Hibiscus Mutabilis - Plant

These plants have a very fast growth rate. The Confederate rose was at one time very common in the area of the Confederate States of America, which is how its common name was derived. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, and prefers rich, well-drained soil.
Many people who are growing a hibiscus plant choose to do so in a container. This allows them to move the hibiscus plant to ideal locations, depending on the time of year. Hibiscus is a genus of flowering plants in the mallow family, Malvaceae. It is quite large, containing several hundred species that are native to warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical regions throughout the world. Member species are often noted for their showy flowers and are commonly known simply as hibiscus, or less widely known as rose mallow. Hibiscus plants prefer a cosy fit when growing in a container. This means that they should be slightly root bound in the pot and when you do decide to re-pot, give the hibiscus only a little bit more room. Always make sure that your growing hibiscus plant has excellent drainage. The genus includes both annual and perennial herbaceous plants, as well as woody shrubs and small trees. Flowers may be up to 6 inches diameter, with colours ranging from yellow to peach to red. Hibiscus can be planted singly or grown as a hedge plant; they can also be pruned into a single-stemmed small tree. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Hibiscus are deciduous shrubs with dark green leaves; the plants can grow to 15 feet tall in frost-free areas. Flowers may be up to 6 inches diameter, with colours ranging from yellow to peach to red. Hibiscus can be planted singly or grown as a hedge plant; they can also be pruned into a single-stemmed small tree. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Plant Specifications

*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%

• Common Name: Confederate rose, cotton rosemallow
• Maximum Reachable Height: 12 to 15 feet
• Flower Colour: White in the morning, turning pink during noon and red in the evening of the same day
• Bloom Time: Lasts from summer through fall
• Difficulty Level: Easy to grow

Planting and care

Many people who are growing a hibiscus plant choose to do so in a container. This allows them to move the hibiscus plant to ideal locations, depending on the time of year. Hibiscus plants prefer a cosy fit when growing in a container. This means that they should be slightly root bound in the pot and when you do decide to re-pot, give the hibiscus only a little bit more room. Always make sure that your growing hibiscus plant has excellent drainageHibiscus Mutabilis carePlant in spring, summer, or fall, spacing plants 3 to 6 feet apart. Dig a hole only as deep as the root ball and 2 to 3 times as wide. If your soil is in very poor condition, amend the soil you ve removed from the hole with a small amount of compost. Otherwise don t amend it at all.
Carefully remove the plant from the container and set it in the hole. Fill the hole half full with soil, then water it well to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Let the water drain, then fill the remainder of hole with soil and water thoroughly.

• Sunlight: Full Sun to Partial Shade
• Watering: Hibiscus like water but do not let it stand with wet feet. The soil needs to dry up between watering to protect from root rot. Make certain no excess water remains in the planter half an hour after watering. Pay particularly attention to this for plants that are placed in a cool spot where the temperature stays below 60F (+16C).
• Soil: Hibiscus want loamy but not too heavy soil. Regular quality potting soil with added compost is an ideal base. The soil should be coarse rather than fine. Watch out for soil that is mainly fine peat, it tends to compact in the pots, resulting in badly aerated roots.
• Temperature: Between 60 to 90 degrees C. (16 to 32 degrees C)

Fertilizer
For prolific flowering, hibiscus must have regular feeding every week during the growth period, March-October. Water soluble formulas can be used with every watering. Choose a fertilizer with a low phosphorous value: N (Nitrogen) 20 P (Phosphorous) 5 K (Kalium) 20 is close to ideal. Too much phosphorous makes for many fine leaves but few flowers.
Hibiscus also need trace elements, especially iron and magnesium.

• Hibiscus Mutabilis uses: Medicinal Use:

The chemicals in hibiscus flower helps in growth of hair
It reduces dandruff and makes the hair black
The natural oil in this flower acts as a good conditionerThis flower can be used as natural dye for hairThe oil in this flower can be applied to the skin of patients who are suffering from cellulite which makes the skin to glowThe ash obtained by burning the flower and leaves of this flower can be applied to eyebrows which glazes them blackThis flower can be used as shoe polish by rubbing it on the shoe

Culinary Use

Chinese eat this flower by making pickle
Jamaicans use this flower in herbal tea as it contains many minerals and vitaminsDried hibiscus is edible, and it is often a delicacy in Mexico
It can also be candied and used as a garnish