| Hibiscus |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-707 |
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Q: I bought a hibiscus with large yellow blooms at the nursery. Someone told me that hibiscus is hardy. Can I plant this outside? A: (DIY's Gardening expert, Walter Reeves) It all depends on the type -- hibiscus can be either hardy or tropical. If you have a mallow hibiscus (figure A), you shouldn't have any problem: this variety is hardy in most parts of the U.S. The mallow hibiscus grows about 3' to 5' in the summer and produces blooms that measure about 10" to 12" across. The limbs and branches die down to the ground in the winter; then in the spring new growth appears. The tropical hibiscus (figure B), on the other hand, will do fine outdoors in the summer but must be taken inside during cold weather. This type of plant experiences rapid growth while it's outdoors, however, and should be repotted each fall. To repot a tropical hibiscus, remove it from the pot and check the root system to make sure it's healthy -- no jellylike, brown or malodorous roots. (If you find any of these conditions, it would probably be a waste of time to repot the plant -- it's already sick.) Use scissors, chopsticks, your fingers or whatever you choose to separate the roots (this will encourage them to spread out into the soil when the plant is placed in a larger pot). If the roots are tangled, clip them straight across with scissors (figure C )-- don't worry, the plant can take it! Then fill the new pot about one-third to one-half full of soil and set the plant in it so that the root ball is just at or slightly below the rim. Fill in with more soil. Water the hibiscus thoroughly by submerging it in a bucket of water. Let it soak for an hour, remove from the bucket and let it drain; then check the soil. If the level has sunk, fill in with more potting soil. The repotting technique works well with just about any plant you leave out of doors in warm weather and bring in the house in the winter. Q: What is the best organic fertilizer to use on roses? A: The best one is one you can make yourself: compost. You can put it in the ground as you're planting or spread it around the roses as they're growing. You can also find organic manures at the nursery, and one thing I hear many rose growers mention is alfalfa meal. They claim that mixing it into the ground as they're planting really helps the health of their rose bushes. Q: When should I add compost to my garden? A: Anytime is the right time to add compost to your garden. Not only does it hold moisture and add nutrients, but you can also spread it under perennials and shrubs so that during the growing season, when you irrigate or it rains, the compost will bring nutrients down to the roots of the plants. Q: What are the ideal soil and sun conditions for growing poppies? A: Sun, sun, sun -- the more sun, the better the poppies will look! They also need soft soil. Prepare the soil well and plant the seeds in the fall; they'll sprout during the cooler season and come up in the spring.
RESOURCES :
Colorful Container Gardens: Vibrant Schemes for Pots and Planters
Model: 1842153862
Author: Stephanie Donaldson
(May, 2001)
Southwater Publishing (The Manning Partnership Ltd.-- Imprint of Anness Pub)
Phone: 0-1225-852727
Fax: 0-1225-85282
Decorating Your Garden : A Bouquet of Beautiful & Useful Craft Projects to Make & Enjoy
Model: 0806994703
Author: Mickey Baskett
Victorian Flower Gardens
Model: 1841880779
Author: Andrew Clayton-Payne
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