Water
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so check soil moisture before watering again.
Also known as Althaea · Althea · Blue Hibiscus
Common hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) is a deciduous shrub known for its upright growth habit and showy, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in summer.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Prefers at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and health.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist, allowing the top inch to dry out between waterings. Reduce frequency in cooler months.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Moderate
50% intensity
Thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C during the growing season. Tolerates cooler temperatures in winter.
Moderate
50% intensity
Feed in spring with a balanced fertilizer; a mid-summer feeding can boost blooms.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so check soil moisture before watering again.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning encourages bushier growth and more abundant flowers.
You can also prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer or from seed sown in autumn. Cuttings root best in a well-draining medium. Seed germination can be erratic, so cuttings are generally preferred for reliable results.
Repot young plants every 1-2 years in spring. Mature plants can be repotted less frequently, every 3-4 years, or when root-bound. Use a well-draining potting mix. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Common Hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malvales |
| Family | Malvaceae |
| Genus | Hibiscus |
| Species | Hibiscus syriacus |
Similar in genus Hibiscus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
