What Are Hardy Hibiscus?
Hardy hibiscus are a type of flowering perennial shrub that belong to the mallow family. They grow best in USDA zones 5-9 and prefer full sun or partial shade. They have large, showy single or double blossoms up to 8 inches across which come in shades of white, pink, red, lavender and purple. Hardy hibiscus can reach heights of 4-5 feet tall with an equal spread and bloom profusely during the peak summer months.
Propagating Hardy Hibiscus
Propagating hardy hibiscus is easy – all it takes is some patience! The two most common methods for propagating this plant are via stem cuttings or root division. Both methods allow you to increase your stock without buying new plants from a nursery. Here’s how:
Stem Cuttings
Take several 3-4 inch long cuttings from healthy stems on your existing hardy hibiscus plants (make sure they have at least one node). Remove any leaves from the bottom half of each cutting before planting them in well-draining potting mix or soil amended with compost (it should be moist but not soggy). Place the cuttings 2 inches apart so there’s room for them to spread out as they begin growing roots and shoots. Cover the tray with plastic wrap to help retain moisture until roots form (usually within 1-3 weeks), then remove it gradually over time so your baby plants get used to their new environment without being shocked by sudden changes in humidity & temperature levels. Once established, transplant young hardies into individual pots filled with quality potting mix and water regularly throughout their first year as they become more resistant to drought & heat than adult specimens do.