Growing a hibiscus in a pot

Which hibiscus to choose for container growing?

If all hibiscus can be grown in pots, prioritise varieties with a moderate growth habit. They are perfect on a balcony or terrace!

Hibiscus syriacus Starburst Chiffon - Rose of Sharon

Incredible variety with large 10 cm corollas, veined carmine-pink and featuring a small crumpled centre. Easy to grow and compact, offers magnificent, original flowering and is drought-tolerant.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 2 m

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Hibiscus syriacus French Cabaret Purple - Rose of Sharon

This variety is particularly striking with its fully double violet flowers, delicately crumpled. Its modest size allows it to be grown in a pot.

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 2 m

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Hibiscus moscheutos Pink - Swamp Rose Mallow

A very beautiful variety with vivid pink flowering, to be placed in large pots kept very moist on the terrace.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

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Hibiscus syriacus French Cabaret Pastel - Rose of Sharon

It features early, original and remarkable flowering. Its small size allows it to be grown in a pot

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 2 m

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Hibiscus moscheutos Fujin - Swamp Rose Mallow

A new variety whose reduced growth habit is well suited to growing in pots kept very moist throughout the growing season.

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 80 cm

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How to grow a hibiscus in a pot?

When to plant?

Opt for spring planting, from March to April, and up to June in cooler regions. In any case, wait until any risk of frost has passed.

Choose the right container

To give your hibiscus the best chance of success when grown in a pot, choose a suitable container. Preferably place it in a large container to provide enough room for root development. A terracotta container, unglazed if possible, 40–50 cm in diameter will be sufficient for an adult specimen about 2 m tall. It must have drainage holes to allow water to escape.

Provide a suitable growing medium

Hibiscus is a heavy-feeding bush. It needs to be grown in a nutrient-rich growing medium: a good potting compost enriched with a little compost will suit it. However, depending on species, hibiscus do not require the same growing conditions:

• Hardy hibiscus (H. syriacus or H. paramutabilis) appreciate a well-drained growing medium that stays cool in summer. Add some coarse sand to improve drainage and place a layer of clay pebbles in the bottom of the container for these species.
• Marsh hibiscus (H. moscheutos and H. coccineus) need a growing medium kept constantly moist from April to October.

Hibiscus in pots (photos: Hilari left and R. Clark right)

When and how to plant your hibiscus in a pot?

Steps for a successful planting

1. Prepare a large pot with drainage holes by placing a layer of clay balls or gravel (20% of pot volume)
2. Top up with a mixture of potting compost, compost and river sand
3. Position the young plant in the centre of the pot so that the collar is level with the top of the container
4. Fill with the rest of the mix
5. Firm soil around the base and water thoroughly
6. Mulch to prevent the growing medium from drying out too quickly

→ Place large saucers under pots and keep them continuously filled with water for marsh hibiscus

Where to position it?

Position your hibiscus, whichever variety, in a warm, sunny position, sheltered from strong winds and rain to protect its delicate flowering. It will tolerate partial shade in our warmest regions.

Potted hibiscus in full sun (photo: I. Musinger Cotton)

How to care for your potted hibiscus?

Overwintering

If you live in a region where frosts are severe, I advise bringing your plant indoors at first cold spells of autumn. The pot must be placed in an unheated greenhouse or a well-ventilated conservatory and kept frost-free. You can put the pot back outside in spring as soon as there is no longer risk of frost.

In mild regions, you can leave your hibiscus in its pot outdoors. I still recommend giving it minimal protection, especially during the first years. Simply wrap it from base to tip with a winter fleece. You can also protect the container with cardboard or bubble wrap.

Watering potted hibiscus

Throughout the warm season, be particularly attentive to water needs of your potted hibiscus, the substrate drying out faster than in open ground.

• In summer: water regularly, especially during hot spells. The rootball must not dry out completely between waterings. Keep substrate very moist for marsh hibiscus.
• In autumn: gradually reduce watering
• In winter: Reduce watering significantly. Water occasionally to keep potting compost fresh and remember to empty saucers under potted marsh hibiscus.

Hibiscus looks magnificent in the warm season on a terrace (photo: Maplegirlie)

Fertilisation

In pots, substrate becomes depleted more quickly than in open ground.

Every fortnight during growth, apply regular fertiliser for flowering plants. Each spring you can also carry out a top-dressing by replacing the top few centimetres of substrate with compost.

Pruning potted hibiscus

Remove faded flowers regularly to encourage flowering.

A hard prune in late winter encourages growth and more abundant flowering. Start by removing dead or damaged branches, then shorten the main branches, and cut lateral shoots just above the third bud.

For marsh hibiscus, you can safely cut them back hard, pruning to 5 cm above soil. This is even recommended because flowers appear on current year’s shoots.

Repotting

Repot your hibiscus into a larger container every 2 to 3 years at the end of winter. In other years, simply top-dress by removing a little substrate from the top few centimetres and adding fresh potting compost.

Diseases and pests of potted hibiscus

Potted hibiscus can be more vulnerable than when planted in the ground. Keep an eye on your bush.

Mealybugs may occasionally attack. To get rid of them, spray with black soap and remove unwanted pests manually with a cloth soaked in methylated spirits. If you spot black aphids, treat with a spray of black soap.