The genus is ancient Greek. the name of the stock-rose is Alcea rosea L. About 300 species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions.

The hibiscus bush lives 20 or more years, lends itself well to molding: at the end of winter, the stems are cut to increase branching.

G. Chinese, Chinese rose - H. rosa-sinensis L.
Evergreen shrub or small tree up to 4.5 m tall with brownish, sometimes almost black bark on old shoots. Leaves up to 15 cm long, alternate, petiolate, ovate or oval, at least in the upper half serrate, glabrous, shiny. Flowers axillary, solitary, on long pedicels, at the base of their several linear bracts. Calyx funnel-bell-shaped, green, up to 3 cm long. The corolla is separate, up to 10-12 cm in diameter, five-membered, of various colors - from white to yellow and dark purple. The staminate filaments fuse into a tube that protrudes far from the flower and contains a pistil column topped with a stigma protruding above the tube. Blooms almost all year round. The flowers only bloom for a day or two, but with proper care, new flowers will appear from spring to autumn. Natural flowering time is winter. Homeland - Southeast Asia (South China) and Polynesia, northern India. In a culture before 1831, numerous garden forms are known, differing in the degree of doubleness, size and color of flowers.

Location

bright and sunny in summer, but protected from direct sunlight during the midday hours. In the air it can be in the sun. It winters in a bright place at a temperature of 14-16 degrees, which has a positive effect on future flowering, but it can also grow at a temperature of about 20 degrees.

Lighting
Bright light

Watering
in summer - plentiful, the soil must always be moist. In winter, at a cool location - limited. The drying of the earthy coma causes the dropping of flower buds. A plant wintering at a higher temperature needs frequent spraying.

Air humidity

Moderate

Humidity: more information

When the air is too dry, the leaves shrivel. Needs spraying.

Care
The plant is unpretentious, kept in winter at a temperature of 12-18 degrees. Light-loving. Needs pruning. It grows quickly, forming a spreading bush. in summer, plants need a lot of light (but not direct sunlight), daily spraying and top dressing. In winter - moderate watering and keeping in a cool place.

Young plants should be repotted annually and then as needed. To give the plant a decorative shape, it should be cut. Hibiscus reacts to changes in the angle of incidence of light by dropping flower buds. Excessive watering or drying out of an earthy coma, a sharp fluctuation in temperature or a lack of light also cause the buds to drop. With insufficient air humidity, the leaves wrinkle.

The plant grows well in hydroponics.

reproduction

In July-August, green apical cuttings with 2-3 internodes are cut, planted in pots and covered with jars. A month later, the cuttings take root. In the spring, young plants are transplanted into large pots with a nutrient mixture consisting of turf (4 parts), leafy (3 parts) earth, humus (1 part) and river sand (1 part). To prevent young plants from stretching and developing side shoots, they are pruned. Flower buds are mainly laid on shoots of the 3rd-4th order of branching, therefore, pinching and pruning of the main and side shoots are started when they reach 8-10 cm in length. From the moment of pruning and pinching to flowering, 3-3.5 months pass.

Transfer
At any time of the year in a soil mixture consisting of equal parts of sod, leaf and humus soil. you can add some sand. When planting, hibiscus branches are cut to 1/3 of the length. This enhances the growth of young shoots and the plant looks more beautiful.

Possible difficulties

The main pests are spider mites and aphids. drafts and drying out of the soil can be inas.

Falling buds
The most likely cause is drying out of the soil. Other causes may be nutrient deficiencies and sudden changes in temperature.

The leaves are wrinkled
The reason is that the air is too dry. Spray the leaves in spring and summer.

Leaves are falling.
The most likely cause is drying out of the soil. Other reasons may be drafts and drying out of the soil.

Beneficial features

In countries of natural growth of hibiscus, its young leaves and shoots are eaten as a vegetable dish, dried flower petals are part of Sudanese Rose and Hibiscus teas. The flowers are used to make black hair dye and purple for the food industry. Hibiscus is also used in medicine: leaves and flowers, ground into a homogeneous mass, help with malignant tumors, the pulp from the flowers is used to treat carbuncles, ulcers of malignant origin.

Thematic links

▪ http://florus.com/komn/kom_h10.html
▪ http://www.corbina.com/~galkao/malva/HIBISCUS.htm
▪ http://www.trop-hibiscus.com/index.html
▪ http://www.hibiscus-hawaii.dk/

Gallery

Chinese rose is one of the best plants for home floriculture. Moderate demands on the conditions of detention, an exotic look and bright flowers are the main advantages due to which this “tree” has become very popular among residents of the central strip and more northern latitudes. However, at home, many signs are associated with a flower. For example, the Chinese say that the hibiscus is the flower of death.

The presence of a large number of signs is quite understandable. As a home flower in the northern countries, it began to be grown only some half a century ago. But in more southern latitudes, this plant is well known, has more than 300 varieties, most of which easily tolerate growing in a pot.

First of all, hibiscus has become popular due to its beneficial properties. In India, for example, there is a legend about the origin of the beloved hibiscus tea. The exhausted dear wanderer made a fire, put a pot of water on it and began to pray to the gods for help. In response to his pleas, flowers fell into the pot, turning the water bloody (it is possible that because of this circumstance the flower received the eerie name "bloody" hibiscus). The traveler was not afraid to drink a strange drink and felt his strength return to him again.

Later, scientists began to study the flower and found that it is a real storehouse of vitamins and trace elements. Perhaps it is this circumstance that makes the shrub so popular among the inhabitants of the tropical and subtropical climate. And each country tries to attribute its origin to itself.

So, in Sudan, this plant from the mallow family has been grown on special plantations for several centuries in a row. Sudanese rose, rosella or hibiscus sabdarif in nature can reach 5 m in height. But when grown at home, Sudanese hibiscus is limited to 2 m. Another fundamental difference is that indoor plants are not suitable for tea production. But in terms of decorative properties, the Sudanese hibiscus surpasses many potted plants:

• Sudanese varieties are distinguished by bright green foliage;
• the length of the sheet can reach 15 cm;
• the petals of the Sudanese varieties are always with a torn edge;
• the color of the bark, depending on the variety, may be gray or brown.

Directly in Sudan, there will be no signs associated with this flower. Unless, of course, it is considered a sign that its successful cultivation provides Sudanese with raw materials for making tea, sweet dishes, and allows raising the economic situation through the sale of "hibiscus".

Useful aphradisiac

Another useful variety is musk hibiscus. Unlike the Sudanese rose, it is not possible to brew tea from this variety. But the aroma of hibiscus abelmoschus is able to cure frigidity and impotence. Distinguishing musk varieties is easiest:

• the height of a houseplant does not exceed 2 m;
• leaves are large, densely covered with hairs;
• flowers are dark yellow with a scarlet core;
• the seed pods are also covered with thick hairs, and the seeds themselves are gray in color and exude a strong odor.

Amber seeds are actively used in the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics.

In addition, the substance obtained from the seeds of this plant replaces animal musk and, to a large extent, reduces the cost of the product. In addition, musk hibiscus oil helps improve digestion, eliminate headaches, relieve itching, eliminate bad breath, relieve spasms, and help with depression.

However, the main signs associated with musk hibiscus relate to marital relations, the sexual strength of partners and childbearing function. For the same reason, it is better to place the plant directly in the bedroom.

Fairy of colors and shapes

Add exotic home interior will help "aliogina" or blue hibiscus. The variety is close to the Syrian varieties, but differs in color. A hybrid variety, it has large flowers of deep blue color and lowered, like a real mallow, leaves (outwardly similar to the leaves of a Chinese rose).

If you want to "blue" the garden plot, then it is better to choose from the varieties of Syrian roses. A good addition to landscape design will be a low (up to 2 m) Blue Satin. A very spectacular variety with large (up to 12 cm) flowers, abundantly decorating the plant from late spring to early autumn. This variety tolerates pruning well, suitable for standard cultivation.

A stunning effect will be produced by blue hibiscus, planted in one container with varieties of a different color.

Hibiscus Linden is the most unusual member of the genus. This hibiscus is a tree, which, depending on the variety, as well as the landing site, can reach 7 m in height. The variegated hibiscus got its name for its similarity with linden. Spreading branches with large (about 30 cm) heart-shaped leaves are decorated with large chameleon flowers. During the day, the flowers delight the eye with a yellow scattering, but by the evening the color of the inflorescences changes to red. Some species of this plant lend themselves to home cultivation and are very popular with lovers of Japanese culture and bonsai trees.

You can use flowers of this variety for medical purposes:

• good for bronchitis;
• contribute to the treatment of tonsillitis;
• heal abscesses.

If you propagate this flower by seed, you can get various varietal variations up to terry. However, terry hibiscus is not a single variety. Terry varieties are found regardless of color and varietal affiliation.

For example, yellow terry hibiscus - most clearly represents the mallow family. And it is a typical variation of the Chinese rose. Only unlike the latter, it has larger, decorative flowers. By the way, the Chinese rose itself, which was popularly called the bloody hibiscus and overgrown with legends, in fact, is related not only to China. The homeland of hibiscus is southern China, tropical Asia and subequatorial islands. Among which can be called Hawaii, where the flower has been elevated to the rank of national treasure.

The Hawaiian hibiscus is the tragic story of a beautiful flower. Now this species is almost completely exterminated and is rarely found in the wild. It is not difficult to guess that the Hawaiian hibiscus is in front of you, as this small tree (up to a maximum of 1 meter) looks very attractive. Oval leaves resemble ficus leaves - glossy, concave with a medium color intensity. The flowers on the tree are rarely scattered, but they are large enough and painted in bright red.

Fans of greater constancy can be advised variety - sunset yellow. The plant looks incredibly gentle. Hibiscus yellow - as if created from the air and the most delicate lemon fibers. The life of this flower is limited to only one day. But new inflorescences decorate the bush quickly enough.

rainbow mood

One of the brightest indoor representatives of the mallow family is hibiscus gabriel. Its distinguishing feature is a huge flower up to 15 cm in diameter, changing color depending on the conditions of detention and the season. The variegated "gabriel" can be gray-lilac with a beige edging, or it can please the grower with a purple flower, framed along the edge with a bright yellow stripe. The leaves of this variety are glossy, regular oval in shape.

Tahitian is the royal hibiscus, which is absolutely true. Corrugated, with soft waves, like a royal mantle, the petals of this variety are painted in a spiral. And the palette combines three colors (for one flower) and varies from maroon to faded gray. This hibiscus is a standard variety.

An amazing and unusual variety of cherry. Its highlight is in bright contrast. The red inner part of the flower seems to be poured on top of perfectly white and thick cream.

hibiscus gabriel hibiscus tahitian hibiscus cherry

Versatile and delicious hibiscus

If you love unusual plants, the following variety of hibiscus is just made for you. Mahogany splendor aka sour hibiscus, aka Hibiscus acetosella. Sometimes, due to some similarities with common oxalis, it is called oxalis. Due to its pleasant sour taste, this type of hibiscus is used in some countries as a vegetable crop that replaces sorrel. The flower got its name - the maple-leaved Mahogany flower thanks to the unusual, reminiscent of Chinese maple, foliage. And thanks to the unusual, red color of the leaves, the people still call this variety - red-leaved.

Hibiscus sour is rightfully very popular. This is a short-lived, but very decorative looking shrub. The motley, carved and dense crown of the flower will easily decorate any garden, and the pleasant taste will delight gourmets.

This variety does not have clear characteristics. Scientists explain this by the hybrid origin of the shrub. And it was discovered by a French botanist on the African continent, which is why the plant was originally called African mallow for a long time.

Despite this, splendor tolerates sub-zero temperatures well, but in the climate of northern latitudes it is grown as an annual crop.

No less impressive are the leaves of the hibiscus schizopetalus or dissected hibiscus variety. This species is also close to Chinese varieties. It is a shrub with thin drooping lashes. The beauty of the variety is in its unusual colors of red, orange or mixed color. Small in size, only 8 cm, the flowers amaze with an unusual shape - the dissected petals are curled and bent back.

pink dreams

You can decorate the balcony and window sill with Cooper's hibiscus. This variety is beautiful not only during flowering, when the branches are decorated with large flowers of deep pink color, but also during the dormant period. The second name of the flower is variegated hibiscus. The foliage of the plant is a regular oval white-green color.

Small cuts can be supplemented with Copper King or swamp hibiscus. This is a small herbaceous plant with light pink and very large flowers. The white variety also looks good.

Hibiscus varieties natalie - will add porcelain perfection to the interior. Its large, tubular flowers with raised tips and deep pink color always look flawless. Natalia will best fit into the interiors of the classical style.

The s joy variety is distinguished by a greater saturation of colors and will suit natures who are accustomed to constantly being in motion. In addition, the pink-orange large flowers of this hibiscus will always remind you of a hot and sunny summer.

Hibiscus allure is a real indoor rose. A stuffed clover-colored bud with a fine cut will not leave indifferent true connoisseurs of beauty.

Let's add some color

Discreet, cool metallic blue hibiscus is a great addition to offices.

But flame crazy is its complete opposite. Huge, as if made of paper, crazy flowers exude a breathtaking acid pink color around them.

Hibiscus voodoo magic - this hybrid is created for those who love stories about magical, distant lands and African romance. Orange-brown like the setting African sun, voodoo flowers amaze the imagination with their size. With proper care, voodoo magic is able to give the owner flowers up to 17 cm in diameter.

Hibiscus black dragon is a variety for true connoisseurs and experienced flower growers. The noble dragon strikes, first of all, with the depth of a dark cherry color, cast in the sun with blue-black colors.

For beginner flower growers, the fireball variety will be an excellent option. Herbaceous hybrid, very unpretentious to growing conditions, cold-resistant and beautiful. Its flowers, in size and shape, really resemble fireballs.

Fans of seed reproduction should pay attention to another herbaceous variety - hibiscus ice cream. A plant with relatively small (only 6 cm in diameter) flowers is able to retain decorative properties for a long time. During flowering, hibiscus pleases with creamy flowers with a chocolate core. And after flowering, the plant is decorated with unusual pods.

Russian selection

In the 50s of the last century, the Russian breeder F. Rusanov brought out a stunning herbaceous variety, which was called Rusanov's hybrid or hibiscus. This plant combines the qualities of three North American varieties at once. The leaves resemble maple, the flowers are very large and look like Chinese rose inflorescences.

The variety can winter in open ground in northern latitudes.

For the winter, Rusanova's hibiscus sheds its leaves, and in the spring, shoots appear again from powerful tubers. It is better to choose sunny and open places for the plant.

However, the most famous in our country was and remains the Chinese rose or hibiscus - the flower of death. It has been observed that hibiscus begins to lose leaves, or bloom at the wrong time for it, if its owner is terminally ill. Some flower growers also claim that the plant helps to pay attention to their health in time and undergo an examination before the disease develops.

True, signs do not always work, but hibiscus grown in the house will really benefit health. This plant ionizes and purifies the air well. And, according to psychics, it fills the apartment with positive energy.

The birthplace of Hibiscus Variable is considered to be South China, where for centuries it has been widely used in folk medicine, as well as in the manufacture of natural dye, ropes and ropes. In medieval China, flowering hibiscus acquired a cult status, "responsible" for the strengthening of marriage and the prosperity of business.

At the end of the 18th century, variegated hibiscus first appeared in Europe, and a little later - in Russia. The flower began to quickly gain popularity around the world, due to its relative unpretentiousness and impressive appearance.

Hibiscus has been grown as a houseplant since 1831.

Appearance

Under natural conditions, Hibiscus Variable has a height of about 3-4m. Annual growth in height 35 cm, width 35-40 cm.

• The crown is umbrella.
• An upright branched trunk, the leaves are located on long thin petioles, drooping almost vertically with age.
• The leaves are large, velvety (about 25x25 cm), dark green, maple-shaped, with serrated edges.
• Flowers can be from 5 to 30 centimeters in diameter.
• Hibiscus fruits are small boxes that split into five wings. Inside - fibrous or fluffy seeds.

At home, hibiscus has a height of 50 cm to 3 meters. Great for making bonsai.

flower photo

Here you can see a photo of hibiscus:

Habitat geography

In cold climates, Hibiscus mutabilis grows with great difficulty(most often as a houseplant).

It grows freely in open ground in tropical regions of China and Asia, in America, Brazil, Africa, and the Middle East.

Interesting fact! Hibiscus Variable (crazy rose) got its name because of its petals, which gradually change color from pale cream to purple during flowering.

Growing at home

Temperature regime

During the summer months, the optimum temperature for hibiscus is 20-22°C.

Watering

The plant needs high humidity and abundant watering. Water should be settled, room temperature. Too frequent watering for hibiscus is fatal. Each subsequent watering is carried out only after the top layer of the earth becomes dry.

illumination

Hibiscus prefers diffused sunlight and warmth. The plant is quite shade-tolerant, but with a lack of light it develops worse and blooms little. In the summer, it is useful to take it out to the balcony or terrace, taking care of protection from drafts.

Soil composition

• Land - sod, leafy, pine.
• Humus.
• Sand.
• Peat.
• Some charcoal.

The soil should be loose, drainage is necessary.

Acidity - as close to neutral as possible.

pruning

An important event in the care of hibiscus is the timely and correct pruning of the plant. It is carried out after flowering, early spring or autumn.

It is dangerous to prune in late spring - hibiscus may not bloom in the summer.

The first step is to decide on the desired size. and plant shape. Depending on the tastes of the owner or the design of the room, it can be a small neat tree or a sprawling flowering shrub.

To form a tree:

1. Remove the lateral shoots of the second generation, leaving a few central shoots.
2. Gently shorten the upper part by several kidneys.

To form a shrub:

• On the contrary, cut off the central branch, which will allow the lateral processes to gradually develop into full-fledged stems.
• Leave a few lower kidneys, remove the central part.

fertilizers

Once every 2-3 weeks, hibiscus needs top dressing.

1. In the spring, the plant needs fertilizers with nitrogen and sodium (alternately), as at this time it prepares for active growth.
2. During the flowering period, water-soluble mineral fertilizers containing phosphorus, iron, potassium, copper, manganese, magnesium, etc. are recommended.

Suitable pot

Capacity is selected individually for each hibiscus, focusing on its condition and appearance. If the plant does not bloom on time, it may need to be transplanted into a larger container.

A pot for hibiscus should have a tray where water reserves accumulate, allowing the flower to easily wait for the next watering.

Transfer

Young hibiscus are transplanted once a year. An adult plant (after 3 years) can be transplanted once every 2-3 years.

Regular transplants are carried out with great care, using the transshipment method. to protect the root system from mechanical damage.

1. For 2-3 days before transplanting, water the soil abundantly to make it easier to remove the earthen clod from the old pot.
2. Remove the plant from the pot along with the soil. Do not destroy the earth ball, visually inspecting the condition of the roots and the degree of development of the soil.
3. Remove only the substrate that is not mastered by the root system (top layer).
4. In its place, fill in fresh soil, compact by hand.
5. For the first time (until the roots get stronger and the substrate is compacted enough), you can install a support.
6. After transplanting, it is better to water the hibiscus through the pan to speed up the development of new soil by the root system of the plant.

winter care

• Good diffused lighting for at least eight hours a day (fluorescent lamps can be used).
• The temperature is around 14–16 °C.
• Watering once a week.
• The soil can not be fertilized, but if the condition of the plant requires it, it is recommended to use phosphorus-potassium top dressing once a month.

reproduction

Hibiscus can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.

cuttings

Favorable time - from February to April and from July to September.

1. Green and semi-lignified cuttings with 2-3 internodes are cut from the tops of the youngest growth.
2. The cuttings take root well after 20-30 days, either in water or in pots under a glass jar.
3. When the roots appear, the sprouts are transplanted into pots (it is recommended to add bone meal to the soil).
4. Pots are installed on the sunny side. It is better to water with a sprayer (so that the soil does not erode).

seeds

Favorable time for sowing is from mid-January to April.

1. Soak hibiscus seeds for 12 hours before planting.
2. Moisten the soil, add mineral fertilizers.
3. The seeds of the Variable Hibiscus plant should not be sown too thickly.
4. Cover the top of the pot with a plastic bag to create a greenhouse effect at 15°C.

It happens that passing by a neighboring site, you can see small bushes strewn with flowers from early summer to late autumn. This - hibiscus syriac, or, as we call it - Chinese rose.

You always want to grow a plant of stunning beauty in your garden. But it often seems that growing such charm will require a lot of effort. In fact, this is not at all the case - hibiscus is very easy to grow and care for. I will tell you completely simple rules for planting, caring for and propagating Chinese roses.

Plant features

There are a great many types and varieties of Syrian hibiscus. You can choose a plant with a color that fits perfectly into your landscape. Hibiscus flowers can be double or regular - five-petalled. Both species are very beautiful and bloom equally abundantly. I have both terry and regular hibiscus in my garden. They are united by lilac color.

Hibiscus is grown most often in the warm regions of our country. But even in mid-latitudes, it will grow, and delight the owners with chic flowering. The shrub has a fairly large margin of frost resistance, it can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees.. However, in the middle zone of our homeland, it is best to provide the bush with good shelter. It is necessary in the late autumn to pour a layer of fallen leaves under it (10-15 centimeters). The hibiscus itself should be wrapped with agrofibre in two layers.

If in your city the temperature drops below twenty degrees in winter, it's okay. You just need to grow hibiscus at home, or dig it up for the winter and transfer it to a shelter (basement, room, covered porch). Then a beautiful plant will surely delight you with beautiful flowering next year.

My grandmother raised this exotic Syrian guest in a remote Siberian village. I don’t know where she got the planting material, but I remember the tree in a huge pot for as long as I can remember myself. Her hibiscus always bloomed with beautiful orange flowers. Until now, I'm looking for a similar seedling. I haven't found it yet, but I'm not losing hope. Now there is such a variety that you can find anything. From June, the grandmother took out the Chinese rose outside, and in September he was returned home again, where he continued to bloom successfully.

Planting Syrian Hibiscus

In order for you to get a healthy and beautiful plant, you need to plant it correctly. And here it is important to follow a few rules.

1. The Chinese rose comes from the Mediterranean, so in our conditions it prefers places where there is a lot of sun. but a slight penumbra in the morning or afternoon will not hurt him at all. I know from my own experience that in our very small plots it is almost impossible to find a piece of land constantly lit by the sun. I have hibiscus until lunch is in the shade.
2. The soil he likes is loose, not very acidic.. Before planting, we did this: in a large container (we have a container left after planting a large thuja) we mixed humus, sand and one shovel. The proportions were not respected. Humus does not happen much, hibiscus likes humus. The rest of the volume was added by earth from a dug hole.
3. The dug landing hole must be filled with water and wait until it is completely absorbed. Pour drainage into the bottom of the pit. Hibiscus is one of the plants that do not like it if water stagnates in the roots. As a drainage, I use what is at hand (broken brick, gravel, expanded clay, sand and gravel). You need to pour five centimeters.
4. Often the question arises - to deepen the seedling or plant higher? Hibiscus can be buried. In areas with a cool climate, it must be planted deeper. Deepening up to five centimeters above the root neck is permissible.

After landing water the seedling using at least ten liters of water. The next day, slightly loosen the top layer and pour drainage under the plant. It can be bark, decorative gravel, or just grass that you pulled out on your site. For this purpose, I use mowed lawn grass, which my neighbors generously share with me.

If there is no rain, the seedling should be watered every other day for about five to ten days to give the plant time to adapt to new conditions and prevent the root system from drying out.

Hibiscus Care

Hibiscus is a very unpretentious and undemanding plant. His enough to water once a week if the weather is dry and hot. If there is good drainage underneath, watering can be reduced to once every ten days. Well, if it is possible to organize drip irrigation, then the ground under the hibiscus will always be wet. Once every two weeks, I do a sprinkling procedure for my plants to water the leaves.

Hibiscus can not be poured. It tolerates overdrying of the soil more easily than waterlogging.

Chinese rose needs pruning. It needs to be done once a year. In warm regions, the plant is pruned in the fall, and in cold regions, this should be done in early spring. The fact is that hibiscus flowers bloom on branches that have grown since spring, that is, on the shoots of the current year.

I leave about one-third of each branch on my hibiscus. In the spring, many new branches grow on them, which delight me with flowering from June to October.

The life of a hibiscus flower is very short - about one day. But due to the huge number of new buds, its flowering is practically not interrupted, not even for a single day. This creates little difficulty for those who grow hibiscus in the southern regions of our country. In faded flowers, seeds ripen, which actively germinate, falling on the soil. To prevent the chaotic growth of the plant, you need to regularly collect fallen flowers.

Hibiscus does not need special feeding. For my plants, the grass that I put under them is enough. It gradually rots and nourishes ornamental trees. For more lush flowering in summer, once or twice a month, I feed them with fertilizers with phosphorus. In the fall, I definitely give potash fertilizer so that my hibiscus can more easily endure the cold.

Of pests most often pesters hibiscus, and whitefly. At first, having heard a lot of adherents of healthy gardening, I endlessly prepared all sorts of drugs according to the recipes of grandmothers-neighbors and the Internet. But all these infusions helped little. Eventually, I switched to insecticides, which garden stores offer in abundance. This has worked and my hibiscus are always kept free of pests.

The main thing is not to treat the plant with the same preparation twice in a row. It is necessary to change the composition of the poison so that the insects cannot adapt to it.

By following these simple rules for caring for a plant, you will become the owner of a beautiful shrub that will always be the envy of your neighbors and a reason to rejoice and admire the beauty - for you.

Putintseva Svetlana Nikolaevna, Russia, Krasnodar, photo by the author.

Hibiscus Hibiscus, Chinese rose, Chinese rose, Marsh mallow, “flower of beautiful ladies”. Evergreen trees or shrubs with large single or double flowers of various colors (white, yellow, orange, lilac, all shades of pink and red, there are also bicolor varieties).

Etymology

The genus bears the ancient Greek name of stock roses. Alcaea rosea.

Types and varieties of hibiscus

The genus includes over 250 species of evergreen trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials, common in tropical and subtropical regions.

Hibiscus is native to tropical Asia and southern China, but grows freely in Africa and America. In Brazil, hibiscus grows separately, or "princess earrings", in Hawaii, hibiscus is considered a national plant and is called the "flower of beautiful women."

In places of growth, hibiscus are used not only as beautiful ornamental plants, their young shoots and leaves are used as food. Seeds, fruits, roots and leaves are used in medicine.

Chinese hibiscus, or Chinese rose, Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Homeland - Southeast Asia and Polynesia. The species was introduced to Europe at the end of the 17th century.

It is a shrub or tree in nature up to 4-5 m tall (in culture up to 2 m) with large leaves up to 10-15 cm long, oval, shiny, dark green. There are variegated forms.

Already at a young age, hibiscus begins to bloom profusely. Flowers solitary, 10-12 cm in diameter, white, yellow, pink, red or purple. In the initial species, the flowers are simple; hybrids often have terry flowers.

Each flower lives only 1 day. However, the plant can bloom throughout the year.

Currently, about 500 varieties are known.

Popular varieties of Chinese hibiscus:

Hibiscus" Alicante"- flowers are simple, red;

Hibiscus" Ankara"- flowers are simple, yellow with a red core;

Hibiscus" Rosa"- flowers are semi-double, pink;

Hibiscus" Flamingo"- pink flowers with a dark core, simple;

Hibiscus "Paramaribo"- flowers are red, simple;

Hibiscus Rio- pink flowers with a dark center, simple;

Hibiscus "Koenig"- flowers are yellow, terry;

Hibiscus Bangkok- flowers are yellow with a maroon center, simple;

Hibiscus "Bari"- flowers are light yellow with a dark center, simple;

Hibiscus "Sunshine Purple"- Intense pink flowers, simple.

Variable hibiscus (Hibiscus mutabilis)

Attractive ornamental semi-deciduous shrub or small tree about 3-5 m tall with an umbrella crown in an adult plant and large (about 20x20 cm), velvety dark green five-lobed serrated leaves.

Syrian hibiscus, or ketmia, or Syrian rose (Hibiscus syriacus)

Shrub up to 4 m tall, originally from China and India with bright green leaves and flowers of various colors, living up to 100 years. Blooms from mid-summer until frost. Flowers up to 10 cm in diameter, coloring from white to raspberry and even lilac with a burgundy center. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be simple and double, there are also unusual variegated varieties. With proper care, hibiscus is literally strewn with flowers. And although each flower lives only one day, due to the abundance of buds, the flowering of the bush is very bright and long.

A rather demanding type of hibiscus, suitable for growing in winter gardens and insulated loggias.

Syrian hibiscus is now often sold as a garden plant for central Russia. Unfortunately, this southern plant does not hibernate with us, even under cover.

Hibiscus hybrid, or herbaceous hibiscus (Hibiscus hybridus)

The species is obtained by crossing three North American species − Red Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), Pink Hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) And Holly hibiscus (Hibiscus militaris).

The plant is suitable for growing in hydroponic culture. Hibiscus make excellent bonsai, this plant tolerates pruning well.

Popular varieties of hybrid hibiscus:

Hibiscus" Albus"- flowers solitary, large, white;

Hibiscus" Coelestis"- narrow and upright shrub with short shoots, single flowers, purple-blue;

Hibiscus" Diana"- upright shrub up to 2 m tall, flowers up to 12 cm in diameter, pure white, petals with wavy edges. Abundant flowering;

Hibiscus" Hamabo"- a fairly tall shrub, single flowers, pale pink with a reddish tinge or stripes in the lower half of the petals;

Hibiscus" Lady Stanley"- a low-growing shrub of a narrow shape, semi-double flowers, white with a pinkish tint, dark red in the center. Blooms moderately;

Hibiscus" pink giant"- flowers are single, evenly pink with a dark red spot at the base. Differs in abundant long early summer flowering;

Hibiscus" Russian Violet"- a powerfully growing shrub. The flowering is very plentiful, the flowers are dark pink;

Hibiscus" Violet Elar Double"- a powerful upright shrub. The flowers are double, less often - semi-double, purple-blue with one or more red spots.

Hibiscus trifoliate (Hibiscus trionum)

A herbaceous plant native to North and Central Africa.

The species is grown as an annual in the garden.

The root is taproot, the stem is straight, branched, 20-80 cm high. The leaves are alternate, tripartite, petiolate, pubescent.

The flowers are pale yellow with a purple center up to 4 cm in diameter. They open in the morning for only a few hours, and in the afternoon they are already closed. However, the flowering period of this plant lasts more than a month, as new buds form in the axil of each leaf. If you create the right conditions, flowers will appear every day. After the corolla falls, a swollen fruit forms on the pedicel. Dried shoots with unusual fruits are good in dry bouquets.

Hibiscus grows well in room culture. It is very popular with flower growers. A wide variety of forms and varieties are used in indoor gardening. Hawaiian hybrids are distinguished by large flowers (13-15 cm).

Hibiscus Care

Unpretentious plant in room culture.

Place hibiscus in a bright place. In winter - in the light at a temperature of +15 ... +20 ° C. Watering during the growth period is plentiful, in winter - limited.

Until mid-August, weekly top dressing is necessary; in winter, feed no more than once a month with warm placement.

In the spring, in overgrown plants, the main shoots are shortened by half. Pruning is always done over an already formed kidney. Reacts to a change of place - can drop foliage.

Young plants are transplanted every year in the spring, while pruning and thereby stimulating the appearance of a large number of young shoots on which flowers form. Mature plants are best repotted every 2-3 years. Large specimens prefer wooden tubs. If the pot is too large, the hibiscus will produce new leaves but not bloom. For planting, use a soil mixture of leaf and sod land, compost, sand (1: 1: 2: 1). It is desirable to add bone meal.

Possible problems:

- leaves fall- possible reasons: drying out of the soil or, conversely, waterlogging, drafts are also possible;

— buds fall- the most likely cause is the drying of the soil. Other possible causes include nutrient deficiencies and sudden changes in temperature;

— wrinkled leaves The cause is usually dry air. In the summer, spray the plant more often;

— pads of yellow, orange or brown spores appear on the inside of the leaf Cause: rust. Remove mottled leaves, isolate the diseased plant, and spray with synthetic fungicides. Within a month, repeat the treatment every week;

— pests- can be affected by whiteflies, aphids and spider mites, in order to prevent this, hibiscus must be periodically sprayed and washed with warm water.

Hibiscus propagation

Hibiscus is propagated by green and semi-lignified cuttings in February, March and August in a substrate consisting of nutrient soil at a temperature of +20 ... +25 ° C. Cuttings can be treated with phytohormones to stimulate root formation. When rooting, it is necessary to cover with a glass jar or a plastic bag.

Hibiscus in home ecology

Actively enriches the air with phytoncides and moisturizes it. Humid air contains 40-50% less dust than dry air. Plants that moisten the air significantly reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases and improve the general condition of the human body. Hibiscus not only moisturizes the air, but also creates healthy "electrostatics", which contributes to increased efficiency. In addition, the plant has the ability to absorb and decompose trichlorethylene (it is a colorless liquid smelling of chloroform, which is part of varnishes, glue, evaporates easily and is considered carcinogenic).

Like any flowering plant, it creates an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environment. The "heart" of this plant contains nectar, which is considered an aphrodisiac, so you should think, dear women, about putting this "flower of love" in your bedroom. The presence of this plant will add charm to the room, and in summer it will fill it with a unique aroma.

Medicinal properties of hibiscus

The history of the use of hibiscus for medicinal purposes dates back several millennia. In Egypt, hibiscus seeds were used to cleanse the breath, and an oil-milk emulsion was used to relieve itching. Arabs mixed musky hibiscus seeds with coffee. In the East, seeds are used as a seasoning for food. The Taiwanese know hibiscus seeds as a diuretic, laxative, and tonic. In the Philippines, sour hibiscus root is used as an appetite tonic. Angolans recommend hibiscus leaves as a soothing drink for coughs. Leaves, stems, calyx and fruits of the plant are edible.

Currently, the plant is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Dark red fleshy inflorescences and calyxes form the basis of hibiscus tea, and contain various organic acids, such as malic, tartaric, citric. Therefore, the tea drink prepared from them has a pleasant sour taste, which perfectly quenches thirst. Anthocyanins, which give the red color to the drink, help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and ensure their permeability.

Most diseases are known to be caused by fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which thicken the walls and impede circulation. The main means of combating cholesterol deposits is gamma-linoleic acid, which dissolves fat deposits. Hibiscus tea (hibiscus tea, mallow tea, Sudanese rose, hibiscus tea)- one of the most natural natural sources of gamma-linoleic acid.

Hibiscus energy

Hibiscus flowers have a strong love energy. Subject to fairly simple care rules, the plant can bloom for a long time, contributing to the creation of harmony in the house. Especially the content of this plant will be useful for couples who have lived together for many years. Blooming hibiscus will help restore the extinguished flame of feelings, ignite your hearts with passion. The hibiscus is characterized by spiral fluctuations of energy directed upwards. Energy flows from the roots of the plant into the stem, spiraling around it to the tips of the leaves and flowers, enveloping the flowers in wide circles.

Hibiscus in flower cooking

Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hibiscus sabdariffa) (Hibiscus sabdariffa), hibiscus is used to obtain a tea drink with a sour taste and a beautiful rich red color. Dried calyxes are used for tea. Hibiscus drink perfectly quenches thirst and has beneficial properties.

Brewed like tea, do not boil, with prolonged heating, the coloring matter decomposes, and the drink becomes dirty gray. It is also important to use glass or porcelain dishes when brewing. In contact with metal, the taste and color of the drink deteriorate. The infusion can also turn green when brewed with very hard water. Moreover, hibiscus sepals softened in water do not lose their original sweet and sour taste, and therefore they can be eaten as an excellent vitamin supplement, which, thanks to the high content of vitamin C, protects the body from viral infections.

For Russians, hibiscus tea can be recommended taking into account climatic conditions, which are characterized by a seasonal lack of vitamins in the body. Serious contraindications of hibiscus tea have not been identified, but, nevertheless, it is necessary to use it carefully and in moderation, if individual intolerance to certain products has been previously noted. The restriction on the use of hibiscus tea applies only to children under 1 year old. Hibiscus can also be used as a weight loss aid.

Hibiscus flower is very popular in many countries. There is a red hibiscus flower on the coat of arms of Malaysia, and in the capital of this country there is a beautiful Hibiscus Park, where more than two thousand copies of this plant grow. In addition, hibiscus is a symbol of the island of Haiti. Its flowers adorn themselves with local residents and numerous tourists. In India, they are woven into wedding wreaths.

History pages

Interest in hibiscus first arose in Hawaii, from where this plant was subsequently brought to Europe. And already at the beginning of the XVIII century. hibiscus adorned some European botanical gardens, captivating visitors with lush blooms. In 1950, the American Hibiscus Society was formed.

Hibiscus in the world

hibiscus in malaysia

Malaysia is a multinational country. The population of Malaysia exceeds 22 million people and has more than 60 different ethnic groups, the largest part is the Malays. They are Muslim, speak Bahasa and are the most politically active part of the country.
The coat of arms of Malaysia features a red hibiscus flower. Hibiscus petals in Malaysia used to be used by women to line their eyebrows, and a decoction of its roots was used to treat many diseases. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is often called simply Key El - "City of Gardens and Lights." There are several parks around the picturesque lake, not far from the center. The parks are decorated with flower beds, shady alleys, playgrounds and all kinds of jogging paths. The Orchid Park, which has more than three thousand species of these beautiful flowers, smoothly turns into the Hibiscus Park. More than two thousand samples of this beautiful flower, which is a national symbol, grow here.

Hibiscus in Egypt

In Egypt, hibiscus tea (red tea) is the national Egyptian drink and has been consumed since time immemorial. Hibiscus seeds were used to cleanse the breath, an oil-milk emulsion was used to relieve itching.

Hibiscus in Haiti

The original exotic hibiscus flower is a symbol of the island of Haiti. They adorn themselves with local residents and numerous tourists.

Hibiscus in India

In some provinces of India, red and pink flowers are woven into wedding wreaths.

Hibiscus in Brazil

In Brazil, hibiscus grows with separate petals, called "princess earrings". It has split petals and a long pedicel, on which it gracefully sways, really resembling an exquisite earring.

Hibiscus in Argentina

Hibiscus is a very popular plant in Argentina. In Buenos Aires, every third house in the front garden grows one or another of its varieties, blooming, with short breaks, almost all year round, hanging its flowering branches over the sidewalk because of the fence of the houses. Numerous hybrids and breeding varieties of this species with simple and double flowers, and sometimes with small variegated white-green leaves are so widespread in South America that you might think that this is their homeland.