Hibiscus

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Kingdom - Plantae

Division - Magnoliophyta

Class - Magnoliopsida

Order - Malvales

Family - Malvaceae

Genus - Hibiscus

A genus of 200+ species of shrubs and trees, which are native of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate regions throughout the world.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Also known as China rose)

Description: An evergreen shrub native of China, the height may differ from 1-3.5m depending on the variety, soil structure and climate. Leaves are ovate, narrow at the tip and are coarsely toothed. Flowers single, semi-double or double having one or more shades and are very showy.

These magnificient flowers are found in many colours like red, white, pink, yellow, orange and purple etc. Large number of hybrids are grown in many parts of the world. Hawaii is famous for producing magnicificient varieties of hibiscus through hybridization. A large number of varieties of spectacular flowers have been evolved from the hawaian varieties.

Gardening: Hibiscus are excellent flowering shrubs in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. They are grown as hedge, pot plants, in shrubberies and with other magnificient varieties in groups. In mild climate they flower almost all the year round and they grow and flower in a wide range of soil but well-drained and the soil which is rich in organic matter. Flowering and growth effects adversely due to water stagnation, which may debilitate the plant and may result in death of the plants.

Hibiscus rosa-sinensis prefers full sun or semi shade, fertilizing with N.P.K or bonemeal application improve the plants growth and flowering. Pruning of un-wanted growth is suggested to maintain a good shape.

Any disease, spiders or mites may deteriorate the plants, so better take the evidence (infected part of the plant) with you to the garden centre for identification and to get the right product for the job. (As early as possible)