Best Growing of Hibiscus Zone

There are some different types of hibiscus: annual, hardy perennial, or tropical varieties. They has a different cold tolerance and growth form, while the flowers have similar characteristics.

Growing hibiscus in zone 8 gives the gardener some forms from which to select. The mild annual temperatures and the infrequency of extreme cold means many types of hibiscus can thrive in this region. Even the tropical hibiscus will bloom profusely, however they will need special protection from possible freezes.

Find the Best Growing of Hibiscus Zone

It is very important to know your garden zone so that you are able to plant the best varieties that will thrive in your area. Usually, Perennial hibiscus will grow best in zones 5-9. However, tropical hibiscus need warmer temperatures. If you live in a hot climate, hibiscus foliage is going to stay green and lush year-round. The flowers may take a break, but you will still have the vibrant leaves.

If you live in a colder climate, the plant would die down into the ground like other perennials do. In that case, you may want to cut the plant to approximately six inches above the ground to encourage regrowth when the weather warms up again. Also, pruning in early summer will promote flower stalk growth later in the season.

Read also: Hibiscus leaves turning yellow and problem solving

Hardy Hibiscus Varieties for Zone 8

Hibiscus are recognized for the brightly colored, showy blooms which appear all season long. The flowers show up images of sandy, white beaches and sunsets in hot. Fortunately, the inlanders are able to enjoy these sultry flowers. Of the few varieties that are hardy in regions with continuous freezing, this means members of the Hibiscus family have a long range. You only need to pick the right hibiscus varieties for zone 8. The zone 8 gardener is very lucky. The climate is much milder than northern regions, and the choice of hibiscus is not limited to only the hardy types.

In the Mallow family, Hibiscus are considered the hardy hibiscus. Interestingly, those include such plants as cotton and okra. Also, Hollyhock is an old-fashioned example of a hardy hibiscus variety. For your information, the hardy hibiscus plants are native to the eastern United States. They are popular for their tall stems, large leaves and big flowers. Those are herbaceous perennials that die to the ground in winter and re-sprout in spring. Another popular hibiscus, rose of sharon, is a shrub form. This plant is able to withstand temperatures in zone 5, and the plant is a prolific bloomer. Others include:

• Common mallow
• Swamp mallow
• Great Red hibiscus
• Confederate rose
• Red shield
• Scarlett Rose mallow
• Texas Star hibiscus

Tropical Hibiscus Varieties for Zone 8

It is frequently tempting to bring tropical plants into the landscape, mainly in summer. Oftentimes we need to consider those plants short-term visitors to the garden, because they will not survive plummeting temperatures. Tropical hibiscus can succumb to occasional freezes in zone 8. They should be kept in containers and moved indoors for winter or treated as annuals.

Tropical Hibiscus are some of the more prolific of the zone 8 hibiscus plants, although they may not live long. Usually, the plants respond to long lazy days of summer by growing rapidly and producing copious blooms. Tropical hibiscus are able to reach up to 15 feet in height, but they are more commonly around 5 feet tall. Most of these plants are hardy in zones 9 to 11, however will need some protection. The easiest method to know if you have a hardy hibiscus is by color and petals. If your plant flowers in peach, orange, salmon, or yellow, or has double flowers, then it is likely a tropical Hibiscus. There are lots of cultivars to list, but a hue and tone is available commercially.

Caring for Zone 8 Hibiscus

In most cases, growing hibiscus in zone 8 needs little extra care other than providing full sun, well-draining soil, supplemental irrigation in hot summers and a light nitrogen fertilizer in spring. The tropical hibiscus varieties should be grown in pots. Even if you select to sink the pots on the ground. It can prevent stress on the roots if you need to remove the pot if a hard freeze arrives. If you need to bring containers indoors, you have to cut the plant back to 4 to 5 inches from the soil. If you see any signs of the insects, please spray the plant with Neem oil. Any leaves left will likely yellow and then fall off, however this is normal.

You are able to keep the container on the dry side by allowing soil to dry to the touch before watering. Reintroduce the plant outdoors gradually when all danger of the frost has passed. Hardy hibiscus can be left alone and cut back with only some supplemental mulch applied around the root zone. These will regrow in the spring.

Plant Your Hibiscus

Depending on your garden zone, you may want to choose your hibiscus variety accordingly. As far as hardy perennial hibiscus go, you will want to choose your location carefully, because the plant does not transplant well. Remember that Perennial hibiscus does best in a place that receives full sun and has rich, well-draining soil, but they will also grow in partial shade. Please plant hardy hibiscus in spring or fall to make sure.

You have to check your soil pH before introducing new plants to your garden. Hibiscus plants prefer a slightly acidic environment. They are going to grow in soils with a pH of 5.5 – 7.5, however tend to thrive the most in the 6.0 – 6.5 range. If your soil’s pH is low, you have to consider adding peat moss or potting soil to the bed before planting. Hardy hibiscus does not only bring big color to garden beds, it also adds vertical interest. These plants will be able to reach 4-6 feet in height, so they work best situated behind other flowers in your garden. Please be sure to leave 2 to 3 feet of room between your hibiscus and other plants in your bed to avoid overcrowding.