Organic Hibiscus Plants

Growing Zones

• As tropical plants, standard hibiscus are sensitive to cold, and should stay outside only in warm U.S. Department of Agriculture planting zones 10 and 11. The University of Missouri Extension gives 55 to 75 degrees F as the ideal temperatures for growing hibiscus, while the University of Florida IFAS Extension notes that even hardy perennial hibiscus will die to the ground at 20 degrees F. Gardeners in cold growing zones should plant their hibiscus in pots and move them indoors during winter, though gardeners in zones 8 and 9 may have success with hardy hibiscus in outdoor plantings.

Site

• All hibiscus plants require sites where they get full sun for 6 to 8 hours every day. Plant outdoor hibiscus in spots where they get this level of sun, quick drainage and 3 to 4 feet of space for growing. Pot hibiscus plants in 10- to 15-gallon pots with drainage holes, and put them in indoor or outdoor areas where they get this amount of lighting.

Organic Soil

• Hibiscus plants need deep, quick-draining soil from the start. These plants are heavy feeder and do well with lots of organic nutrition, so use all-natural organic compost for both potting soil and outdoor planting. If you add commercial potting or garden soil, make sure that it's organic, and free of synthetic plant foods or materials.

Maintenance

• Water hibiscus with 5 to 6 inches of water, once a week, to maintain the plants. The University of Florida IFAS Extension notes that all varieties of hibiscus do best with frequent light feedings, with three to four synthetic fertilizer applications during the year. Since organic fertilizer works more slowly than synthetic fertilizer, increase your feedings to once a month, per the directions on the package. Always mix the fertilizer into the soil around the plant, then water. Add more organic compost to the soil every spring to encourage new growth.