. Hardy hibiscus can grow in cooler climates in Zones 5 to 9. Tropical hibiscus is evergreen in their respective climates, while hardy hibiscus is deciduous.

Both hardy and tropical hibiscus produce large, colorful trumpet-shaped flowers that only last for one or two days. However, tropical hibiscus plants have slightly more petite flowers than hardy hibiscus plants. Hardy hibiscus flowers are usually pink, purple, red, or white. Tropical hibiscus flowers come in more colors, such as orange, yellow, peach, or salmon.

Popular Types of Tropical Hibiscus

There are eight main species of tropical hibiscus, with the Chinese hibiscus being the most popular and widespread. Thousands of cultivars are also available. Here are a few of the most popular varieties:

• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Brilliant’ – This impressive tropical hibiscus cultivar produces large, bright red flowers. Each bloom can be up to 6 inches wide. This variety grows up to 10 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide.
• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hollywood Rico Suave’ – ‘Rico Suave’ is a stunning tropical hibiscus with bright yellow flowers. Each bloom has a dark red center and ruffled, overlapping petals. It’s a compact variety that reaches approximately 5 feet tall.
• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Hula Girl’ – This Chinese hibiscus cultivar produces beautiful pale to bright yellow flowers with delicate, overlapping petals. In the right climate, ‘Hula Girl’ grows vigorously and blooms yearly.
• Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘Painted Lady’ – This elegant tropical hibiscus dazzles with large pink flowers with light pink veins and dark red centers. ‘Painted Lady’ grows between 6 and 10 feet tall and about 4 to 6 feet wide.

Wrapping Up

Tropical hibiscus are beautiful evergreen shrubs that thrive in Zones 9 to 12. These tropical plants can’t survive frost or cold temperatures below 40ºF, so grow them in pots in colder areas. The plants need full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-draining soils. Plant them in sheltered areas to protect them from the cold.

For more, see our in-depth guide to hardy hibiscus plant care at home.