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8 Frequently Asked Questions About How to Grow Hibiscus in Guelph

Royal City Nursery -How to Grow Hardy Hibiscus in Ontario-blooming hardy hibiscus

The big, exotic blooms of the tropical hibiscus are always a spectacular sight to behold. It’s hard to believe that we can grow them here in Guelph! Understandably, lots of gardeners have questions about how to successfully cultivate this extraordinary plant in Southern Ontario. We answered some of the most common questions about growing hibiscus, so you can plant it with confidence that it will return next year! 

 

Are Hibiscus Plants Easy to Grow? 

For the most part, yes, but you need to be sure that your plants have consistently moist soil that never completely dries out. However, you also want to ensure the moisture drains well and the roots aren’t left sitting in soggy, waterlogged soil. Mixing in lots of compost will help improve drainage and moisture retention, and a layer of mulch will stop the sun from evaporating the water too quickly. 

Royal City Nursery-How to Grow Hardy Hibiscus in Ontario -Hibiscus Summerific Tie Dye

Does the Hibiscus Plant Come Back Every Year?

While not every variety of hibiscus can survive a Canadian winter, the hardy hibiscus is a super tough variety that we can grow as a perennial. We’re classified as USDA zone 5a—just warm enough for this plant to survive the winter! Spreading mulch over the soil can add some extra insulation for your plants if we’re expecting a particularly cold winter.

 

Does Hibiscus Like Sun or Shade?

Full sun is best for these tropical beauties—the more sunshine they get, the bigger and more vibrant their blooms will be! Partial shade will still work, but your plant won’t produce quite as many flowers that way.

 

Should I Fertilize My Hibiscus?

It’s a good idea to use fertilizer in spring to provide your plant with the nutrients it needs, but unlike other flowering plants, hardy hibiscus doesn’t like too much phosphorus. Applying too much phosphorus can actually kill it! Starting spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer will help jumpstart your plant’s growing season. Following up once per month with a low-phosphorus fertilizer will help it keep blooming until frost

Royal City Nursery-How to Grow Hardy Hibiscus in Ontario -bright pink hardy hibiscus

How Long Does It Take for Hibiscus to Grow to Full Size?

Since they’re herbaceous perennials, the plant material will die back each winter and reemerge in spring. They’ll be ready to bloom in mid-to-late summer, and with each passing year, your plant will get a little bit bigger. Eventually, the roots may get crowded, and you’ll need to divide them up, replanting the divisions to promote fresh, healthy growth. 

 

Why Hasn’t My Hibiscus Come Back Yet?

You’ll have to be patient with this plant—it doesn’t pop back up quite as quickly as your other perennials! Don’t worry if you aren’t seeing signs of growth in springtime. Many gardeners panic the year after planting their hardy hibiscus, thinking it died over the winter, only for it to emerge in summer, bursting with colour and giant blooms! 

Royal City Nursery -How to Grow Hardy Hibiscus in Ontario-hand pruning shears

Do I Need to Cut Back My Hibiscus?

Yes! Cut back the old, dead plant material in late winter or early spring before any new signs of growth have appeared. We recommend leaving a few inches of the stems behind just to act as a place marker in the soil. That way, you won’t forget you have a plant there and won’t end up digging it up by mistake.  

 

Can I Try Growing Hibiscus in Pots?

Absolutely—just make sure it’s a big enough pot! Some dwarf varieties don’t need quite as large of a container, but generally speaking, you’ll need a pot at least 12 inches wide.

Royal City Nursery -How to Grow Hardy Hibiscus in Ontario-hardy hibiscus for sale in nursery

Royal City Nursery still has plenty of hardy hibiscus for sale in Guelph, so hurry over to our garden centre while there’s still time to plant them! As always, our team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about how to grow this botanical behemoth in your landscape.

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