Sunday, 1 June 2014

Cajun Hibiscus For New Gardeners

By Patrice McCoy


There are over 200 species of hibiscus. Cajun hibiscus is classified as a tropical flower grown for the beauty of its blooms and appealing scent. Many people keep their plants in pots for ease of bringing them inside during the winter season. This makes them fairly easy plants to grow and may be a good choice for those new to gardening.

Many designers look for a pop of color to add a cheerful focal point to a room, or a garden designer might choose to use flowers for the same purpose. Hibiscus are a popular choice because they come in a wide array of vivid oranges, reds and yellows. They are perennials and will return year after year without replanting. This is an advantage to many new gardeners who do not want to make the commitment of planting annuals every season.



To plan your garden, find an area of well drained soil and direct sunlight. Do not place in the ground if your area has temperatures that stay below forty five degrees Fahrenheit for several days at a stretch. Also consider exposure to wind, as excessive wind can be detrimental for the establishment of new plants.

When making a plan to maintain your plants, consider that hibiscus prefer to be watered consistently, but lightly. As the days get colder, less water is needed. When the leaves fall as a natural part of defoliating, many gardeners will reduce watering at that time. Over watering can be detrimental to these tropical plants and should be avoided as under watering is.

Heavy fertilization is a key element of growing hibiscus, especially in a pot. A fertilizer too high in phosphorus can be harmful to the plant however. It may be a good idea to consult with a salesperson at your local nursery or read the label to be sure the fertilizer is recommended for your species. Some people add a layer of mulch over the fertilizer to slow the break down to the roots.

Spiders and mites can bedevil the old and new gardener. One solution is to purchase an insecticide and spray the plant evenly. This should be done with care since overly harsh chemicals may stress the plant. Consider the suggestion to spray under the leaves only to eradicate the pests but cause less trauma to the flowers and leaves.

Choosing when to re pot your plant is balancing the plant's need for more space with the possibility of causing it to go into shock. Gently check the condition of the roots. If they are pressed against the side of the pot, re potting is in order.

If a new gardener desires show stopping blooms with an attractive fragrance and a wide selection of colors, the cajun hibiscus may be the right choice. Since these are tropical flowers, they can be grown in pots and spend the cooler months inside, but blaze to glory on the deck all summer along. With a few guidelines in mind, the gardener with a healthy hibiscus may have years of glorious blooms ahead.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment