Texas star
hibiscus has a huge flower that provides a show of color all summer.
Texas star hibiscus is a hardy plant in the mallow family. It has stems that can grow to 7 feet with blooms that are 6 to 8 inches across and scarlet red. The plant is found in swampy moist areas in full sun locations. It occurs naturally in southern parts of the United States from Georgia across to Florida. The leaves are very thin and divided like palms. Texas star is a cold hardy perennial that is also called swamp mallow. The plant is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 10. It will die back in winter and burst forth again as spring temperatures warm. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Amend the soil in a sunny garden bed by topping with 2 inches of compost and working it into the soil 6 to 8 inches. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of the hibiscus and add 2 inches of sand. Work the sand into the bottom of the hole, incorporating it with the existing soil. This will increase the drainage so the hibiscus doesn't have wet "feet" or roots.
2. Remove the hibiscus from the pot and fluff out the roots. Place the plant into the hole and backfill with the compost soil mixture. Press the soil around the roots firmly to remove any air pockets and then water it until puddles form on the soil surface.
3. Spread 3 to 4 inches of mulch around the soil surrounding the plant and out at least 2 feet. This will help prevent weeds and moisture loss as well as add nutrition to the soil over time. Water the Texas star hibiscus weekly, especially in summer. The hibiscus likes to be flooded, so use 3 or 4 gallons of water at a time. Let the soil soak up the water in between gallons or it will just run off elsewhere.
4. Feed the hibiscus with a balanced fertilizer. A granular time-release fertilizer is best. Follow package directions for application amounts and fertilize in early spring. Work the fertilizer into the soil around the roots with a trowel and follow up by watering it in until the soil puddles.
5. Treat the few pests the mallow gets with an insecticidal soap, which is safe for use in the home garden. Primarily aphids will infest the plant, and they may be followed by ants seeking the aphid's honeydew.
6. Allow the foliage to start falling off in fall and then cut the plant back to the ground. It will come up again in spring. In milder climates, prune out the oldest growth and shape the plant before spring. Fertilize with the balanced fertilizer just as the first green appears.
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