Hibiscus, which are native to tropical and subtropical jungles, comprise a group of about 200 different species of flowering plants, ranging in size from small shrubs to trees that can grow up to 15 feet high in optimal conditions.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB019fO2IOg http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-plant-hibiscus.html http://www.garden.org/plantguide/?q=show&id=2133 Hibiscus are available in annual and perennial varieties and may be of either the deciduous or evergreen varieties.http://www.ehow.com/how_4424951_plant-hibiscus-outdoors.html http://www.ehow.com/how_172152_plant-hibiscus.html The most striking and easily identifiable aspect of all hibiscus is their large, showy blooms, which can be several inches in diameter on larger plants, and range in colors from white and light peach, to vibrant shades of red and purple.http://www.ehow.com/how_4424951_plant-hibiscus-outdoors.html

Although hibiscus are naturally suited to warm, humid, tropical climates, if they are provided with the right conditions, they can thrive in most temperate areas. For the healthiest hibiscus with lots of large, showy blooms, they should be kept between the temperatures of 60 and 90 degrees and should never be allowed to freeze. The plants will tolerate short periods of either extreme heat or cold, but may not produce as many flowers and will likely not see any new growth during these periods.http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/care/index.htm Therefore, in many areas, hibiscus do well if grown outside during the summer and are then brought inside for the winter months.

If you're interested in adding some dramatic color and a tropical element to your garden or yard, read on to learn how to grow hibiscus.

If you live in a tropical or sub-tropical region, you should be able to plant nearly any of the over 200 varieties of hibiscus with relative success. If, however, you live in a more temperate region, you may want to select one of the hardier varieties, such as the hibiscus acetosella.http://flowergardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_grow_hardy_hibiscus Another option is to purchase a hybrid; that is a hibiscus that has been crossed with a hardier plant. One such variety is a hibiscus-lilac cross.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB019fO2IOg

Another thing to consider is how large you want your hibiscus to grow, and whether you have the available space for a larger variety.http://www.home-herb-garden.com/hibiscus.html If your hibiscus growing area is smaller or directly in front of a window, opt for a dwarf variety. If you live in a cooler climate, where you will have to bring your hibiscus inside for the winter, keep in mind that uprooting a large hibiscus tree will be much more difficult than doing so with a smaller shrub.

Once you have a selected your hibiscus, the next step is to find the perfect spot in which to plant it. Being a tropical plant, hibiscus like lots of sun and warmth. However, as they grow under the canopy of larger jungle plants in the wild, they may not tolerate constant hot sun, which can burn the leaves and blooms. The plants will tolerate some shade, but should be kept out of high wind.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB019fO2IOg http://www.ehow.com/how_4424951_plant-hibiscus-outdoors.html To acclimatize your hibiscus to its new surroundings, you may want to place it in a shadier spot in your yard for the first few days before planting it in the ground.http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/growcarehibisc_spcw.htm

Your next step is to prepare a spot for planting your hibiscus. One of the most important aspects of ensuring that your plant roots and grows successfully is to ensure that it has proper drainage. Hibiscus plants to not react well to being dug up and replanted, so try to find an optimal spot and plant it only once.http://www.home-herb-garden.com/hibiscus.html Avoid planting hibiscus in low-lying areas that have the potential to get boggy or waterlogged. If your soil is heavy, or has high clay or sand content, you will want to improve it by adding some compost, or placing some gravel or lava rocks in the bottom of the hole to ensure proper drainage.http://www.ehow.com/how_4424951_plant-hibiscus-outdoors.html http://www.home-herb-garden.com/hibiscus.html

To plant your hibiscus:

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the container that the hibiscus is currently in.http://flowergardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_grow_hardy_hibiscus
2. If you are adding compost, lava rocks or nutrient-rich soil to the hole, do so, but ensure that the hole is not deeper than the container that the hibiscus came in.http://flowergardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_grow_hardy_hibiscus
3. Remove the hibiscus from its pot. Holding the plant by its stem, shake it gently and work your fingers into the root ball to remove some of the loose soil and aerate the roots. However, be careful not to damage the roots.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB019fO2IOg
4. Place the hibiscus in the hole.
5. Fill the hole about half full with a mix of good-quality soil and compost.
6. Give the plant some water, and let the water drain completely away. This will settle the soil and help remove any air pockets in the earth.
7. Fill the remainder of the hole with soil, but ensure that the soil level is no higher than the top of the root ball and that the stem of the plant is exposed.http://www.garden.org/plantguide/?q=show&id=2133 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB019fO2IOg

After planting your hibiscus, in order to keep it in prime condition and help it produce its trademark showy blooms, you'll want to ensure that you give it the proper amount of water and fertilizer, as well as keep it free from garden pests.

1. Watering: Hibiscus thrive in warm, humid conditions, and therefore do best when kept moist, but not wet. The roots are prone to rot, fungus and mold, especially in cooler conditions, so be sure to give the plant only the amount of water it needs. It is preferable for the plant to be a bit dry than to be waterlogged. In exceptionally hot conditions, you may want to mulch the plant to help it retain moisture.http://www.ehow.com/how_4424951_plant-hibiscus-outdoors.html http://www.hiddenvalleyhibiscus.com/care/index.htm
2. Fertilizing: It is not necessary to fertilize your hibiscus for the first month or so after you have purchased it, since the new soil (and compost, if you added it) contain enough nutrients for the first while.http://www.home-herb-garden.com/hibiscus.html After about a month or so, you should begin providing the plant with a regular (about once a month) dose of the correct fertilizer. Fertilizer formulated specifically for hibiscus is available at most garden stores.http://www.home-herb-garden.com/hibiscus.html
3. Pest control: Although they attract organisms welcome in gardens, such as hummingbirds and butterflies, hibiscus can are also attractive to some less welcome guests, including: Japanese beetles, aphids, white flies, mealybugs and mites. Be sure to inspect your hibiscus regularly for pests and take the steps necessary to get rid of them.http://www.garden.org/plantguide/?q=show&id=2133 http://flowergardens.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_grow_hardy_hibiscus http://www.garden.org/plantguide/?q=show&id=2133