The Red Double Hibiscus Plant : A Comprehensive Guide

The Red Double Hibiscus is a plant with a branched and flowery crown. It is a very beautiful flowering ornamental plant. Its petals are layered in shape and deep red in color, with high ornamental and landscape value. This plant called ‘Rosemorella’ is an exceptional ornamental plant. It features layered petals and a deep red bloom. It has become a popular floral plant grown for their beauty. Recent studies have also shown that certain hibiscus extracts can function as estrogens, and it has also been reported that there are compounds in orange hibiscus blossoms that could be effective in treating chronic prostatitis. The hibiscus is an ecologically diverse plant that acts as a predator, prey and host to other species. This selection of introduction to the Red Double Hibiscus Plant aims to provide information on how to grow, care for the plant and its various benefits.

 

Introduction to the Red Double Hibiscus Plant

Botanical name: Hibiscus rosa-sinensisFamily: MalvaceaeCommon name: Double Red HibiscusType: Tropical shrubDouble Red Hibiscus, also known as Red Double Hibiscus, is a valuable variant of the species Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. The species is native to East Asia, as well as being cultivated extensively throughout tropical and warm areas in the rest of the world. The flower of Double Red Hibiscus is strikingly different to other known forms of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis due to a double row of petals that both enclose the reproductive parts of a flower, while also providing the nearly complete encasing of the flower bud as it develops.The petals of Double Red Hibiscus create a throated or upper petal called a corolla tube to encapsulate the lower part of the stamens and the carpels. Red, one of the most passionate, romantic and vibrant colours, is characteristic of many floral displays.

The Red Double Hibiscus grows to a maximum height of 4 to 6 feet with a maximum spread of 3 to 4 feet. The broad, dark-green glossy leaves with purplish hues provide a dense foliage upon which the showy flowers, up to 6 inches in diameter, appear to effortlessly bloom – it is a plant replete with colour that indolently rivets the eye. Small to large trees. Grow well in neutral to acid soil conditions, full sun and shade. Requires regular watering. Moderate draught tolerant. Suitable for planting in pots and containers. The Red Double Hibiscus is a fast-growing perennial: left to its own devices, it will grow to over 6 feet in the first season. (adapted from the City-Forest Foundation, www.city-forest.org)

Cultivating the Red Double Hibiscus

In order to grow the Red Double Hibiscus plant, the gardener has to learn to understand what its needs are. Care must be taken with regard to the amount of sunlight and water, the soil quality and moisture, as well as the desired temperature. By respecting these needs, floral blooms will appear each day and the plant will be allowed to thrive.

Sunlight Requirements

Red Double Hibiscus flowers in full sunlight: in tropical climates, it should be in full sun for at least 6 hours each day, but in very hot climates it will often benefit from some afternoon shade so the leaf surface does not scorch. Too much shade, though, will cut down on flowering, so the sun lover should find a balance of exposure that will let it bask in the rays of the Sun King.

Soil and Fertilization

Hibiscus like well-drained soil (oscitate or slightly acid to neutral pH, 6.0–7.0) in a mixture of garden soil, organic compost, and sand. Drainage is very important here to prevent root rot, common in hibiscus when fertile but poorly drained soil is used.

Fertilisation also helps growth and flowering. Apply a well-balanced fertiliser such as a 10-10-10 or 12-4-18 NPK once every two weeks through the flowering season. These are synthetic fertilisers and for those of you who prefer a more organic approach, there is a natural alternative. You can either apply compost tea or fish emulsion.

Watering Practices

The Red Double Hibiscus grows best with regularly moist soil. When the soil is wet but not soggy, the plant performs well. Watering daily might be required in hot arid climate, but every other day should be enough in cooler or humid climates. Deep watering will ensure moisture reaches the roots especially during flowering seasons.

Temperature and Humidity

As a tropical plant adapted to tropical environments, the Red Double Hibiscus prefers warmth, growing best at temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C to 29°C). It can tolerate somewhat cooler conditions, but should be protected in weather that dips below freezing, which can damage or kill the hibiscus. High humidity is preferred by the hibiscus – humidity found in the tropics. In dry climates outdoors, or indoor growing where the air is dry, misting the plant or using a humidifier can help to maintain humidity levels.

Pruning and Maintenance

Another good reason to prune the Red Double Hibiscus is to maintain its shape, encourage new growth and promote flowering. I like to prune in early spring, shortly before the growing season starts in mid-spring here in Portland, Oregon. Remove any dead or damaged stems, along with stems that cross over or rub against each other, to increase air flow and prevent disease.

Deadheading entails removing spent flowers which again keeps the plant looking tidy, and as a result a continuous display of blooms is encouraged. Healthy potted plants This Poinsettia ortraflorus hybrid plant poinsettias are not exempt from aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. So keep an eye on the plant to deal with any invasions. When needed they can be treated with insecticidal soap, neem oil or something stronger.

Propagation Techniques

Due to its clonality, the Red Double Hibiscus can be propagated by cuttings or by seeds. Propagating in this species with cuttings is the most common and successful way.

Propagation by Cuttings

Propagate the plant by taking cuttings from a mature, healthy stem. Shoots should be between 4 and 6 inches long. At least two or three leaf nodes should be present. Cut off much of the lower portion of the shoot, remove the lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it into a pot filled with a well-drained potting mix. Keep the soil moist and put the pot in a warm, sunny window (but keep it out of direct light). In just four to six weeks, roots may appear on the cutting, at which time it can be planted in its own container.

Propagation by Seeds

While less common, seeds will also grow into new plants. Place them in a seed-starting mix, dust with soil, keep them moist and provide warmth and indirect sunlight. Keeping the soil moist and watching for these guys poking through can take weeks, and you should transplant them once they are large enough to handle.

Common Problems and Solutions

As with any plant, there can be problems with the Red Double Hibiscus such as those caused by pests, disease and environmental stressors. But knowing what to look for and how to mitigate the situation goes a long way to having a healthy plant.

Pests and Diseases

Aphids, spider mites and white fly can be common pests for the Red Double Hibiscus. Regular checks can determine if there is any issue. Depending on the infestation level, use of insecticidal soaps or neem oil can help to control. If the infestation is more severe, consider introducing some natural predators like lady bugs to your garden.

Leaf spot, root rot and powdery mildew are possible diseases that can infect the plant. To avoid leaf spot and powdery mildew, make sure there is good airflow through the plant and avoid overhead watering. To avoid root rot, which can be the result of over watering or poor drainage, make sure your potting soil is well drained. This can be achieved by using an aerated soil mix, such as 50/50 potting soil/perlite or 50/50 potting soil/pine bark. Watering with moderate amounts at regular intervals is also key.

Environmental Stress

Your plant does not enjoy high and low temperatures, dryness and over-wetness, hot or insufficient light. It will show signs of stress by yellowing, wilting and reduction of flowering. The main thing is to grow the hibiscus under the right conditions (outlined in the cultivation section above).

Benefits of the Red Double Hibiscus Plant

Beyond its ornamental value, the flowers of Red Double Hibiscus have uses as a medicine, a biodiversity supplement and an edible delight.

Medicinal Uses

Hibiscus, which has held a place of importance in the traditional medicine of countries such as Nigeria, Bangladesh and Mexico for centuries, has antioxidants, vitamins and minerals found in the flowers. Given that hibiscus (specifically Hibiscus sabdariffa) lowers blood pressure and is useful in weight loss, digestion, anti-inflammation as well as antibacterial activity, it qualifies as one of the functional foods useful in diseases therapy and prevention. High in vitamin C and fibre content, dried hibiscus flowers provide plenty of nutrients per calorie consumed. When brewed into tea by adding hot or boiling water to dried flowers and allowing it to infuse for a few minutes, the tea can help reduce high blood pressure, promote digestion, suppress appetite and regulate sugar level in the blood. As a result, it can also facilitate weight loss.

Ecological Benefits

The Red Double Hibiscus, too, contributes to local food webs and helps to maintain ecosystem health. Its flowers have attractants that welcome pollinators – bees, butterflies and hummingbirds – that are otherwise creatures that are often ‘dealt with’ if found indoors. And even within a community, an estate of hibiscus planted alongside other native plants is sure to cultivate robust populations of pollinators and therefore healthier local ecosystems.