Monday, June 2, 2014

Cajun Hibiscus And New Gardeners

By Patrice McCoy


New gardeners may be intimidated by the extravagant color of cajun hibiscus, but they are an ideal plant for a new gardener interested in growing flowers with vibrant color. Some people choose to grow these beauties in pots for ease of moving into the house during the winter season. They offer a good showing for the new gardener who appreciates color and an appealing scent.

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.



When you are considering where to locate your plant, consider the need for well drained soil and a lot of sun. You may only plant outside if the temperature in your area remains above forty five degrees Fahrenheit as temperatures below this are incompatible with this species. Avoid selecting a place with excessive wind while getting roots established as well.

It might be a good idea to water these plants consistently, without soaking them. As temperatures fall, less water is needed for good health. Over watering can cause root rot and you might lose the entire plant. If the leaves are falling off as a natural part of ex-foliage, that is possibly a good sign to reduce watering for the time being. Both under watering and over watering are detrimental to this type of tropical plant.

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.

If you are using an insecticide, check the label to see that it is approved for the kind of plant you are spraying. Too harsh chemicals may burn the petals or stress the plant unduly. If possible, spray underneath the leaves or petals to control spiders and mites. This poses less risk to the plant and may well exterminate the problem.

Eventually, the new gardener will have to consider whether his plant need to be transferred to a new container. One clue to look for is whether the roots are touching the walls of the existing pot. If so, it may be time to move it to a new home.

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.




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