Hibiscus is a common plant seen in gardens and backyards throughout the United States. This stunner has glossy green leaves and can grow very full and tall, but Hibiscus is generally grown for its flowers. Hibiscus blooms can be rather large and come in various colors but usually are in hues of pink, red, burgundy, lavender, or yellow.
Hibiscus is not very fussy and does not require much care, but feeding the plant can help it thrive and ensure that the shrub will be healthy and covered in blooms come summer.
How to Fertilize Hibiscus
The ideal soil pH for Hibiscus is slightly acidic and falls between 6.5 and 6.8. You can test your soil to determine how it rates and amend the soil accordingly. You have options when it comes to fertilizing Hibiscus. Water-soluble fertilizer can be mixed in a watering can and applied when watering the plant. Granules, a type of slow-release fertilizer, can be placed on the soil's surface and will gradually seep into the ground and roots.
You can amend the soil with compost or manure when planting to help give the Hibiscus roots an extra boost. Spreading organic matter on the ground or topdressing is another way to provide additional vitamins and minerals. The different Hibiscus fertilizers work well and deliver results, so it comes down to what works best and is most convenient for you.
Best Time To Fertilize Hibiscus
The type of fertilizer used will determine the best time to fertilize Hibiscus. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied 4 times throughout the year: early spring, after the first round of flowers die back, midsummer, and fall or early winter. If you opt to use a water-soluble fertilizer, then you can feed your Hibiscus every 2 weeks.
Best Fertilizer For Hibiscus
Help the Hibiscus start the reason off right with a balanced fertilizer, like a 20-20-20 appalled in the spring. This will provide a well-rounded mixture of nutrients. You can continue to use a balanced fertilizer throughout the rest of the growing season, or you can switch to a 12-4-8 mix.
Hibiscus grows best with higher levels of Nitrogen and Potassium, which are represented by the first and third numbers in the fertilizer mix ratio. Miracle Grow or other fertilizer mixes intended specifically for Hibiscus are good options that will provide the nutritional support your plant needs to thrive.
Hibiscus Fertilizing Tips
- Water Hibiscus before applying fertilizer to prevent fertilizer burn.
- Apply fertilizer on the ground about 1 to 2 feet away from the base of the shrub to ensure the food reaches the entire root system.
- Apply slow-release fertilizer during the early spring, after the first round of flowers die back, midsummer, and fall or early winter.
- Apply fertilizer every 2 weeks.
- Water thoroughly to dissolve fertilizer and help distribute it throughout the root system.
Warnings
-Always wear protective gloves and a face mask when handling chemical fertilizers.
-Closely follow all directions and storage guidelines that are on the fertilizer label.
FAQs
Hibiscus Fertilizing Tips
What should I fertilize my hibiscus with? ›
There are a few ways to fertilize Hibiscus. One option is in the spring; apply a layer of compost around the base of the plant. Or apply fertilizer with 10-4-12, 9-3-13 or 10-10-10 around the base of the hibiscus. Be careful not to add too much fertilizer, too much phosphorous will kill hibiscus.
What does Epsom salt do for hibiscus plants? ›
Epsom salt has quite a few benefits for hibiscus plants. First, it gives the plant much-needed magnesium. Magnesium aids in the production of chlorophyll, which supports the entire plant. Magnesium is valuable in maintaining root health, as well as assisting the plant in the absorption of other valuable nutrients.
Do hibiscus plants like Miracle Grow? ›
Beginning a month after planting, feed hibiscus regularly with Miracle-Gro® Water Soluble Bloom Booster® Flower Food, which was specially developed to encourage lots of colorful blooms. Using the Miracle-Gro® Garden Feeder makes feeding super-easy, but you can also mix the food in a watering can instead if you prefer.
Do coffee grounds help hibiscus? ›
Hibiscus plants can benefit from the occasional use of coffee grounds as alternate fertilizers. Adding coffee grounds gives your plant nutrition and acidity to keep it healthy, happy, and thriving. However, excessive use can have adverse effects like legginess or bacterial growth.
Will Epsom salt make hibiscus bloom? ›
This elixir will jump-start your hibiscus in spring: Dissolve 1 tablespoon each of a balanced water-soluble fertilizer (Peter's 20-20-20), Epsom salts and KNO3 (potassium nitrate) in 1 gallon water. Do not use more than 1 tablespoon of KNO3 or you could burn your plants. Apply again in fall.
Do hibiscus like to be fertilized? ›
Fertilize Often
Once hibiscus becomes established and new growth is seen, feed every two weeks with a fertilizer for blooming plants, such as Alaska Morbloom Fertilizer 0-10-10, which is designed to promote blooming and vigorous root growth.
How do I keep my hibiscus blooming all summer? ›
The plant blooms best in full sun, so increase sun exposure if you think that might be a factor. Also, make certain the soil is moist at all times to support the growth of the plant. Hardy hibiscus blooms on new growth, but pinching the plants too late in summer or pruning severely can delay blooming.
How do I get my hibiscus to bloom more? ›
Insufficient Sunlight: Hibiscus plants require plenty of direct sunlight to bloom. If they're not getting at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day, they may not produce flowers. Ensure they are in a sunny location. Improper Pruning: Over-pruning or pruning at the wrong time can remove flower buds.
How do I get more flowers on my hibiscus? ›
Because hibiscus bloom on new growth, you'll want to encourage the plant to put out new stems and we can do that by cutting back some old ones. Don't cut more than 50% of the foliage off and if your tree defoliated completely over the winter, don't prune it until you see new ones forming.
Hibiscus plants in containers should be fertilized a little more frequently than ones planted in garden beds— about once a week during the blooming period should suffice. Garden hibiscus should be fertilized about once every two weeks. Neither require any fertilizer during the winter months.
Are eggshells good for hibiscus? ›
Fertilizing your hibiscus plant is extremely important as it will provide food for your plant that will make it beautiful. It's easy to make hibiscus fertilizer using household items such as coffee grounds, egg shells or dirty fish tank water. All these solutions are cheap and nutrient filled.
What is the best organic fertilizer for hibiscus? ›
Phosphorus is essential for promoting root development and the growth of flowers. Additionally, hibiscus plants require regular fertilization during their growing season to thrive. At Nurserylive, we recommend using organic fertilizers like bone meal, compost, or fish emulsion.
Is vinegar good for hibiscus plants? ›
Never, ever use vinegar on plants you want to keep. Hibiscus like water, but not constant wet feet. Make sure when you repot your plant to put gravel or stones in the bottom to help facilitate drainage.
Which plants Cannot use coffee grounds? ›
However, there are some plants that you should avoid using coffee grounds on. Plants that prefer alkaline soil, like lavender and lilacs, can be harmed by the acidity of coffee grounds. Plants that are sensitive to caffeine, such as geraniums and some herbs, can also be affected by the presence of coffee grounds.
How do I get my hibiscus to bloom? ›
The plant blooms best in full sun, so increase sun exposure if you think that might be a factor. Also, make certain the soil is moist at all times to support the growth of the plant. Hardy hibiscus blooms on new growth, but pinching the plants too late in summer or pruning severely can delay blooming.
Do hibiscus need Epsom salt? ›
A good fertilizer ratio for hibiscus is 12-4-18 or a “high bloom” water-soluble fertilizer. Slow-release granular fertilizers, like Osmocote, can be used in combination with water soluble fertilizer when irrigating. Magnesium sulfate, also called Epsom salt, gives hibiscus foliage a good dark green color.
How do you care for a potted hibiscus plant? ›
Place potted hibiscus plants in bright indirect light near a sunny window away from drafts. Reduce watering and fertilizing until spring. Keep an eye out for indoor pests such as aphids, mealy bugs or scale and treat plants as needed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
