Triple hibiscus - Hibiscus trionum L.

Malvaceae family - Malvaceae Juss.

Description of hibiscus trifoliate

Hibiscus trifoliate- annual herbaceous plant 5-75 cm high. The stem is straight, for the most part branched; leaves on petioles, petioles densely and stiffly hairy; blade entire or slightly lobed. Flowers in leaf axils solitary on long stalks; calyx campanulate, pale, with 20 purple veins; corolla 17-33 mm, 1.5-2 times larger than calyx; pale yellow with a large purple spot in the throat and along the lateral margins of the petals; seeds reniform, convex. Flowering in June-October, fruiting in June-November.

The prevalence of hibiscus trifoliate

Distributed in the European part of Russia, in Eastern Siberia (Daursky region), in the Far East (Primorye, Amur region), in Ukraine (Dneprovsky region, south, Black Sea regions, Crimea), in Moldova, in the Caucasus, in Central Asia. General distribution: Central Europe (south), Mediterranean, Balkans, Asia Minor, Iran, Armenian Kurdistan, India, Tibet, Mongolia, Indochina, Japan, China, Africa, Australia, America. It grows on steppe and desert slopes, in river valleys and along the shores of lakes on sandy and sandy-pebble shallows, on stony gravelly habitats, weedy in crops, at an altitude of up to 1600 m above sea level. Honey plant. Decorative.

Medicinal raw materials of hibiscus trifoliate

For medicinal purposes, grass (stems, leaves), roots, bark, leaves, fruits, seeds are used.

Composition of hibiscus trifoliate

All organs contain rubber-like substances. In the aerial part of the plant, flavonoids, neutral and acidic polysaccharides were found, in their composition - arabinose, rhamnose, galactose, traces of xylose, and also (in the acidic polysaccharide) galacturonic acid. The seeds contain fatty oil (1l-23.8%).

Properties of hibiscus trifoliate

The plant has antibiotic properties against Staphylococcus aureus. An infusion of the herb is used as a diuretic. The diuretic effect of infusion, tincture and extract from the leaves was confirmed in the experiment. An infusion of the herb is used for rabies. A decoction of roots, bark, herbs in Chinese medicine used as an emollient. The decoction and syrup of the leaves is a diaphoretic. An infusion of the leaves is used as an expectorant for coughs. Fresh leaves are used to remove warts. An infusion of flowers is used for itching, skin diseases and also as a diuretic. The oil is suitable for food purposes, like the oil of kenaf and rope, and for soap making. A fiber is obtained from the stems, similar in quality to that of kenaf (H. cannabina).

The use of hibiscus trifoliate

The use of hibiscus trifoliate as a diuretic

12 g of chopped dry grass per 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, strain. Take 0.3-0.4 cups 3 times a day as a diuretic.

The use of hibiscus ternary for coughing

10 g of leaves per 1 cup of boiling water, leave for 2 hours, strain. Take 0.3 cup 3 times a day as a diuretic, take 0.3-0.5 cup when coughing as an expectorant.

The use of hibiscus trifoliate as a diaphoretic

10 g of leaves per 1 glass of water, boil for 3-4 minutes, leave for 1 hour, strain. Take 0.5-0.3 cups warm 2-3 times a day as a diaphoretic.

The use of hibiscus trifoliate for dermatitis

2 tsp dry crushed flowers in 1 cup boiling water, leave for 1 hour, strain. Take 2-3 tbsp. 3-4 times a day for itching, dermatitis, acne, also as a diuretic.

Flower hibiscus (lat. Hibiscus) refers to an extensive genus of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants of the Malvaceae family, numbering about 300 species that grow naturally in the tropics and subtropics of the New and Old Worlds. In a temperate climate, only Syrian hibiscus and ternary hibiscus can grow in open ground, as well as a new species obtained in the 40-50s of the twentieth century on the basis of North American marsh, bright red and armed hibiscus, hybrid hibiscus, or garden hibiscus. All forms of hybrid hibiscus are frost-resistant. Everyone's favorite chinese rose, or chinese hibiscus, in our latitudes is grown only as an indoor or greenhouse plant, although the hibiscus rose loves to spend summer vacation outdoors.

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Planting and caring for hibiscus (in a nutshell)

• Landing: spring, in the second half of May.
• Bloom: from the end of June to the beginning of October.
• Lighting: bright sunlight.
• The soil: light, fertile, moisture-permeable - which would suit roses.
• Watering: regular, especially in the heat, but only after the soil has dried. In drought, watering is carried out daily.
• Pruning: and sanitary, and anti-aging, and formative pruning is carried out in early spring, before the start of sap flow.
• Top dressing: from June to September - twice a month with mineral fertilizers with a high content of phosphorus and nitrogen, in autumn potash fertilizers are also added to the complex.
• Reproduction: seeds, cuttings, layering and grafting.
• Pests: thrips, spider mites, aphids, whiteflies.
• Diseases: chlorosis, root rot.

Read more about growing hibiscus below.

Garden hibiscus - description

The garden hibiscus plant can be a tree, shrub, or herbaceous plant. For example, the hibiscus tree in the garden is a Syrian rose, which is grown both as a standard tree and as a shrub up to one and a half meters high. And herbaceous hibiscus is represented by varieties of hybrid hibiscus. Herbaceous forms of the plant can be annuals, although gardeners are much more attracted to perennial hibiscus.

Despite differences in form, All hibiscus have common features. Hibiscus leaves are more or less incised, petiolate. Hibiscus flowers are large, bright, simple or double, with a wide range of colors - white, yellow, crimson, dark red, lilac, blue, purple and purple. There are varieties with a border around the edge of the petals or with an eye in a contrasting color. Hibiscus fruits are five-leaved boxes with seeds. Today, in addition to garden species, there are about five hundred forms and varieties of hibiscus.

planting hibiscus

When to plant hibiscus

Before planting, think carefully about where your hibiscus will grow, because the choice of location determines how long the plant will decorate your garden - with the right site and good care Hibiscus grows in one place up to 20 years! Hibiscus seedlings are planted in the spring, when the threat of night frosts has passed, so that they can take root and grow stronger over the summer. Ideal for hibiscus is a bright and wind-protected place with light, fertile, moisture-permeable soil - one that is good for planting roses. You can generally arrange hibiscus among roses, they get along fine.

How to plant hibiscus

If you are planting tree hibiscus, the hole for it should be twice as large as the root system of the seedling. A drainage layer of broken brick about 15 cm thick is placed at the bottom of the pit, then a ten-centimeter layer of sand, a layer of compost 15 cm thick and again a layer of sand of the same thickness. To fill the hole, mix the top layer of soil removed during the preparation of the hole with peat and sand in a ratio of 2:4:1, carefully place the root ball in the hole so that the root collar is just under the ground, and fill the hole with the prepared mixture. Then spud the seedling so that an extensive recess for moisture forms around it, water the plant in this circle, and when the water is absorbed, pour it into the recess of the earth, leveling the surface of the site. If you have a need to plant hibiscus in the fall, be sure to mulch the tree trunk and tie the plant with spruce branches.

Hibiscus Care

Growing hibiscus

Caring for garden hibiscus is very simple and not laborious. As soon as young green shoots appear on the hibiscus, remove the old dried stems from it. Loosen the soil around the hibiscus regularly, remove weeds, and make sure that the hibiscus bush does not thicken too much. During the active growing season, from June to September, hibiscus needs top dressing with a high content of phosphorus and nitrogen twice a month, and in the fall, when preparing the plant for winter, potash fertilizers are applied in addition to phosphorus. Unfortunately, hibiscus flower lives only a day, but with good care, the plant blooms so profusely that instead of one flower, another immediately opens, so do not forget to remove wilted flowers in time.

watering hibiscus

Hibiscus care includes regular watering of the plant, especially during the hot season, but you need to water the ground under the hibiscus only after it has completely dried. If the dry period drags on, be prepared to water the hibiscus daily.

In the photo: Hibiscus bloom in the garden

pruning hibiscus

Hibiscus pruning is carried out for sanitary purposes, as well as for the sake of giving a tree or bush a certain shape. Many people prefer to grow hibiscus in the form of a tree, but this will take time and patience. In a young, just planted plant, the branches are shortened to the level of two or three buds, without cutting off only a well-developed trunk. In subsequent years, at the end of winter, cut the side shoots to one or two buds, and the stem to 5-6 buds. When the stem reaches the required height, form a tree crown from strong shoots, shortening them by several buds. Remove the undergrowth and lightly trim the top of the trunk.

How to prune hibiscus in order to maintain plant hygiene? Sanitary pruning is carried out in early spring, before the start of sap flow. Old, diseased, underdeveloped shoots growing inside the bush are completely removed, and last year's growth is shortened by a third, which greatly stimulates the laying of new flower buds.

Remember: the stronger the hibiscus is cut, the more young shoots it will give, which means that its flowering will be more abundant.

Rejuvenating haircut an aged bush involves the removal of all old, dead branches and the shortening of the remaining shoots inside the bush by two-thirds. It would be better to cut the branches around the main shoot to different heights - this will give the bush a beautiful shape.

In the photo: How hibiscus blooms

Hibiscus transplant

If you have a need to repot the hibiscus, do it in early spring, after cutting the shoots to half length and before flowering begins, in the order already described. How to care for hibiscus after transplanting? Be sure to water the plant abundantly, but otherwise treat it as described in the previous sections, and in a year it will already bloom. If you are repotting a hybrid hibiscus, dividing the hibiscus rhizome can be done at the same time as the transplant.

Reproduction of garden hibiscus

How to propagate hibiscus

As you can see, both planting and caring for hibiscus are within the power of even beginner gardeners. Just as simple is the reproduction of hibiscus, and the care of it after reproduction. Garden hibiscus (Syrian) is propagated by layering, grafting, but most often by cuttings and seeds. Hybrid hibiscus is propagated by dividing the bush, grafting and green cuttings.

Pictured: Orange hibiscus

Hibiscus from seed

Growing hibiscus from seeds begins from January to March. Before sowing, hibiscus seeds are soaked for half an hour in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate, and then for a day in a small amount of epin solution so that the seeds are barely covered with it. After that, the seeds are sown in containers with a mixture of sand and peat, covered with glass and placed in a warm place where the temperature is kept within 25-27 ºC, it would be nice to arrange a lower heating for the container with sowing.

It is also necessary to regularly ventilate the seed container, remove condensation and moisten the substrate.

When the seedlings develop the first leaves, they are seated in personal pots. Make sure that the seedlings do not stretch: if they lack light, they will have to arrange artificial lighting for seedlings. Hibiscus seedlings are planted in open ground in mid-May. Strong specimens can be planted immediately in a permanent place, while weaker specimens are planted for growing on a training bed at a distance of about half a meter between specimens. Garden hibiscus, unlike hybrid hibiscus, also propagates by self-sowing.

Propagation of hibiscus cuttings

For vegetative propagation in the summer, cuttings of hibiscus with two or three internodes are cut, the lower sections of the cuttings are treated with a growth stimulator, then they are planted in greenhouses with a peat substrate and bottom heating is organized. Rooting of hibiscus occurs within a month, after which the cuttings are transplanted into pots with leafy soil, peat, soddy soil and sand in equal parts, watered regularly, and when new shoots grow up, they are pinched to stimulate tillering. As soon as a bush is formed, it is transplanted into open ground, and if there is decent care for it, hibiscus from the cutting will bloom in the first year after planting. Experienced flower growers manage to root hibiscus cuttings not in the ground, but in the water.

In the photo: Large hibiscus flower

Pests and diseases of hibiscus

Harmful insects and diseases of hibiscus

Hibiscus is rarely affected by insects and diseases, but if it suffers from a lack of moisture for a long time during dry times, it can be occupied by thrips, aphids, whiteflies and spider mites. To eliminate pests, you will have to resort to double treatment of the plant with insecticides Actellik, Fitoverm, Inta-vir, Karbofos with an interval of a week or ten days.

Of all the known diseases, chlorosis most often affects hibiscus in the garden - the lower leaves of the hibiscus fall off, and the new ones grow yellowish. This happens due to a lack of nitrogen and iron in the soil, so iron chelate should be added to the water for irrigation, and in the spring, do not forget to add a complex mineral fertilizer containing nitrogen to the soil.

In the photo: Growing hibiscus in open ground

Hibiscus turns yellow

Hibiscus leaves turn yellow from chlorosis, as well as in case of injury to the root system, which the plant could have received during transplantation. If the hibiscus turns yellow due to the roots, then it is necessary to add Zircon or Kornevin to the water for irrigation (see instructions) and for spraying the leaves (three drops per half liter of water). Hibiscus leaves turn yellow and as a result of insufficient watering in a hot, dry summer.

Hibiscus not blooming

If you planted a hibiscus in a bright, spacious area and take care of it, as required by agricultural technology, but nevertheless it does not want to bloom, most likely it is a lack of phosphorus and boron. And if the shoots have slowed down their growth, then the problem is also a lack of nitrogen. Do not forget to make the necessary fertilizers for hibiscus on time, and it will definitely bloom.

Hibiscus leaves are falling

If the hibiscus leaves fall off in the fall, this is a natural process, but if this happens prematurely, then the problem is either due to improper watering (insufficient or excessive), or the root of the plant is injured. For guidance on how to deal with these cases, see the previous sections.

In the photo: Hibiscus in a flower bed

Hibiscus after flowering

Hibiscus in autumn in the garden

Almost all hybrid perennial hibiscus are winter-hardy, they can be grown throughout Ukraine, and in Russia - only south of Moscow, but subject to shelter for the winter. The ground part of the hybrid hibiscus dies off in autumn, so it is cut off almost to the surface level and burned, the remains of the bush are watered abundantly, and after that they are highly earthed, and the site, in case of too cold or snowless winter, is mulched with sawdust or dry fallen leaves. Next spring, the powerful rhibiscus hybrid will give new shoots, which will bloom beautiful flowers.

How to winter hibiscus

How does garden hibiscus, or Syrian, winter? In the conditions of the middle lane, he needs mandatory shelter, especially if you grow terry plant varieties. Some gardeners living in regions with harsh winters dig up hibiscus, place them in a container or large pot, and keep them until spring in the basement or in another cool room, and plant them again in open ground in the spring. If you decide that your hibiscus will winter in the garden, in the second or third decade of November, when the air temperature will be between -5 ºC and -10 ºC, build a frame around the hibiscus, on which stretch lutrasil, spanbond or agrotex. If in your area there are no frosts stronger than 15 ºC, your hibiscus will be reliably protected by such structures.

In the photo: Hibiscus bloom

However, the most the best way to protect hibiscus from frost, and at the same time to avoid their dampening under materials that do not allow air to pass through, is the shelter of hibiscus bushes with spruce branches, which accumulate snow on itself and prevent the hibiscus from overheating and overheating. The plant is covered with spruce branches in three layers, laying branches like a hut, after tying the hibiscus bush with a rope and putting a sackcloth bag on it. However, rodents often climb into such shelters and eat the bark on the hibiscus in the heat, dooming the plant to death. In order to prevent mice or rats from killing your plant, lay mousetraps around the hibiscus or place baits under cover - wheat poisoned by rodent poison.

Types and varieties of garden hibiscus

Garden hibiscus is represented mainly by varieties of Syrian hibiscus, however, other types of plants, as well as their varieties, are grown in culture.

Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)

Surprisingly, it comes from China, not Syria. In nature, plants of this species reach a height of 5-6 meters and are deciduous shrubs with bright green ovate leaves about 10 cm long and single flowers of different colors. In culture, in addition to hibiscus with simple flowers, terry hibiscus is grown, and the form of the plant can be either bush or standard. Of the popular varieties, the most interesting are:

• Diana- a shrub up to 2 m high with white flowers wavy along the edge of the petals, about 12 cm in diameter;
• Vyelith Ilar Double- a very powerful upright bush with double or semi-double flowers of a violet-blue hue with red spots in the middle;
• Pink Giant- bush with single pink flowers with a purple spot at the base of the petals;
• Carneus Plenus- shrub with flexible shoots and double pale-pink flowers with a purple spot in the middle.

In the photo: Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)

Hibiscus trifoliate (Hibiscus trionum)

The species is native to central and North Africa, although today it is widely grown in all areas of irrigated agriculture. The root of this plant is taproot, the stem is straight, branched, up to 80 cm high. The leaves are tripartite, petiolate, alternate, with pubescence. The flowers are yellowish, up to 4 cm in diameter, with a dark red middle.

A feature of the species is that the flowers open in the morning for only a few hours, and close in the afternoon.

The flowering of plants of this species lasts more than a month, because a new bud of hibiscus is formed in the axil of each leaf, and when creating optimal conditions for hibiscus trifoliate, new flowers will appear daily.

In the photo: Hibiscus trifoliate (Hibiscus trionum)

Hibiscus hybrid (Hibiscus hybrida)

In addition to these two species, which grow both in the wild and in culture, hybrid hibiscus and its varieties are grown as garden plants. As already mentioned, this hybrid was bred by crossing three North American species - holly (armed), bright red and marsh hibiscus. hybrid hibiscus- herbaceous perennials, which are distinguished by spectacular and very large flowers. The best varieties:

• Youth- a bush up to one and a half meters high, slightly branched, stems of a light yellow-green hue, from which shoots depart at an angle of 60º. The leaves are also yellow-green, three- or five-cut. Pink flowers with a white bottom and a bowl, up to 10 cm in diameter, have the shape of a tulip;
• Late- a bush of compact shape, about a meter high and of the same diameter, densely leafy with serrated, oval-arrow-shaped leaves with light veins on thick petioles. Flowers, crimson-pink with a lilac tint in the form of narrow bells up to 7 cm in diameter, open on short thick peduncles;

In the photo: Hibiscus hybrid (Hibiscus hybrida)

• Pale pink- a herbaceous bush up to 170 cm high with short shoots extending at an angle of 60º from the branches, with yellow-green leaves with three-cut leaves with a serrated edge and tulip-shaped pink flowers up to 12 cm in diameter with a white bottom and a cup;
• Pink porcelain- bush up to 130 cm, branched stems, yellow-green, leaves deeply incised with a wide, protruding middle lobe, dusty yellow-green hue, on petioles up to 6 cm long. Large bell-shaped light pink flowers with a barely noticeable yellowness and a white throat, up to 12 cm in diameter, sit in bunches on short peduncles.
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Hibiscus in all their diversity are represented all over the world. These magnificent flowers from the common Malvaceae family in the wild and cultivated flora are found in the form of annuals and perennials, evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, herbaceous and indoor plants.

In the wet floodplain bows of Southeast Asia, where they come from, you can admire continuous thickets of delicate buds with large petals. According to various sources, flowers of the hibiscus family have from 150 to 300 species. Sometimes they are mistakenly confused with Ukrainian mallows. Let's try to understand the features of the most common varieties.

Did you know? In many countries, hibiscus is not just decoration. For example, the young leaves and sprouts of some varieties are eaten as vegetables, the seeds and roots of others are processed to make medicines, and the flowers are used to make black hair dye, crimson food coloring, and the beloved hibiscus tea.

Hibiscus hybrid (Hibiscus hybridus)

This perennial is very common in our latitudes, cultivated as an indoor and garden plant. In warm countries, it can only be found as a grassy street decoration. The variety was obtained about 70 years ago by the Soviet botanist - Professor Fedor Rusanov, who is the founder of the Tashkent Botanical Garden in Uzbekistan.

For the bred variety, the breeder successfully selected the mother material - hibiscus from North America: bright red (Hibiscus coccineus), marsh (Hibiscus moscheutos) and armed (Hibiscus militaris). From these herbaceous crops, hybrid hibiscus, in the process of crossing, inherited endurance to low temperatures and large scarlet inflorescences, which reach a diameter of 18 to 25 cm.

The buds open in August and delight the eye with sophisticated beauty until the first frost. For the winter at the garden hibiscus, only powerful rhizomes remain alive, and the stems die off completely. In late spring, they throw out scanty sprouts, similar to spears, stretching up to 2 meters and above, and slowly cover themselves with 3-5-lobed leaves.

Giant single flowers appear already in the second year after planting, they are simple and double. They are also different in color - from pure white to blood red. Faded inflorescences turn into green seed pods, which, when ripe, turn brown and dry.

Caring for representatives of this species does not require additional efforts and knowledge, it is available even to beginners. When planting, it is desirable to place the plant in a sunny area, protecting it from northern winds and shade. Any soil is suitable, of course, hybrid hibiscus will be more comfortable in enriched and well-drained black soil.
The flower tends to tolerate moderate drought and frost. In order for the root system to safely winter, it is covered with mulch or dry leaves for the winter. This type of hibiscus propagates by dividing the rhizome, scion and cuttings.

Important! Dark scarlet spots on the leaves indicate excessive feeding and a simultaneous lack of light.

Indoor specimens love well-lit places, but get burned in direct sunlight. Flowerpots are more suitable for western and eastern sides. In summer, the pot is taken out into the street, protecting it from drafts and rains. With the reduction of daylight hours, there is a need for additional artificial lighting. Otherwise, the inflorescences can not wait.

It is characteristic that at home, hybrid hibiscus during the growing season is kept at a temperature of +20 ° C, and in the autumn-winter time they are accustomed to +16 ° C. If you continue to lower the temperature regime, the flower may shed its foliage. By the way, this is a great reason to do it. pruning. It is needed for crown formation and flower rejuvenation. For this purpose, sprouts are cut at a level of 8-15 cm from the ground.
Competent pruning is always carried out after transplanting a flowerpot or changing the soil in a pot. If you then put the container in a cool place and rarely water it, the culture will go dormant for several months. When new shoots appear, watering and spraying are intensified and sprouts are pinched off from time to time for better branching.

Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

In the wild, this variety of hibiscus can be seen in the native islands of the Pacific tropics and in East Asia. Residents of the temperate climate zone of the Northern Hemisphere, the Chinese rose is well known as an indoor crop, and in the subtropics it is cultivated to decorate gardens and greenhouses. The flower is also called "rosanelle".
An evergreen plant can develop in the form of a bush or a small tree, stretching up to 4 meters. On powerful branches, the bark becomes brown and green on young ones. The leaves are large, oval, sharp at the edges with a glossy surface and slight internal roughness.

Hibiscus roses reach a diameter of 10-15 cm. More often these are simple single flowers with a tall pedicel, a funnel-shaped bell-shaped cup and long pistillate threads, which, growing together into a tube, go far beyond the petals. Flowering lasts only a couple of days, but due to the appearance of new buds, hibiscus constantly pleases with roses from early spring to late autumn.

Did you know? The Chinese rose can often be found in administrative buildings. At home, they are afraid to grow a flower because of the many superstitions associated with it. bad sign sudden flowering and leaf fall are considered. They say that this is unfortunately, illnesses and quarrels in the family.

Simple red flowers are the most common, but in the past two decades, breeders have bred many terry species of various shapes and colors: from pale orange to deep purple. Also appeared undersized species of Dutch origin and hibiscus with variegated leaves of a bright scarlet color with white splashes.
Propagate Chinese hibiscus mainly cutting method.

Special care is required for the variety at a young age and during flowering. Mistakes made are affected by the absence of flowers and diseases of the plant. For a lush flowering crown, after rooting, pinch off the top of the seedling, and with the appearance of buds, water and spray the flowerpot daily in the morning and evening, monitor sufficient lighting and feed. In the future, to the extent necessary, it will be necessary to cut weak branches and form a crown.

Mixtures of phosphorus, potash and nitrogen fertilizers are very useful for Chinese roses. Liquid top dressing is poured monthly under the roots and in a spray bottle for spraying. It is important that the solution does not get on the flowers.

Blackening on the leaves and wilting of the buds- clear signs of infectious diseases that are the result of improper care. Culture is very sensitive to spider mites, felt, thrips, whiteflies and fungi. For prevention, it is recommended not to dry or overmoisten the soil, to protect the flower from drafts, sudden changes in temperature. In addition, once a month, treat the bush with pesticides.
Unlike superstitious housewives, botanists find explanations for the absence and sudden appearance of flowers, yellowing, falling leaves. Scientists completely dispel the myth that hibiscus flowers are a sign of illness and death, drawing the attention of flower growers to the need to cut the crown of the Chinese rose (otherwise, the entire potential of the plant will go into the growth of branches, and there will be no strength left for flowering). With proper care, the Chinese rose can live up to 20 years and produce spectacular beautiful roses every year.

Important! Indoor and garden hibiscus suffer from leaf chlorosis, which is accompanied by their fall. The reason is an excessive amount of chlorine and calcium in the water for irrigation and a lack of nitrogen and iron. In order to prevent the disease, make sure that the water with which you are going to water the plant is well settled. Feeding is also desirable.

Marsh hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

Herbaceous perennial popular in flowerbeds of subtropical latitudes. Ukrainian flower growers cultivate it in the open field, rarely - at room conditions. In the people, this type of bush hibiscus is also called "marsh mallow".
It got its name due to two important requirements in care: For full development, the shrub needs water and a sunny lawn. Very comfortable conditions for him will be created by a nearby stream or pond.

Despite the unattractive name, the variety attracts gardeners with elegant flowers of various colors with exquisite corollas and bright strokes. The flowering period begins in early summer and ends in autumn. Each flower in diameter reaches from 12 to 16 cm. In place of faded calyxes, seed pods with glossy grains ripen.

The leaves are large, slightly convex, rich green in color, which persists until frost. A frost-resistant plant, like a hybrid hibiscus, in the presence of snow cover can survive 25-degree frosts. At the end of winter or spring (before the movement of the juice and bud break), they begin to crown formation. At the same time, old, diseased and damaged branches are also removed. The swamp mallow retains the given shape all year round.

IN favorable conditions the bush grows up to 3 meters in height and up to 18 meters in width. Based on these features, it is used as a decorated hedge. Moreover, culture can live up to 23 years and is not picky about care at all.
Providing her with a lot of sun and constantly moist, slightly acidic soil when planting, you can count on lush and long flowering. In the shade, swamp hibiscus will not bloom well, actively increasing green biomass.

Important! To root hibiscus by cuttings, sprouts with three buds are cut off, after which they are treated with Kornevin and deepened into a wet mixture of peat and sand. After a month, roots appear.

A characteristic feature of the marsh hibiscus is the lack of reaction to the lack of fertilizers. At the same time, their overkill immediately affects the decorative effect. Any organic matter (applied in spring) and phosphorus-potassium mixtures (applied in autumn) are considered the most suitable for a bush. Traditional care, like any hibiscus, is mandatory watering, loosening the soil and removing weeds.

Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)

Varieties of Syrian hibiscus species are the most common in the post-Soviet territory. They are a fairly tall shrub, from 3 to 6 meters high, with even branches, bright green oval leaves and large single flowers of different shades of scarlet and purple spectrum, which are simple and double. There are also two-color specimens.
The peculiarity of the variety is in the slow development of the shrub. The intensity of its growth will accelerate moderate systematic watering. Do not flood or overdry the soil. When dry, the culture sheds flowers, so in hot weather, daily watering may be necessary.

The Syrian hibiscus enters the flowering phase on the 3-4th year of life, begins in May and fades in November. The diameter of the flowers is on average about 12 cm. It is characteristic that the pedicel fades on the day of flowering, but this fact is not noticeable due to the many buds.

The best place for the plant will be a sunny area with well-drained loamy soil. Dislikes limestone. It responds well to pruning, which consists in removing old ones and cutting off branches that are too long. Propagated by cuttings, layering, seeds and scion.

Young seedlings are very sensitive to lower temperatures, so for the winter their root system is spudded with dry foliage or fresh sawdust. If the hibiscus is still affected by frost, new shoots will appear on it in the spring.

Do not rush to conclusions about the death of its roots, since sluggish signs of life appear on the bush in late spring. He develops his cold tolerance as he grows. Old specimens can successfully overwinter at 22 ° C below zero. Terry species are more stable in this aspect.
For a better wintering in autumn, the plant is fed with potassium. And for the intensity of growth and strengthening of the root system, it is poured with a liquid infusion of chicken manure. Alternatively, phosphate fertilizers can be used.

Did you know? IN South Korea very kind to the Syrian hibiscus. The plant is considered national and believe that it accompanies happiness and love.

In landscape design, Syrian hibiscus is used as a single plant and in compositions, it is given standard and sheared forms, and planted in containers. The plant goes well with lavender, which, in addition to a beautiful decorative picture, drives away pests from shrubs.

When buying a young seedling, you should give preference to specimens with well-grown roots and a strong trunk. The shrub can be propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Hibiscus sour (Hibiscus acetosella)

In the wild, this species is found in the tropics of Africa, for which it is called in unofficial circles. "African mallow". And there are also names "red-leafed hibiscus", "maple leaf sour". And all because of the crimson color of the maple-shaped foliage, which gives the hibiscus an indescribable beauty and uniqueness. At home, young shoots of the culture are widely eaten. They taste sour, reminiscent of sorrel.
The cultivated version was opened by the French. It is assumed that the sour hibiscus variety inherited biological features from the Hibiscus asper and Hibiscus surattensis species in the process of hybridization. Today it is represented by a rich variety of forms.

Outwardly, it is a luxurious perennial shrub, popular in the tropical and subtropical climates of all continents. It can survive mild winters with frosts no more than 8 degrees. In temperate zones it is cultivated as an annual plant. It is characterized by a dense crown, which stretches up to a maximum of 1.5 m and grows in breadth up to 80 cm.

The stems are elastic, straight, covered with light fluff. The leaves are large, as already mentioned, five-lobed with a smooth surface, on which the veins are clearly expressed, and an unusual variegated coloring. In some species, it acquires greenish, purple or crimson hues.

Hibiscus flowers are small in comparison with the above varieties, reach 5-10 cm in diameter, appear in the upper part of the stems from axillary leaves. There are different colors.

A typical feature of the variety is the harmonious combination of the vein on the foliage with the color of the petals. The exoticism of the buds is complemented by a long, over 2 cm stamen, extending beyond the flower. On faded pedicels, a seed ripens, very reminiscent of chestnuts.

Did you know? In the Congo and Cameroon, sour hibiscus is sold in bunches in markets for use in salads. And in Brazil, the crop is grown as spinach and the foliage is very much appreciated for vitamins C, A, group B, trace elements of iron and antioxidants. Also note the fleshiness in the structure and the property not to lose color and taste during heat treatment. The Angolan people use hibiscus to raise hemoglobin in the blood. And in Central America, it is used to make thirst-quenching burgundy lemonade, which is drunk with lemon and ice. Tea is brewed from flowers. African people mistakenly call it hibiscus, although, in fact, real hibiscus is made from flower cups of Sudanese hibiscus.

Today, sour hibiscus is presented in the flower market in different types. Most common: Red Shield, Panama Red, Panama Bronze, Garden Leader Gro Big Red, Jungle Red. For the most part, these are low-flowering, heat-loving varieties that have gained recognition due to their unique foliage.

As annuals, they adapt well in our latitudes, love moist, well-permeable, slightly acidic soils in sunny areas. The tender stems are afraid strong winds . Flowering begins in August and lasts a couple of weeks, but all summer and part of autumn the plant flaunts extravagant variegated foliage. For the winter, the roots are dug up and transplanted into a pot. The advantage of the species is resistance to nematodes. This quality is used by breeders when crossing to obtain new breeds.

Hibiscus Arnotti (Hibiscus arnottianus)

On a global scale, this species is known on all continents due to its medicinal properties. The leaves, flowers and bark of the shrub are used to prepare laxative decoctions and to purify the blood. From the Hawaiian Islands, where Arnotti's evergreen hibiscus is native, it has spread far beyond the tropics and subtropics. In temperate climates, it is cultivated as an annual plant.
Among other species of the family, it is distinguished by tall straight stems, which sometimes reach up to 10 m, and fragrant tubular flowers with multi-colored "eyes". The diameter of the flower is over 10 cm. The petals are mostly white with delicate scarlet or purple veins, harmonizing in tone with the pistil towering above the bud.

In its native latitudes, the plant grew among forest trees over 30 m high. Obviously, in the garden plot, the shrub needs to create the closest possible conditions. For full development, it needs enough heat and moisture. Comfort will provide drained black soil. From time to time, it must be enriched with organic matter and mineral complex fertilizers.

For the winter, the roots are transplanted for keeping at room conditions. Some gardeners grow varieties of this species in large containers to avoid unnecessary trouble. In the summer they are taken out into the street, and they are taken into the house for the winter.

The shrub is propagated exclusively rooting cuttings, because in our latitudes the seeds almost never ripen.

Did you know? In Hawaii, hibiscus is called the "flower of beautiful women" and is considered a national culture.

Some subspecies of the Arnotti hibiscus are considered endangered. For example, immaculatus suffers from being eaten by wild animals. Its representatives in rare cases meet at 2-3 Malay Islands all over the globe.

Hawaiian hibiscus (Hibiscus clayi)

Among Ukrainian flower growers, Hawaiian hibiscus is known as an indoor tree-like plant, and in warm countries it is used for outdoor gardening. The stems of the bush grow to a level of 30-50 cm. Leaves with a glossy surface, slightly oblong, slightly curved, resemble a dwarf ficus. Flowers consist of five red petals, folded into a long green cup.
The birthplace of culture is the forests on the Hawaiian island of Nunu. With the development of civilization in the wild, the species was practically not preserved. It is cut down, expanding resort areas, highways and cities, and in rural areas, animals for which it is just food cause irreparable damage.

Little is known about the Hawaiian hibiscus. In botanical encyclopedias, they are very succinctly stated common features species, without mentioning the history of occurrence, flowering cycles, longevity, the main requirements for full development and growth factors.

Flower growers in their reviews of culture mention the vital conditions for it:

• scattered light;
• temperature regime from 18 to 22 ° С - in the hot season and from 16 to 18 ° С - in the cold;
• soil and air moisture, which requires systematic watering and spraying;
• monthly one-time top dressing with nitrogen fertilizers;
• light soddy soil mixed with sand and humus, high-quality drainage.

Like all hibiscus varieties of the Hawaiian species suffer from spider mites, thrips, whiteflies and aphids. In the fight against them, the drug "Aktellik" is effective. They can process a flowerpot once a month for prevention.

Hibiscus splayed (Hibiscus divaricatus)

At its core, this type of hibiscus collected Australian varieties - analogues of the Chinese rose. Outwardly splayed hibiscus is an evergreen shrub with thorny stems. It has a strong trunk with uneven bark, low-lying branches and large leaves, rounded up to 10 cm in diameter. The flowers are yellow with a crimson base. On the calyx, and then on the pod with grains, hard villi, similar to thorns, are noticeable.

Important! All indoor hibiscus need to be transplanted every three years. Young specimens are best replanted annually.

Cultivated varieties reach a height of three meters, and on the native coasts and forest edges of Australia, where the splayed hibiscus comes from, it stretches over 5 m. Obviously, it got its name because of the awkward shape of the crown: the branches first depart from the trunk at a right angle, and then rush up.

Florists are attracted to a greater extent by exotic inflorescences. Each flower is about 10 cm in diameter and is pollinated by insects. But shrubs are rarely bred with seeds, preferring the method cuttings. Young seedlings require special care, and mature plants are very patient.

Hibiscus diversifolius (Hibiscus diversifolius)

Its homeland is the Australian lands from Botany Bay in New South Wales and the Pacific Islands. Also found in Africa, Mauritius, Madagascar. In our latitudes, it is cultivated as a potted plant. Some lovers of room flora often confuse variegated and splayed hibiscus.
In addition to origin, they have much in common: stems of the same length, similar in appearance, large flowers with a long pistil, petiolate propagation method. The difference between the heterogeneous species is the leaves resembling the shape of a heart up to 10 cm in diameter, with uneven sections along the edges. There are many spines on the stems.

The variety of leaves of the species is explained by torn uneven serration and the presence of leaves of different sections on one stem. Near the tops, they can be solid, and going down, cut into 3 or 5 segments. On the inside, each leaf is densely covered with pile, which makes it rough.

The buds are pale yellow color with a rich purple center are collected in inflorescences that are directed downward. The cups are bright green with bristly hair.

In addition to warmth and sun, hibiscus of this species love water. In their native environment, they inhabit the banks of water bodies, wet fields and the outskirts of swamps. At home, they need frequent watering and pruning. A feature of diversifolius is its endurance to moderate winters.

Drummond's Hibiscus (Hibiscus drummondii)

It is a shrub up to 2 m tall with thin branches directed upwards. The leaves are trilobed, up to 5 cm long, with coarse teeth along the edges. Tubular flowers of 5 petals, scarlet and purple in color, which flows from more saturated in the center to delicate at the edges.
Name "sleepy hibiscus" due to the incomplete openness of the buds. They seemed to be preparing to bloom and froze in anticipation of a good moment. In diameter, variegated roses reach 11 cm.

On the Australian coasts, where the Drummond hibiscus comes from, the buds are filled with a slight pearly sheen. From a distance, at the sight of a flowering shrub, it seems as if someone has painted purple corrugated paper with a mother-of-pearl brush and hung it on the green crown of the bush.

For regular lush flowering, the culture needs diffused light and moisture. In native shady areas in dry forest areas, hibiscus does not produce flowers, rushing branches higher and higher towards the sun. At the same time, the shrub grows very much, intertwining with other plants, forming a green wall.

Important! If a mature home or garden hibiscus is not blooming, it is worth reducing the amount of nitrogen fertilization, which provokes an increase in green biomass. Also, the reason may lie in the lack of water, light, or in too high a temperature during hibernation.

Hibiscus high (Hibiscus elatus)

The plant, which has spread throughout the world from Jamaica, is characterized by high decorative flowers and high quality wood. It is these two features that explain the parallel Caribbean name for high hibiscus - "blue maho", which stands for blue polish.
In its natural form, the culture is found in the southwestern part of India, cultivated evergreen trees adorn the streets in countries of warm latitudes. They are hard to miss even when the buds are not yet opened. The fact is that the straight trunks of these trees are very tall.

They develop skyward quickly and reach 25-30 meters. In temperate climates, the maximum height of hibiscus is within 7 meters, and in regions with high humidity and warm climates, the culture can stagger a kilometer high.

The branched crown is rounded, with wide oval leaves up to 20 cm long. The trunk is powerful with fibrous bark. Tubular flowers of 5 petals amaze with their diversity: the buds are yellow, and as they open, their color flows into rich orange, then red. Roses reach a diameter of 12 cm, their edges are slightly folded towards the cup. In some varieties, yellow-crimson stripes on an orange body remain throughout the flowering.
At home, the culture is used to restore forests and is considered a valuable breed. Aesthetics, strength and excellent texture of high hibiscus wood are conducive to its use in the manufacture of furniture, picture frames and other interior decor items. And also it is indispensable in the manufacture of a musical instrument katros, something similar to a lute. The bast plants are used by Cubans in cigarette boxes.

Edible hibiscus, or okra (Hibiscus esculentus)

This beautiful species of hibiscus is known in English-speaking countries as lady's finger, which in translation means female fingers. It is also called okro and gombo. In the UK, USA and the Philippines - okra.

The geographical origin of the edible hibiscus species is not exactly known. Appropriating it to themselves, the botanists of South Asia and West Africa are arguing on this topic to this day. The culture is widely grown throughout the world in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate latitudes, and is valued for the nutritional composition of young pods.

Did you know? In 1216, the Spaniards visited Egypt. They really enjoyed the treats of cooked green seed pods. Returning home, they talked about the unique culture that Africans grow. In 1658, okra appeared in Brazil, and in 1748 in distant Philadelphia. For the first time, they started talking about breeding new varieties of the species in 1806.

In our latitudes, the perennial is cultivated as an annual herbaceous plant. Externally, okra is a shrub up to two meters tall. Recently, breeders have offered dwarf varieties no higher than 50 cm. Thick stems are densely branched, slightly pubescent.

In adulthood, the trunk becomes stiff. The leaves are huge, up to 20 cm long, with 5-7 lobes, covered with a weak pile, light shades of green. Medium-sized flowers - up to 8 cm, with 5 petals of white, yellow color with red, purple "eyes" at the base. The fruits are formed in the deciduous axils, shaped like a capsule up to 18 cm long with a pentagonal cross section. It contains round grains.

Young ovaries are used for food, which are no more than 3 days old. Old ones, brown in color, are considered unusable because of bad taste. Okra is eaten raw, fried, stewed, boiled, and is also suitable for freezing and home canning.

IN chemical composition 100 g of okra found 7.45 g of carbohydrates, 0.19 g of fat, 1.9 g of protein, 3.2 g of dietary fiber, 89.6 g of water. As well as vitamins: A - 5%, C - 28%, E - 2%, K - 30%, thiamine (B1) - 17%, riboflavin (B2) - 5%, niacin (B3) - 7%, folic acid (B9) - 15%, potassium - 8%, calcium - 6%, zinc - 6%, phosphorus - 9%, iron - 5%, magnesium - 16%.
During the cooking process, the edible hibiscus turns into a slimy mass. The plant in its original form is red and green. In terms of taste, they are the same. During heat treatments, the red look turns green. The leaves are also usable. Oil squeezed from okra seeds is highly valued on the world market. They got the hang of using it not only for culinary and cosmetic purposes, but even as a fuel.

Soup and stews are prepared from unripe pods, while ripe specimens are roasted and the famous gombo coffee is prepared. The drink is allowed even for children, because it does not contain caffeine. In some countries, the species is cultivated exclusively for its fruits, which are high in a starchy substance called gombin.

It is processed into a powder that is widely used by local chefs as a thickener for soups and creams. In addition, cough preparations are made from the plant, to restore immunity and treat the digestive tract.

Fruit picking must be carried out with gloves, since the rigid fleecy structure of the stems provokes irritation of the skin.

Did you know? When the first fruit ripens on the okra, the development of other flowers and pods slows down. If the ovaries are regularly pinched off, they will form before the fruit appears.

In care, the culture is not demanding. He loves heat and sun, is considered the most heat-resistant of all mallows. It is cultivated even on clay dry soils. Drought okre is not terrible, unlike frost. It can endure short-term frosts up to 3 degrees, but will reduce growth rates.

A heat-loving plant is planted by seed in open ground only in warm countries. In our latitudes, gardeners practice planting hibiscus seedlings in greenhouses. After germination and strengthening of the sprouts, the seedlings are planted in pots and subsequently grown as a houseplant. In summer, the container is placed in the garden, protecting it from drafts and rains.

The plant is threatened powdery mildew, gall nematodes and verticillium wilt. For preventive purposes, the culture is periodically treated with pesticides.

Hibiscus fragile (Hibiscus fragilis)

A species of extremely rare endemic shrubs growing on the steep slopes of the mountains of Cordegardia, Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius. Outwardly, the fragile hibiscus looks like a Chinese rose.

Perennial is an evergreen very dense shrub with a widely branched crown. Leaves 5-7-segmented. The flowers are tubular, with 5 overlapping petals, in bright scarlet, terracotta and red hues. They are up to 10 cm in diameter.
Hibiscus fragile in the wild is disappearing. Today it is estimated at only four dozen copies and cannot independently recover to its former numbers. According to scientists, this is due to active competitive hybridization. Employees of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew are trying to solve the problem by reproducing seedlings of the culture. Advances in cultivation raise hopes for the return of the species to the natural environment.

Hibiscus heterophyllus (Hibiscus heterophyllus)

The perennial plant is common in New South Wales and Queensland, Australia. It is a tall, fast growing shrub or tree with white, pale scarlet flowers and edible fruits.
In its native environment, hibiscus heterophylla prefers warm and humid conditions. The flowering period and the color of the petals depend on the habitat. For example, specimens in northern Queensland bloom in June with bright yellow roses, while those closer to southern latitudes bloom with white buds in December.

In its native environment, an evergreen shrub grows up to 6 m, and in temperate zones its maximum height is up to 2 m. To maintain a neat appearance of a widely branched crown, the branches are cut periodically. The best period for this procedure, gardeners consider the phase after flowering. Then you need to pinch off the top by a third.

Vital to the development of hibiscus are diffused light, moisture and warmth. The plant can tolerate a temporary decrease in temperature, but this will be reflected in its flowering. Does not like northern winds and rains.

In a room, it is better to place a flowerpot away from direct sunlight, and in summer, when taken out into the garden, hide it in a protected penumbra. When grown outdoors, the best place for this specimen will be near a wall or fence.
Propagation of hibiscus diversifolia cuttings or seeds. Depending on the chosen method, stems will be formed. That is, if you root a cutting, in the long term you will get fibrous roots that contribute to abundant and long flowering. In cases with grains, the stem root will grow, and therefore, there will be few flowers and they will appear late.

Important! For propagation of hibiscus by cuttings at the end of winter, a healthy specimen is cut upper part branches at an angle through the knot and left for 6-8 weeks until roots appear in a container of water. Then they are planted in a substrate of humus, peat and leafy soil.

Huegel's hibiscus (Hibiscus huegelii)

It is one of 35 Australian hibiscus. The sandy coasts of Western Australia are its native environment. Among its fellows, the plant stands out for its large flowers, which vary greatly in color. In Europe it is called "lilac hibiscus". The name is caused rather by the color of the buds.

The official name of the species was in honor of Baron von Hugel. Scientists are still debating about the classification of the species. In the encyclopedic literature, hibiscus varieties huegelii leptochlamys (purple) and hibiscus huegelii wrayae (white), is no longer considered as a subspecies of cultivated varieties.
Outwardly, it is a tall, up to 4 meters, well-branched bush, with bright green fleecy leaves, divided into 3-5 segments. Their edges are jagged, the inner side is pubescent, and the veins are clearly visible on the outer side. The buds consist of 5 petals, up to 7 cm long, the edges of which are on top of each other. Purple, lilac, blue, red, cream shades are more common.

By the end of the day, like all mallows, the flowers gain bright colors and fade, resembling paper in structure. In the wild, flowering lasts from June to January, and in a cultivated environment - until the temperature drops.

The plant is completely undemanding to the soil. Loves clay, sandy, well-lit, well-drained areas and moisture. Does not tolerate low temperatures. To maintain vitality, it needs top dressing. After flowering, the bush is trimmed to compact the crown. A feature of the species is sparse foliage on the lower branches and fast-growing young shoots that emanate close to the cuts.

Hibiscus kaili (Hibiscus kahilii)

Widespread on Australian coasts. In our latitudes, it is cultivated in open ground as an annual and as a potted plant.

Outwardly, it is a medium-sized bush with straight powerful stems, stretching up and in breadth up to 1-2 meters. The leaves are large, up to 8 cm long, covered with a light pile, bright green, with 3-5 segments.
Blooms from late May to September. The buds are tubular, solitary, with 5 petals, up to 10 cm in diameter. Their color is often scarlet, red, purple. It is characteristic that the flowers do not fully open, which is similar to Drummond's hibiscus.

Representatives of this species love the light, although they can develop in partial shade. Soil and air humidity, two-time top dressing (preferably in spring and summer) and timely pruning are also important.

Important! To propagate hibiscus seeds, ripe grains are first poured for a day with warm water, then sown in a container with a moist substrate and sent to a warm place until germination.

Variable hibiscus (Hibiscus mutabilis)

So the plant is called because of the property of flowers to change the color of the petals as they ripen. In addition, at home, in China, hibiscus was nicknamed "lotus tree" and in Buenos Aires "mad rose".

The culture is widely known on all continents in tropical, subtropical and temperate latitudes, cultivated as a street, garden decoration and pot plant. The Chinese believe in medicinal properties hibiscus, so for them it is not just a beautiful flower, but also a means to relieve pain.
In the wild, variegated hibiscus is an evergreen shrub, and in countries with cold winters, it is a padolist. It has powerful stems up to 3 m high. The crown is umbrella-shaped. The leaves are serrated, maple-shaped, deep green, with a slight hairiness. Their length reaches 25 cm.

Terry flowers, large sizes, unlike other types of hibiscus, do not fade on the day the bud opens. Moreover, they amaze the imagination with the color of the petals, which change three times during the flowering period. At first, the buds are creamy, on the second day the opened rose is white, tomorrow it will turn pale scarlet, and the day after tomorrow it will turn purple. The flowering period begins in July and lasts until September.

In room conditions, the flowerpot is best placed on the south and east sides, since it will die in the shade. In summer, it can be taken out into the garden, and in winter it can be kept at a reduced temperature (up to 15 ° C). Also, to the extent of reducing daylight hours, additional lighting will be needed. Pruning of representatives of this type of hibiscus is carried out every season, pinching off the apical points of growth. Heavily overgrown shrubs are cut without sparing - soon they will release arrows of new shoots.

The soil for the culture is chosen slightly acidic, it should be sufficiently moist and drained.

Hibiscus pandurovidny (Hibiscus panduriformis)

Hibiscus pandura is a evergreen perennial bush, which is cultivated for its foliage for landscaping purposes. In its native environment, in Florida and Miami, its stems reach up to 1.5-2 m and grow in breadth by 60 cm. A feature of the species is the toxicity of all parts of the shrub. When in contact with the skin, they cause allergic reactions.
The plant loves partial shade and sunny areas, has an average need for water, tolerates temperatures in the range of 4.5-35 ° C of heat, is found in acidic and semi-acidic soil, is used for growing in open ground and in containers. Reproduction of the species occurs exclusively by cuttings.

Did you know? It has been scientifically proven that regular intake of hibiscus tea helps to reduce blood pressure and normalizes blood cholesterol levels.

Hibiscus sabdariffa, or Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa)

It is its flowers that are widely used throughout the world for making hibiscus tea. The plant is cultivated as an edible. In food, not only the cups of flowers, but the leaves and stems are used. Preserves, jams, marmalade and even wine products are prepared from them, which surprise with a pleasant natural color. By the way, rosella is an excellent food coloring.
In some countries, the plant is called the Sudanese rose, although in fact it has nothing to do with Sudan. The native land for the shrub is India.

In temperate latitudes, the crop is grown as an annual. For hibiscus, well-drained, moist soil, a sunny site, moderate watering and systematic top dressing are important. The bush is very thermophilic, it develops quickly at + 20-30 ° C.

Scott's Hibiscus (Hibiscus scottii)

In its natural form, it grows in dense semi-deciduous forests of tropical and subtropical zones. It is rare because the species is classified as endangered. Today, Scott's hibiscus can only be found in Yemen.
Distinguished by yellow-orange flowers and bright terracotta spots at the base. Their calyx consists of two toothed segments. The leaves are oval, with large teeth along the edges, slightly bent.

Hibiscus sparkling (Hibiscus splendens)

Its native habitat is Australia. It is a dense shrub up to 2 m tall and wide. Stems are velvety. The leaves are heart-shaped, large, hairy and divided into asymmetrical serrated lobes, up to 20 cm long. Flowers solitary, 5-petalled, tubular, about 16 cm in diameter, in most cases purple and red.
When growing, it needs drained sandy soil, moderate moisture and periodic pruning. Often the procedure is organized immediately after flowering or in the spring before the juice begins to flow.

Important! If your hibiscus roots dry out, you should pay attention to the temperature regime. The flower does not tolerate cold soil.

Linden hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus)

Deserves interest due to its healing and decorative properties. Since ancient times, decoctions have been prepared from the roots, petals and flowers of the lime-shaped hibiscus to treat respiratory diseases.

The Hawaiians used light and dense wood in shipbuilding, fishing gear was made from bast fibers, and cracks in the trays were sealed with bark. And now the wood is used for woodcarving, making high-quality natural furniture and various decorative items.
Modern scientists have confirmed the antioxidant qualities of the culture.

You can see the shrub in its natural habitat in the Maldives, the Virgin Islands, Eastern and Northern Australia, South and East Asia. Often these are beaches, swamps, coastal zones. The plant is invulnerable to sea salt, can grow in quartz and coral sand, limestone, crushed basalt. He is comfortable in slightly acidic soil.

The maximum height of the shrub is 10 m. The trunk grows in breadth by 15 cm. The branches are curved. The leaves are large, up to 30 cm long, strongly pubescent, heart-shaped, serrated. The flowers are bright yellow with a dark red base. During the day they change color to orange and red.

Hibiscus trifoliate (Hibiscus trionum)

In Southern Europe, where hibiscus trifoliate comes from, it is considered an annual weed of arable land. The culture grows up to 50 cm, dissolving white self-pollinating flowers with pigment coloring. Seed pods are pale green with purple mother-of-pearl tints, reminiscent of oriental lanterns. Stems are straight, hairy. The lower branches are longer than the upper ones, raised or drooping.

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Hibiscus is a tree, shrub or herbaceous plant from the Malvaceae family. There are about 200 of its varieties, and therefore the cultivation of garden hibiscus is a very exciting activity for flower growers around the world. One of the species (Sudanese rose) is used to make Hibiscus tea. Okra, okra - edible hibiscus, its cultivation is possible in the garden or on the balcony. A popular indoor flower - - grows in open ground in countries with a warm climate. In our latitudes, it is suitable only for container gardening: flowers are taken outside in the summer and brought back when it gets colder. At home, hibiscus tree, or Syrian, is also grown - a deciduous shrub that has a pronounced dormant period and requires certain wintering conditions.

Garden types of hibiscus

Growing garden hibiscus on the site and caring for it is not a hassle; this plant allows you to decorate a shady corner with large, bright flowers. Breeders have bred several varieties that can be planted in central Russia, but they require winter shelter or digging out of the ground. There are frost-resistant species, but they are rarely found on sale.

Hibiscus are suitable for regions with a temperate climate:

• trifoliate,
• Syrian,
• marsh,
• grassy,
• garden.

Syrian and garden hibiscus are often confused, because for the first there is another name - tree-like. In southern countries, he received the nickname - "flower of love." Usually it is a shrub about 1.5-2 meters in height, completely covered with large simple or double flowers, similar to mallow. The classic colors are white and lilac, but now others have also been bred: pink, red, blue. Marsh hibiscus, or okra, okra, is a highly ornamental shrub with large flowers, usually pink or red. It is frost-resistant, tolerates temperatures down to -30 ° C.

Herbaceous hibiscus grows 3 meters in height - this is hardy shrub, blooming from August to September. Its stems are massive, erect, with large leaves resembling sunflower leaves. Flowers can be white, light pink or red. Growing and caring for it is very simple. The plant is sun-loving, undemanding to the composition of the soil, therefore it is popular among flower growers. For the winter, it is cut off at the root, and in the spring it grows back. There are more than 1000 hybrids of herbaceous hibiscus. Ternary hibiscus, or northern, is a medicinal herbaceous annual plant with small light yellow flowers that open in the morning for several hours.

Garden hibiscus is a hybrid herbaceous perennial, resulting from the crossing of 3 species: red, pink and holly. Differs in decorative foliage and large showy flowers, the size of which can reach 40 cm. Care is simple.


There are several hybrids.

• Youth is a plant with light green leaves and purple flowers resembling a tulip shape.
• Late - shrub with oval leaves and crimson bell-shaped flowers, grows up to 1 m.
• Pale pink - a plant up to 2 meters high, yellowish foliage, bright pink flowers, tulip-shaped.
• Pink porcelain- a medium-sized bush up to 1.5 m high, flowers are large, pink, with a white throat, in the form of bells. Bright green succulent leaves on long petioles.

Hibiscus for container gardening

The following species are used as tub culture on the site.

1. Dissected hibiscus (Schizopetalus)- the petals of the flowers of this species are strongly dissected and bent back. Outwardly, it resembles a domesticated Chinese. Flowering lasts from spring to autumn.
2. Chinese hibiscus- Shrub with flowers of various sizes and shades. Commonly cultivated as houseplant, but for the summer it can be taken out into the garden. Caring for a tubular flower consists in abundant watering and top dressing.

Growing these plants is not difficult, but there are some rules that must be followed in order for hibiscus to grow healthy and strong.

Garden Hibiscus Care

Landing is carried out on a site with nutritious and breathable soil, in a place protected from winds and bright sun. Shrubs are planted in the spring, then by autumn the young plants will have time to take root. To grow garden hibiscus in open ground, you will need a deep planting hole, which must be filled with a thick layer of drainage - at least 15 cm - with sand and rotted compost. Garden soil mixed with sand and peat is laid out on this mixture.

Plants are placed in a hole so that the root collar is level with the soil, it is not necessary to deepen it - this can lead to decay. Then sprinkled with soil and watered abundantly. Planting and care before the winter period should be accompanied by soil mulching. Additionally, it is better to insulate the seedlings with spruce branches.

Further care for garden hibiscus consists in abundant watering, regular loosening of the soil, pruning and top dressing. It is necessary to water the shrub as the soil dries out with warm, settled water; on hot days, more liquid will be required. Some types of hibiscus with a lack of moisture lower their leaves. It is advisable to feed the shrub in the spring-summer period once every 2 weeks with a phosphorus-containing fertilizer.

Loosening the soil improves aeration, allows the root system to breathe. It is better to prune garden and tree hibiscus in spring or early summer - this favorably affects flowering, facilitates care and helps to give the tree a beautiful shape. It is important to properly prepare young trees for the dormant period: before the onset of frost, the garden hibiscus is cut and watered abundantly, after which the soil around is mulched using dry foliage and. Young plants are wrapped or bent to the ground. For shelter, a frame and a special material, such as agrotex, are used.

pruning hibiscus

Spring plant care consists in pruning branches. This is a necessary procedure for both indoor and garden species. It is produced after a dormant period, when the bush has not yet had time to start growing. Proper shortening of the shoots has a positive effect on flowering, improves branching and appearance shrub.

In some species, flower buds are laid only at the ends of new shoots, therefore, without pruning, the plant may stop blooming. Tree and garden hibiscus is well formed, you can give it any shape, for example, turning it into a standard tree. The cuttings obtained during pruning are used for plant propagation.

You should not get rid of the hibiscus rhizome in early spring - these plants wake up late, and it is better to wait a while than to uproot a still living bush.

Propagation of hibiscus cuttings

Garden and tree hibiscus reproduces very simply: by seeds, cuttings, grafting. Cuttings begin in the summer, before flowering. To do this, shoots with several internodes are cut from the bush, the ends are powdered with a root formation stimulator and planted in a greenhouse with peat soil. Rooting lasts about a month, when the shoots start to grow, they are transplanted into pots with a nutrient substrate and grown there until a bush is formed. After that, it is possible to plant plants in open ground.

Young plants do not have the frost resistance of adults, so they need to be covered for the winter or dug up, transplanted into pots and stored until spring in the cellar or in the dark on a glazed balcony.

The water method is also suitable for grafting, but when using it, most of the leaves are removed from the shoot, leaving 3-4, large ones are cut by a third to reduce evaporation. Add a tablet to water activated carbon so that there is no decay. Hibiscus cuttings usually propagate successfully.

How to propagate hibiscus seeds

Growing from seed is the easiest way to propagate these plants. Garden hibiscus, obtained in this way, blooms in the year of planting, and Syrian - only in the third year. It is better to start sowing in winter, from the end of January. Seeds need fresh, they do not need stratification. Planting is carried out in a mixture of peat and sand, before it, the seed must be soaked in a growth stimulator for a day.

Crops are watered and covered with a bag or placed in a greenhouse, placing it in a bright and warm place where the temperature is not lower than +25 ° C. Before the appearance of friendly shoots, care for seedlings consists in regular airing and spraying. Outdoor cultivation starts from the end of May, when the danger of frost has passed. Plants are planted in a permanent place, protected from drafts and the scorching sun.

Diseases and pests

Spider mites are considered the main pests of hibiscus. They multiply rapidly in hot and dry conditions, covering the bush with white cobwebs. Yellow dots appear on the leaves, the buds do not open, but dry up and fall off. In case of severe damage, the plants must be treated with special preparations. There are also folk recipes getting rid of this pest: spraying with infusion of garlic, solution essential oils(10 drops per 1 liter of water) and others. Bushes are sometimes affected by aphids. These are fairly large insects, visible to the naked eye. When they appear, insecticides are used.

Hibiscus can suffer from chlorosis, while the leaf plate turns yellow, only the central veins remain green. The disease most often occurs due to a lack of nutrients, especially iron. It is necessary to add additional organo-mineral fertilizers to the soil and spray iron chelate over the leaf. Lack of nutrition is also indicated by such signs as the lack of flowering, frequent yellowing and falling of leaves, and poor development of shoots. If the care of the plant is not correct, fungal diseases caused by excessive watering or low water temperatures may occur.

So, hibiscus - can be trees, bushes or herbs. They prefer a sunny location, abundant watering and fertilizing with phosphorus fertilizers. In central Russia, some frost-resistant varieties can be grown in open ground, but most species require shelter for the winter with special material or spruce branches.

Perennial shrubs such as garden and tree hibiscus (Syrian) shed their foliage for the winter, but herbaceous species rarely retain the above-ground part, growing anew from the rhizome every spring. The main diseases are associated with care errors and malnutrition. Of the pests, mites and aphids are often affected. Plants are well propagated by seeds and cuttings.

Systematic position (belonging to the family).

Malvaceae (Russian)
Malvovі (ukr.)
Malvaceae (lat.)

biological group.

An annual late spring plant.

Spreading.

His homeland is the Mediterranean geographical region. Discovered in Ukraine in 1887.

Morphology.

In adult plants the stem is branched from the base, with edges in the upper part. Root taproot, branched. The leaves are long-petioled, deeply dissected into 3 oblong pinnate segments. The lower leaves are rounded and less dissected. The plant is covered with hairs and bristles. Flowers solitary on long stalks. Petals five, pale yellowish with a purple tinge at the base. Calyx with 20 longitudinal dark purple veins, hairy-pubescent along the veins.

Fetus- multi-seeded hairy black box. The seed is kidney-shaped, oval-heart-shaped, somewhat swollen from the sides, slightly compressed towards the notch. The seed scar is elongated-oval, covered with a hook-shaped remnant of the placenta. The surface is finely warty, evenly covered with papillary hairs, or warty, matte. The coloration is dark gray; papillary hairs are yellowish-gray; the remainder of the placenta is almost black. Length 2.2 - 2.5, width 1.7 - 2.2, thickness 1.2 - 1.7 mm. Tab. I. 5. Seed from the side.

At seedlings cotyledons rounded, broadly rounded on long petioles. Length 7 - 9, width 6 - 8 mm. The plates are naked, the petioles are covered with small protruding thick hairs. The first leaf is 12-16 mm long and wide, rounded, uneven, slightly notched on a long petiole; the second leaf has uneven denticles along the edge and at the apex; the third - with two large cutouts along the edges (tripartite). The plates below and along the edge, as well as the petioles, are covered with scattered adpressed hairs. Venation in the form of three main veins, palmately diverging from the base of the plate, from which lateral branches extend in different directions. Hypocotyl with fine hairs.

Biology.

Propagated by seeds. Shoots appear in April-May from a depth of no more than 4-6 cm. It blooms in June-August, bears fruit in July-September. Freshly ripened seeds spill out of the drop-down boxes and clog the soil. From the beginning of seed maturation, the plant attracts herbivorous bugs. It had to be noted that with their appearance, seeds in open boxes and under plants could not be found. The plant produces up to 600 seeds or more.

Economic value.

It infests crops of corn, sunflower, soybeans. The plant is warm and light-loving, therefore it is more common on melons and vegetable gardens.

Control measures.

Hibiscus is not a hard to eradicate weed. It is destroyed by timely agrotechnical practices for preparing the soil and caring for crops. Sensitive to most herbicides used on crops both in the pre-sowing period and during the growing season of crops against other most harmful weeds.

List of used literature and photographs.

1. Vereshchagin L.N. Atlas of herbaceous plants.-K.: Univest Marketing, 2002.-384p.