Where to Grow
Tradewinds hibiscus are sun loving. The brighter the light and heat, the greater the flowering. Four hours of sun daily is ideal. Place facing south or west in full sun. Not hardy outdoors below 50º F
Water
Never allow plants to dry out or wilt. Keep the soil slightly most, but do NOT let sit in excess water for more than a couple hours. In the landscape, plant in well-drained soil. In containers water thoroughly into the top of the pot until it runs out the bottom. Pot should be much heavier afterwards.
Feed
During growing season, feed monthly (March-October, depending on location). Use any liquid house plant fertilizer at highest rate on label. Apply as directed.
Indoor Care
- Light – Sunshine should be provided at least four hours each day.
Plants must be placed on window sills, at windows or sunny porches facing south or west for best everblooming performance. Otherwise, flowers are less likely to develop, other than spring and summer when natural day length increases.
Flowering will be less in winter, and may stop for a short time, since light is limited. - Temperature – Normal house temperatures are satisfactory.
Tropical hibiscus will stop developing flower buds at temperatures below 55ºF/13ºC. - Watering – See above.
- Fertilizing – November through February: Fertilize only once with any liquid house plant fertilizer at the lowest rate given on the label. Apply as directed for a normal watering to thoroughly saturate the medium.
March through October: Fertilize monthly. Use any liquid house plant fertilizer at the highest rate given on the label. Apply as directed to thoroughly saturate the medium. - Pest Control – Garden centers carry a wide range of pest control products. The key is to first identify the problem with samples to enable them to give you the proper control.
Container Use
Light, temperature, feed and water needs of plants grown in containers are the same as for landscape plants, but pruning and transplanting will be needed at some point.
- Everblooming Tradewinds Hibiscus has been specially treated to maintain its growth in proportion to the container, but in time, it outgrows the treatment. Then transplanting and pruning will be required.
- Dramatic increases in watering frequency are a sign to repot your plant. Inspect the root system. A full root ball, with encircling roots will also indicate the need to transplant.
- Transplanting to a larger container can be done any time, but is best done in spring when new growth is stimulated by the longer, brighter days of summer.
- Plant into any well-drained commercial pot plant mix.
- Prune only in April or May, so the new shoot growth will develop better in the long, bright summer days.
- Cut back to shape the plant as desired, allowing three to four leaves per stem to remain after cut back.