Hibiscus Acetosella Care

Description

• The deep burgundy, maple leaf-like foliage makes Hibiscus acetosella a striking landscape addition. As the plant matures, the triple-lobed foliage becomes darker with a tinge of gray. Throughout autumn and winter, maroon flowers with dark red center eyes bloom. The single flowers are not as large as other hibiscus varieties, such as Chinese cultivars. The blossom’s similar color to the foliage makes the blooms sometimes unnoticeable. The plant has an upright habit and grows up to 10 feet tall. Its burgundy stems are woody and thin. Suckers grow around the parent plant forming clumps up to 3 feet wide. The hairy, ribbed calyx seedpods form after the blossoms fade. The seedpod is okralike and holds tiny brown seeds.

Climate Requirements

• Those living in USDA plant hardiness zones 8 through 11 can grow this African native as an herbaceous perennial. In areas where frost and freezes are not problematic, Hibiscus acetosella grows as an evergreen. In planting zone 8 or cooler, where freezes and frosts are annual, it will die to the ground in winter. When springtime returns, the plant regrows. Cooler regions should consider the hibiscus as an annual when grown outdoors. It also tolerates potted growth, so northern gardeners can root cuttings during winter for springtime planting.

Growth Requirements

• For the best color, blooms and growth, gardeners should plant Hibiscus acetosella in a sunny location. Plants are tolerant of partial shade, but the foliage color is lighter. It prefers growing in a variety of soils that drain well. The plant performs well even in poor, sandy soils. Though quite drought-tolerant once established, regularly irrigated plants grow best and fastest. Since the hibiscus grows so tall, use a 1- to 3-gallon container for potted plants. Make sure the container has drainage so the plant does not die from rot. Use a potting mixture that drains well and does not hold water.

Maintenance

• Hibiscus acetosella is rarely plagued with diseases or insects. It is even nematode resistant, according to the University of Florida. Water plants if the foliage and stems begin wilting. The tall branches require pruning to make the plant thicker. As the plant grows to its maximum height, the thin branches will bend and crack. Trimming the plant to a height of 3 to 6 feet controls its growth and encourages branching. An application of an all-purpose fertilizer during the warm growing season produces more and faster growth. Follow label directions concerning amounts. During a freeze, bring potted plants into a location with bright light and warmth.