Hybrid Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis “Estrella F. Alabastro”)

In addition to the Hibiscus species, the Plant Breeding Department of UPLB-IPB, UP Los Banos, Laguna, Philippines, locally bred a new gumamela hybrid.

The plant was carefully evaluated for beauty, hardiness, ease of propagation, and vigor, which are important qualities in attracting buyers and plant lovers.

Propagation is the same for the other hibiscus species, except this new hybrid needs in-depth knowledge of plant propagation techniques.

In order to have successful hibiscus production, the following management activities must be properly considered.

Cultural Requirements

The hibiscus plant thrives best in an open field with a sufficient supply of sunlight, as they are tropical in nature that need sufficient light. Full sunlight is essential for the plant to fully develop and produce abundant flowers.

Those that grow in a shady spot are lanky and bear only a few flowers. Therefore, avoid planting them in a shady place.

soil requirement

Hibiscus are not picky about their soil requirements, especially in their productive period. However, in the early stage of plant growth, hibiscus should be grown in porous sandy soil with manure and organic compost.

The soil must have good drainage. Hibiscuses don’t do best in heavy soil and poor drainage because they can’t stay in waterlogged areas.

Vegetal Nutricion

Hibiscus planted in pots should be fertilized regularly with complete fertilizer, either granular or foliar. Dilute 1 tablespoon of complete fertilizer in a gallon of water and apply every 2 weeks.

For those planted directly in the field, the following amount of fertilizer must be strictly adhered to: 5-10 grams for small plants, 20-25 grams for medium plants and 30-40 grams for large plants. After applying the fertilizer, water the soil to dissolve the fertilizer.

To improve the quality of your hibiscus flowers, you should mix the complete fertilizer with a high level of Potassium and apply the mixture once a month.

Water Administration

Although hibiscuses do not like waterlogged areas, they are water lovers, but not to the point of overwatering.

Regular hibiscus watering gives you a continuous supply of flowers throughout the year. On sunny days, water them every 3 days. During rainy days, you should water only when necessary to avoid root rot infestation. Root rot is prevalent during this period.

To conserve water and control pest and weed buildup, place mulch materials especially in open ground. Ideal mulch materials are: plastic mulch, rice hulls, or rice straw.

Do not limit just the above materials as mulch, but you can use other mulch materials available in your country as a substitute for the above materials.

plant maintenance

As a gardener, you must be attentive to the needs of your plant. Although they don’t speak, their physical appearance will signal your immediate attention. Hibiscus are showy plants. They respond productively when properly cared for and pruned at least once a year.

Hibiscus pruning encourages the development of new plants in the pruned area from which new flowers will bloom for the coming season. The best time for hibiscus plum is from May to September (under Philippine conditions, these are dry months).

In your country they may not be the same with the conditions in the Philippines. Just look at the dry months in your country when pruning your hibiscus.

To produce healthy growth and beautiful blooms the following season, cut the plant back to about 1/3 its height.

Dead branches and those close to the ground should be removed. Also thin the branches in the center of the plants to have a balance between the branches and the distribution of the flowers. This will add to the appearance of curb appeal to the plants once the flowers begin to bloom.

Control of pests and diseases

The presence of pests and diseases on your hibiscus plants affects their growth performance and flower production. Therefore, always check your plants for possible pest and disease attacks.

The most common hibiscus pests are…

1. Flower worms. This pest usually infests the leaves, buds and flowers.

2. Aphids. Aphids cause curling of young foliage, which can be unattractive when attacked severely.

3. Coiled whiteflies. This pest attacks the leaves which causes the malformation of all the foliage.

4. Green planthoppers. A serious attack of the pest on the leaves will result in cupping and yellowing of the leaves.

5. Black flea beetles. Also attack the leaves and the result will lead to bullet holes in all the leaves.

To control damage to all of your hibiscus plants, apply the insecticides specifically recommended for the specific pests. Ask any agricultural store in your area for specific pesticides for the pest insect.

The most common hibiscus diseases identified are…

1. Leaf spot. The plant affected by leaf spot causes darkening and black spots on the leaves.

2. Root or neck rot. This disease attacks the root and stem, causing rotting of the entire stem and root.

You can control these diseases by controlling water application and improving soil drainage. Check your pots if the water drains properly after watering. If planted in open ground, check the drainage channel for any obstacles to the free flow of water.

To chemically control these diseases, use Dithane 45 by soaking the base of the plants to kill them.

But, if you can avoid chemicals, use natural control methods by applying some homemade plant repellants or insecticides.