A popular shrub in many gardens is the hibiscus, which impresses with a splendor of flowers in pink, yellow, white or blue. If the hibiscus is to settle permanently in the garden, a hardy variety must be selected.

We know the hibiscus with its colorful flowers in many ways. It has become an important design element in many gardens, where it is particularly welcome as a late bloomer. As a container plant, it gives terraces and balconies a Mediterranean flair and as a houseplant it attracts attention with its large flowers.

Hardy hibiscus for the garden

For the garden, the garden marshmallow, bot. Hibiscus syiacus, also known as rose mallow, has proven itself as a hardy shrub. It is available in a large selection in nurseries and garden centers. Popular varieties are Hamabo, Russian Violet, Pink Giant or the double variety Blue Chiffon. You can plant the hibiscus as a solitaire, in a loose group or as a flowering hedge.

If the hibiscus is well established in your garden, it tolerates frosty temperatures well. In addition, the new growth is relatively safe from late frosts in spring, since the hibiscus develops its flowers on fresh wood. In the months of July to September, it reliably inspires with countless flowers. With good site conditions and the right care, it grows to a height of 2 m.

Other hardy varieties are:

  • Hibiscus moscheutus, also known as marsh marshmallow, is a perennial for sunny locations
  • Hibiscus mutabilis, the almond tree that changes its flower colour, hardy to approx. - 15°C
  • Hibiscus trionum, the hour flower

A good care

Even if the hardy hibiscus is a rather easy-care shrub, it still makes some demands on its location and care. The garden marshmallow feels most comfortable in a bright, sunny and sheltered location. The best time for planting is spring.

The hibiscus prefers a humus-rich soil, but it does just as well with a normal soil. It is important that you water the garden hibiscus regularly. Waterlogging must be avoided, but the soil around the plant should still be constantly moist. If the hibiscus is left dry for too long, it will simply shed its blossoms, including the unopened ones.

Frost protection for young shrubs

The hardy garden marshmallow has adapted to our winters and tolerates frosty temperatures quite well. However, especially in the first few years, it is important to protect young hibiscus plants from severe frosts. To do this, simply cover the ground around the shrub with bark mulch.
Older shrubs no longer need protection from frost and can also tolerate brief frosts down to -20°C.

Frozen branches

Even if the hibiscus has adapted well to our winters, individual parts of the plant can freeze to death in severe frost. This is not a broken leg, as the hibiscus is robust and sprout vigorously again in the spring. Frozen branches and twigs are removed during the annual pruning in spring. The cut should be made right into the fresh wood to prevent disease.

Not hardy varieties

In addition to the popular, hardy Hibiscus syriacus, there are many other hibiscus varieties in the garden and on the terrace throughout the summer. The popular Chinese hibiscus is not hardy, bot. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. It can easily be left outside in a bucket over the summer, but it is essential to bring it inside before winter.
Inside, he feels comfortable in a bright spot in the room or in the conservatory. The ideal temperature is 10 - 15 °C.

Other beautiful non-hardy varieties include Hibiscus caesius (climbing hibiscus), Hibiscus El Capitolio and the yellow Hibiscus calyphyllus.

tips and tricks

A layer of mulch protects the young hibiscus from frost damage. Instead of bark mulch, you can also cover the ground around your hibiscus with dry leaves and branches of fir or spruce.

Category:

Vegetable garden