Want Endless Hibiscus Blooms? Gardeners Swear By These 6 Methods

The blooms of a tropical hibiscus plant (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) can easily steal the show in your landscape. The only downside to these beautiful plants is that the individual hibiscus blooms are notoriously short-lived. However, keeping your plant in continuous bloom is possible and will help you enjoy the vivid flamboyance of these ruffled flowers for longer. Ahead, our experts explain some of their top tips for keeping hibiscus blooming for optimal success with your plants.

Choose the Best Location

Choosing the right spot to plant or display your hibiscus plant is key to its overall success. "Tropical hibiscus wants to be in full sun, so placing your plant where it receives five to eight hours of direct sunlight is important," says garden consultant C.L. Fornari. "Be sure that the hours your hibiscus receives sunlight include the hours of 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., when the sun is strongest."

Consider Fertilizer

Don't underestimate the value of fertilizing your hibiscus. "It’s so easy to buy a hibiscus in full bloom and full health and imagine it’s going to stay in nursery condition in your garden," says gardening author Marianne Willburn. "And it can, but not without food for bloom formation and healthy roots and leaves." You will notice less vigor and blooms if you don't fertilize your hibiscus every three to four weeks during the growing season (depending on the type). "You can use a standard balanced fertilizer, but often, granular, slow-release fertilizers made specifically for hibiscus are weighted towards higher nitrogen and potassium numbers, and include all the trace elements also loved by hibiscus," says Willburn.

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Water Regularly

While you never want to overwater hibiscus, you might be surprised at just how much moisture these tropical plants require during the hottest days of summer. While hibiscus thrives in full sun and warm climates, its blooms may die and fall off prematurely if it isn't watered enough throughout summer. Generally, gardeners should aim to water hibiscus when the top few inches of soil feel dry.

Don't Forget Deadheading

As with many other plants grown primarily for their flowers, hibiscus can be encouraged to continue blooming when you deadhead them. "When a plant uses its energy and resources to create seeds, there is a cost to that plant," says Fornari. "So it makes sense that when we can deadhead and cut off a spent flower before that plant starts to make seeds, we are able to save those resources for the creation of future growth and flowers." She advises trimming away even wilting hibiscus blooms, as it will help support the plant's production of new flowers.

Consider the Future

If you have an interest in growing your hibiscus plant long-term, Fornari has an important piece of advice. "Be sure to note if the plant you purchased has a braided stem," she says. "Many tropical plants sold are grown with three stems that are braided together for an ornamental and strong-looking trunk." She explains that if you're interested in saving your hibiscus from year to year, it's a good idea to avoid those braided stems. "As they grow, the individual stems choke each other and lead to the death of that plant," says Fornari.