double red hibiscus plant

The Double Red Hibiscus is a glorious blooming wonder with beautiful red flowers with the deep red petals on large, glossy, deep green, and lush foliage plants which is the best part of this attractive plant. It is one of the most attractive plants as it surely adds that exotic feel to your garden, Porch decor or even flower decor at indoor spaces. If you are a gardening enthusiast who takes care of your garden and like to grow these lush and attractive plants and you are wondering how to take care of this plant so as to flourish it and make it the star of your garden then read on.

What is a Double Red Hibiscus Plant?

Double Red Hibiscus are flowering plant from the family of Malvaceae which classed as a tropical broadleaf tree native to Asia from China, India and Pacific islands and other tropical region particularly warm region. The scientific name of Double Red Hibiscus is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The common name of it is Double Hibiscus and Cottontail. Its a cultivar of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, its extremely large double layered standing out red petals and uniqueness in garden.

Generally regarded as a shrub or small tree growing to 15 ft in the wild but usually kept under cultivation to just five feet or so, sometimes much less, as a houseplant, it has glossy dark green leaves and red flowers, and is among our most popular ornamental garden shrubs indoors or out.

The Appeal of Double Red Hibiscus

The Double Red Hibiscus is a popular landscape plant. It is prized for its large, showy blooms. The flower, which can be as much as 6 inches across, is usually double-layered, which gives it a fuller appearance than most single-petal plants. In many warm climates, the blooms are roughly seasonal, but in perennial climates they may bloom almost year-round.

Beyond its beauty, DR also has some other practical desirability. Part of its appeal is that it’s very easily maintained and it’s a good plant for a budding or experienced gardener. The DR can fit into any available niche garden environment – full sun; partial sun or shade; in the ground or in a container.

Growing Conditions for Double Red Hibiscus

Therefore, to allow your Double Red Hibiscus to grow to its full extent, you must provide it with the necessary environment that will thrive. However, as robust as hibiscus might be, it cannot flower on its own.

Light Requirements

Full Sun: To bloom the most, your hibiscus plant must receive at least six hours of sunlight a day. In warmer climates where the temperatures tend to be high, keep your hibiscus out of all the afternoon sun so that the foliage doesn’t scorch. If you’ll be growing inside, place your hibiscus by a sunny southern-facing window.

Soil Conditions

A Double Red Hibiscus will need well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6.0 to 6.5), well-organic-matter containing soil. Do not plant in waterlogged soil conditions. A typical hibiscus soil mix consists of a ratio of one-third garden soil, one-third peat moss, and one-third perlite. You can either plant in the ground or in a container.

Watering Needs

Hibiscus of all kinds require a regular watering, especially those in growth. The soil should be kept evenly moist, but not too wet. Root rot is as much of a problem caused by overwatering as an impairment of establishment and growth by underwatering. At a guess, make it when the top inch of soil is dried out enough so that if you love your finger into the ground, it is only just moist to the touch.

Temperature and Humidity

Grow Double Red Hibiscus in warm temperatures, between 60°F (16°C) and 85°F (29°C), and avoid exposing it to cold. Don’t allow soil temperatures to fall below 50°F (10°C). If you live in a house with winter chill, grow Double Red Hibiscus in a container so you can bring it inside when the weather turns cold.

Another measurement is humidity. Hibiscus loves moist climate. If you are keeping your plant indoors or in a place that is in a dry climate, then spray some water mist on the leaves to keep them moist or keep a humidity tray to keep a misty environment around the plant.

Planting and Propagation of Double Red Hibiscus

If you plant or propagate a Double Red Hibiscus plant, you’ll make your garden a more pleasurable place, or you can pass it on to someone else.

Planting in the Ground

Set your Double Red Hibiscus in extended daylight and well-draining soil. If you’re planting in a garden, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball of your plant. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is even with the surrounding soil. Fill with soil and water thoroughly to settle soil. Gently firm soil around the base of your plant. Water thoroughly so that the water will pass through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

Container Planting

For a potted Double Red Hibiscus, put it in at least a 12-inch (30.5 cm) diameter pot with a few drainage holes in the bottom. Fill it with a decent potting mix for good drainage. Put the plant in and packing it with soil, and then give it a good, solid drink. You’ll water a plant in a container a lot more often than one in the ground because a pot, especially one with dry air, dries much faster than soil.

Propagation

Double Red Hibiscus can also be propagated from cuttings, a means of making new plants from an existing plant. Make a 4- to 6-inch cutting below a leaf node in the top of the stem of a healthy plant. Strip the cut end of all but the top two leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and pot it in a half-and-half mix of perlite and peat moss. Keep the potting soil moist surface and bag it to maintain humidity. Set the pot in a bright, warm place out of direct sun. The cutting will root in four to eight weeks.

Care and Maintenance of Double Red Hibiscus

Caring for a Double Red Hibiscus is about offering consistent good practices in the dealings of the rose.

Fertilization

Hibiscus plants are very hungry feeders, and want to eat, especially when growing. Using a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, feed every two weeks in spring and summer, once a month in fall and winter when plants are mostly dormant. Don’t overfeed, or plants will then start to produce big beefy leaves instead of blooms.

Pruning

Prune the Double Red Hibiscus to the desired size and shape. Prune back the plant any time in early spring, just before new growth appears on emerging buds. Clip back any dry, damaged or wayward branches, and cut back any long, spindly ones into a bushier shape, which will encourage new growth. Regular pruning has the benefits of air circulation to prevent pests and disease.

Pest and Disease Control

These are little pests; Aphids, spider mites and whitefly. If you spray insecticidal soap, it will get rid of them (or you can use neem oil spray). Alert: it normally happens that bugs or spiders, or other pest attacks some potted plants. Since you want to do gardening activities without touching the plant in order to prevent excessive dirt from spreading, always use a tool with a long handle so you don’t need to get close to the plant. Once you notice a symptom like discoloration or stickiness, deal with it as soon as possible.

Fungal problems, such as powdery mildew and black root rot, can also affect hibiscus plants. Ensure the plant has good air circulation and don’t water from above to reduce the risk of fungal infection; if you see white powdery spots on the leaves or the plant wilts, treat with an appropriate fungicide.

Enjoying Your Double Red Hibiscus

This plant will bring out beautiful flowers when adequately maintained and cared for. It’s a great plant to add to your yard as it will fill it with colourful blooms. The serrated red flowers it produces will add the life of your garden and surroundings, such plants are also suitable for indoor planting on Containers and pots.