Hibiscus flowers provide a touch of Hawaii to your landscape.
Hibiscus are perennial plants with tropical looking flowers. The papery blooms only last one day but the plant produces a succession of buds to keep the bush filled with color. Hibiscus do best when in full sun and need plenty of heat. They are one of the last perennials to emerge in spring, waiting until the soil is fully warmed. Hibiscus are heavy feeders and require frequent fertilizing to encourage foliage growth and the colorful flowers for which they are grown. Does this Spark an idea?
High Nitrogen
Hibiscus need frequent but small feedings. Three or four applications annually of fertilizer high in nitrogen will encourage growth and foster healthy leaves. Hibiscus only bloom on new growth, so the production of more greenery is important. Too much nitrogen can cause a delay in flowering and can burn the roots of the hibiscus plant. A fertilizer with the ration 10-5-10 gives a moderate amount of nitrogen that is comparatively balanced with the other two compounds, phosphorus and potassium. One quarter of a cup of fertilizer is enough for a small plant and up to half a cup for large hibiscus.
Trace Elements and pH
The overall composition of fertilizer has three compounds. They are listed in a ratio on the front of the package and are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. However, hibiscus also need trace elements such as boron, copper and iron. The fertilizer should provide a balance of trace elements and minerals. Hibiscus like a slightly acidic soil, so applying a fertilizer for acid lovers is a good way to give the plant an acidic base. The fertilizer needs to be well watered into the soil to incorporate it and keep tender roots from burning.
Water Soluble vs Dry
Dry fertilizers are effective when used properly, but the compounds take longer to break down and incorporate into the soil. Water soluble fertilizer can be used as a foliar feed, which feeds the leaves immediately. Heavy phosphorus fertilizers are tempting to use, since phosphorus encourages flower production. However, phosphorus builds up in soil. Foliar feeds with a high phosphorus fertilizer are a good way to add the compound to the plant without over-saturating the soil.
Tags: into soil, phosphorus potassium