How Fast Does Midnight Marvel hibiscus grow?
Size & Growth
The growth rate of the Hardy Hibiscus is moderate once the roots become stable, which takes four to six weeks. After the plant has established, the growth rate escalates. It's a compact plant growing about 4' feet wide and tall.
Growth Rate: Perennial hibiscus generally reach mature height within two or three years, and return to that height each year. Best growth occurs when plants have ample moisture. Many hardy hibiscus are capable of blooming the first year from seed started in early spring.
Blooming continuously from midsummer to fall, each flower lasts about one day and stands out against the thick and leathery, deep wine purple foliage of maple-like leaves. Perfect backdrop or centerpiece for a sunny border. Typically grows up to 4 ft. tall (120 cm) and 4-5 ft.
Tropical hibiscus are fast growers, reaching 7 to 12 feet tall in just two or three years and blooming throughout the year. Due to its rapid growth rate, Chinese hibiscus responds well to pruning for shape in late winter, lending it to espalier or use in hedges.
* What it is: Hibiscus plants look tropical with their huge, trumpet-shaped flowers and big leaves. But this type is a hardy perennial that comes back year after year. 'Midnight Marvel' is one of the showiest of all with leaves that are purple-burgundy and flowers that are rich red.
Cut back stems to approximately 3-4 inches in late autumn. New growth shoots are slow to emerge in spring. However, once new growth begins, it proceeds quite rapidly and plants will benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season.
For optimal growth, hibiscus requires rich soil. Enrich the soil prior to planting by amending with homemade or bagged compost and earthworm castings. A 2009 study by the American Society for Horticultural Science found that hibiscus grown with worm compost grew bigger and had better blooms.
Native to Asia, tropical hibiscus plants produce flowers constantly, but each blossom only lasts one day. The shrub is fast-growing and can add up to 24 inches per year, eventually reaching heights of up 15 feet when growing under the ideal conditions.
Hibiscus do well in most types of planters. Plastic is a good option since it is lightweight, and the plant will likely grow to be rather big, so it may be easier to move the plant if it calls a plastic container home. Although, if you prefer the aesthetic of terracotta and ceramic, that works well for Hibiscus, too.
Plant perennial hibiscus plants in the spring so that they have an entire growing season to establish a good root system. A perennial hibiscus planted in the fall might not return as reliably the next spring as one planted earlier in the year.
What month do hibiscus bloom?
All varieties of hibiscus bloom during the mid to late summer, the most popular month for this being August. The bloom cycle will usually last around 3-4 weeks. Although the hibiscus has been known to bloom into the fall, this is still very unlikely unless you live in an area where the cooler seasons are very mild.
- Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food 24-8-16.
- EarthPods Hibiscus Plant Food 0.2-0.2-0.4.
- Down to Earth Organic Neem Seed Meal Fertilizer 6-1-2.
- Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food 15-9-12.
- Espoma Flower-Tone Plant Food Organic Fertilizer 4-3-4.
To prepare a hardy hibiscus for winter, apply a heavy layer of organic mulch to the soil around the plant to protect its roots. Place frost cloths or string lights over the plant to provide warmth and keep the leaves from freezing.
Perennial Hibiscus, commonly known as Rose Mallow
Perennial hibiscus are hardy perennials in zones 4-9. Their large stature and dinner plate sized blossoms make them the talk of the neighborhood from midsummer to early fall as they flaunt their tropical looking blossoms.
Planting InstructionsDig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. Roots should be just below the soil surface with the crown at the soil level. Soil RequirementsPrefers well drained soil, but will tolerate heavier soils.
For the most part, hibiscus are pretty tolerant. But, because it is a tropical plant, it's best to protect it from temperatures below about 50F (10C) or so. Tropical hibiscus can survive dips in temperature, but may show damage or even die back if it drops below about 35F (1.5C).
Keeping Hibiscus Inside Over Winter
(That said, if you have a hardy hibiscus, which is sold in the perennials section of your local garden center, that plant can stay outdoors over winter. It will go dormant this fall, rest over winter, and produce new growth in late spring with flowers following in summer).
This shrubby plant can survive an occasional frost, but its stems and leaves may die back a bit. As long as the roots don't freeze, you can prune the dead parts away, and new growth will sprout in spring.
Pruning hibiscus plants entirely helps rejuvenate them for summer blooming. Branch tips can be pinched, or tip pruned, throughout the season, however, to encourage bushier growth.
Prune the limbs that have grown too tall back to branch angles within the existing plants. You may have to remove only a foot or two of top growth to reshape the plant. Another option is to remove the tallest stems back to near the ground and allow the shorter shoots to continue growth and flower.
What does hibiscus look like in winter?
You can expect to see a moderate amount of yellow leaves on your hibiscus when you take care of a hibiscus indoors over the winter. This is normal, and the plant is acting normally. If all the leaves have fallen off but the branches are still pliable, your hibiscus has just gone into full dormancy.
Miracle-Gro Performance Organics All Purpose granules offer a 9-2-7 NPK analysis perfect for hibiscus, along with other nutrients that support healthy roots, foliage, and flowers.
Epsom salts work well for hibiscus planted in the ground in areas with neutral or acidic soil, or for plant in pots where the water drains out the bottom and isn't constantly taken back up into the pot.
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.
A well-maintained hibiscus tree can grow up to eight feet tall, she adds, and its dark green leaves are about four to six inches long, with a toothed edge and a slightly stringy sap (because they belong to the okra family).
How long do tropical hibiscus plants live? A. Some of the older garden varieties have been known to live for 50 years or more. Some of the newer hybrids may have lifespans of 5-10 years.
Location and Light
Hardy Hibiscus does best in full sun. They will grow in partial shade, but growth and flowering will suffer. If you live in areas with very hot summers, during the hottest part of the day, Hibiscus may need shade. Hibiscus should be planted along, or in the back of perennial flower beds.
It is best to plant Hibiscus in the garden before the heat of the summer arrives, and should be heavily mulched the first winter. In spring, cut back any remaining stems before new growth appears.
To prepare a hardy hibiscus for winter, apply a heavy layer of organic mulch to the soil around the plant to protect its roots. Place frost cloths or string lights over the plant to provide warmth and keep the leaves from freezing.
Perennial Hibiscus, commonly known as Rose Mallow
Perennial hibiscus are hardy perennials in zones 4-9. Their large stature and dinner plate sized blossoms make them the talk of the neighborhood from midsummer to early fall as they flaunt their tropical looking blossoms.
Can you make tea from midnight Marvel Hibiscus?
Hibiscus- when made into tea, Hibiscus flowers have been used to treat sore throats and help lower blood pressure. Once the flowers have fallen off, you can snap off the sepals which are used to make tea. Dry them out, and then you can make hibiscus tea!
How to Divide & Transplant a Hibiscus : Gardening Tips - YouTube
Planting InstructionsDig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. Roots should be just below the soil surface with the crown at the soil level. Soil RequirementsPrefers well drained soil, but will tolerate heavier soils.
Place the hibiscus cutting into the hole and backfill it around the hibiscus cutting. Place a plastic bag over the cutting, making sure that the plastic does not touch the leaves. Place the hibiscus cutting in partial shade. Make sure the rooting soil stays damp (not wet) until the hibiscus cuttings are rooted.
This shrubby plant can survive an occasional frost but its stems and leaves may die back a bit. As long as the roots don't freeze, however, you can prune the dead parts away and new growth will sprout in spring.
Keeping Hibiscus Inside Over Winter
(That said, if you have a hardy hibiscus, which is sold in the perennials section of your local garden center, that plant can stay outdoors over winter. It will go dormant this fall, rest over winter, and produce new growth in late spring with flowers following in summer).
Hardy Hibiscus plants should be covered in winter when grown in areas with cold temperatures and snow. Pack mulch around the base of the plant to help protect the roots. The plant can be wrapped in fabric or a tarp to ward off chilly temps and wind.
For the most part, hibiscus are pretty tolerant. But, because it is a tropical plant, it's best to protect it from temperatures below about 50F (10C) or so. Tropical hibiscus can survive dips in temperature, but may show damage or even die back if it drops below about 35F (1.5C).
