How to Take Care of a Painted Lady Hibiscus

Water Painted Lady hibiscus regularly during warm, dry weather. Water with a hose, allowing water to run slowly at the base of the plant, until the soil is wet to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. Avoid wetting the foliage and never water the shrub if the top of the soil soil is still wet. Allowing the soil to dry between waterings helps prevents rot and fungal disease caused by excess moisture. However, never allow the soil to become bone dry.

Water the hibiscus during the winter when the weather is dry, sunny or windy, but only when the soil is completely dry. Moist, cool conditions place the shrub at increased risk for fungal disease.

Fertilize Painted Lady hibiscus once every month between April and September, using a fertilizer formulated for tropical hibiscus. Fertilize potted hibiscus using a general purpose liquid fertilizer. Read the label, as potted hibiscus requires more frequent feeding. Always apply any fertilizer at the rate recommended on the container.

Pinch the tips of hibiscus branches during spring and summer to promote healthy blooming. Prune the shrub to add shape or to remove winter damage in early spring, removing as much as 1/3 of the old growth. Prune only in early spring, because pruning at any other time may remove the developing blooms.

Control aphids by directing a strong stream of water at the underside of the leaves. Repeat two to three times per day until no aphids are seen under the leaves or at the joints of leaves and stems.

Apply an insecticidal soap spray for hibiscus infested with whitefly or mites. Use the spray according to the manufacturer's recommendations. To prevent fungal problems, spray hibiscus during the early part of the day so the foliage has time to dry before evening.