Where to Put a Hibicus Tree & Impatiens

Hibiscus Climate and Culture

• Hibiscus plants vary widely by species in their cold and heat hardiness, but in general, most thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 10. Some can tolerate colder temperatures, including the Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus), which is hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, and others can tolerate warmer temperatures, such as the popular Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, which is hardy in USDA zones 9 through 11. All hibiscus plants need full sunlight to bloom their best and thrive in locations that have slightly alkaline soil. Rich, moist but well-drained soil is best for these plants.

Hibiscus Uses and Locations

• Hibiscus plants can be grown in containers or as specimen plants. Those grown as trees can be stunning as the centerpiece of a home garden. Smaller varieties make excellent container trees or shrubs, but containers should have holes in the bottom to allow for good drainage. Because the flowers are so showy, they are good plants for bird lovers, as the blooms attract hummingbirds as well as butterflies. Hibiscus plants can also be planted in groupings to form an attractive hedge.

Impatiens Climate and Culture

• Impatiens are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11, but they are also grown as houseplants and summer annuals. Locate impatiens anywhere that has rich, moist but well-drained soil, and filtered or afternoon shade. Shelter from strong winds is also beneficial. Although impatiens can be planted around a hibiscus tree, they probably won't do very well since hibiscus trees need full sunlight to thrive, and full sunlight will cause impatiens to reduce blooming and put out small leaves. In addition, impatiens planted around a tree will compete with the tree's roots for nutrients, according to the University of Vermont.

Impatiens Uses and Locations

• Fill a container full of impatiens and place it on your porch or other shaded location, where the brightly colored blooms will liven up dark corners. Impatiens also grow well in hanging baskets. Water any containers with impatiens frequently and make sure they have drainage holes in the base. A soil-less planting medium will help with drainage as well. As bedding plants, impatiens quickly spread to fill empty spaces, especially in areas of your garden that get too much shade for other plants to grow. Space them 8 to 12 inches apart if you want them to spread but stay low to the ground -- impatiens can grow to about 30 inches tall if planted close together.