Best Tips to Grow Hibiscus Moscheutos and Propagation
Hibiscus moscheutos is a perennial moisture-loving shrub plant of the mallow family. Its height can reach about two meters. In summer this hibiscus will have large white or pink flowers with petals measuring 6 to 10 centimeters long. It’s just that the flowers will bloom for a day or two.
Hibiscus moscheutos, also known as marsh rose mallow or hardy hibiscus, is a hardy, sturdy, bulbous, slightly shrubby perennial with hairy, woody-based stems from the mallow family. This hibiscus closely related to other hibiscuses like hibiscus syriacus or rose of sharon.
In Ontario, rose-mallow marshes are confined to shoreline marshes, such as those in the Carolinian and Great Lakes-St. Lawrence, associated with lake Erie. Hibiscus moscheutos are often found in meadow bogs and deep water cattails.
Hibiscus Moscheutos Classification
Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Malvales
Family : Malvaceae
Genus : Hibiscus
Species : Moscheutos
Hibiscus Moscheutos Varieties
- Berry Awesome
- Blush
- Cranberry Crush
- Honeymoon Red F1
- Lord Baltimore
- Luna Pink Swirl
- Luna Red
- Luna Rose
- Luna White
- Mars Madness
- Midnight Marvel
- Passion
- Starry Starry Night
- Vintage Wine
How to Grow Hibiscus Moscheutos/Rose Mallow
Rose mallow prefers good, moist garden soil in full sun, but the plant will adapt to dry soil. All clan members make large clumps in time, so plenty of room for growth must be provided. Mallow seems unaffected by salt, making it an excellent choice along the highway. Without a snow cover, mulch should be provided in a cool place.
You can get rose mallow seeds at garden centers or nurseries. Generally growing mallow roses from seed is not difficult. Pay attention to the following steps:
- Start growing seeds indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before the last frost in your area
- The second option is after the frost ends in spring, you can plant the seeds directly in your home garden.
Soil
Provide a potting mix with at least 2 or 3 inches of compost, manure or other organic matter. Leave a distance between each plant at least 36 inches of growing space because if the plants are planted too crowded it can inhibit air circulation so that it can cause plant problems such as leaf spots, rust or other diseases.
Light
Place the plant in full sun. mallow roses are more susceptible to insect infestation if you give too much although this plant tolerates partial shade.
Water
Plants that enter a dormant period in winter should not be watered until new growth appears in spring, although marsh hibiscus is a water-loving plant and will stop blooming in dry soil. You can do watering two or three times a week during warm weather once the plants are actively growing
Water is very important during the first growing season, if the plant looks wilted then the plant should always be watered immediately. Hibiscus moscheutos will grow well and fertile if you provide fresh or moist soil, it means you need to keep the soil moist.
Fertilizer
During the growing season give fertilizer every 6 -8 weeks. use a balanced, water-soluble plant fertilizer such as a slow release fertilizer after the plant breaks dormancy in spring.
There are other tips to keep plant roots moist and cool. You can spread 2 or 3 inches of mulch around the plants. It can also keep weeds under control.
Pest
Usually rose mallow or hibiscus moscheutos are often attacked by pests such as aphids, whiteflies or scale. So, if you are attacked by pests, it is better to immediately use insecticidal soap with a spray to eradicate them.
Rose mallow is good for wild gardens and places with moist soil. They are also excellent for the back of a bed or divider and can be easily grown in a pot. If planted in groups, the flowers will make the backyard look like a tropical paradise.
Hibiscus Moscheutos Propagation
You can propagate your hibiscus moscheutos by seed, stem cutting and division.
Propagation by Seeds
- Propagation by using seeds can be done when the flowers begin to fade the way you can pinch the seed heads and dry them in a cool place.
- Then prepare the dried seeds by soaking them in warm water for approximately 24 hours before planting to allow the germination process to begin.
- To allow the seeds to penetrate the water for maximum after planting, cut the seeds lightly at one end using a sharp knife.
- 8-10 weeks before the frost ends, you can start planting the seeds inside then you can move the seeds after the danger of frost has passed. Place the 1/4-inch seeds in a pot that has been filled with potting mix. then you have to put it in a sunny place. Keep the soil moist. The seeds will start to germinate in about 14 to 30 days.
- Once the danger of frost has passed in spring you can sow seeds directly or grow hibiscus outdoors, a sunny planting area with rich soil is a must.
Propagation by Cuttings
- Choose a rod approximately 5 to 6 inches thick in diameter of a pencil. then place the pieces directly into a container filled with water immediately.
- Before being put into the potting mix you have to remove one of the lower leaves. Root formation usually takes five weeks.
- After the roots are formed, you can move them into a larger container or garden.
Propagation by Division
- Dig a trench around the drip line of the plant, cutting off the roots. then use a shovel to place the cuttings at the corners and under the plant. Repeat slanting cuts around the outer edge of the drip line until you can lift the plant out of the hole.
- After that you can cut it into three or four smaller plants in clustered areas. Remove unhealthy roots.
- Provide a hole as deep and wide as the roots, or more and insert the hibiscus pieces that you have done earlier and cover with soil.
Is Hibiscus Moscheutos Edible
This type of hibiscus is not edible, but generally you can use this plant as a decoration or as a natural barrier in the yard of your home. They will also look beautiful and effective along a river or pond.
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