Hibiscus plants are exotic tropical plants that are grown and enjoyed for their large, beautifully colored flowers. They are a perennial, evergreen shrub that can be grown in the garden or in a container. When in flower, they provide a wonderful display of tropical color to add a bright splash to the garden or to a room.

Traditionally associated with Hawaii, the hibiscus is actually the national flower of Malaysia. Because of its wonderful display when in bloom, hibiscus has spread to other parts of the world as homeowners seek to create a tropical feel in their home gardens. With over one thousand different shades of color and their ease of care, hibiscus plants have become very popular and are successfully grown in many countries, even in much cooler areas than the countries from where they originally come.

Hibiscus plants are sensitive to cold but if you choose the location carefully, you can grow them with success in cooler climates. Plant them in a sunny location, against the wall of the house to help reflect warmth in winter. Before planting, add compost or other organic matter to the soil and lightly fork through. This improves the drainage which is important with hibiscus. Mulch the soil around the plant to help keep moisture in the ground and retain warmth. Check the plants on a regular basis as hibiscus are prone to insect attack and treat as necessary to control insect pests. Hibiscus plants benefit from a light pruning after flowering, and at other times, to keep the shrubs compact and attractive. Pruning also helps to keep good air circulation through the plant to prevent fungal diseases. Remove spent flowers and dead leaves to extend the flowering season and keep the plant looking good.

To enjoy your hibiscus plants as house plants, they need to be planted in pots that you can bring them inside when they are in flower. Hibiscus plants grow well in pots provided they have good drainage and a suitable temperature and humidity; they can be kept to a size suitable for the pot with regular pruning. Another advantage of growing hibiscus in pots is that they can be moved around the garden to avoid the cold spots and frosts, which will damage the plants. Potted plants need regular water and annual fertilizer to keep them looking their best. Water only when the potting mixture feels dry to the touch and fertilize after flowering has finished. If you can retain an average temperature of over 70 degrees, your hibiscus will flower all year round. In cooler climates, you can keep your hibiscus indoors all year in a position that gets good natural light; if you can rest it outdoors for a few weeks in late summer, it will benefit and improve the health of the plant.

When buying hibiscus plants, always go to a reputable nursery and look for healthy, green plants without any signs of disease or stress. Ask for advice about suitable varieties for the location you intend to put your plant so that you start off with the best type for your location. The plant tag attached to nursery plants indicate the color and required growing conditions needed, so read this carefully so you can enjoy better success.