Rose of Sharon Hibiscus 'Lohengrin'

Water

Hardy Hibiscus plants, including the 'Lohengrin', should be watered deeply and thoroughly, allowing the water to penetrate the soil to reach the root system. During the growing season, water the plant at least once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water. During hot and dry periods, the frequency of watering may need to increase to twice a week. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged, as Hardy Hibiscus prefers well-drained soil. Adjust watering based on rainfall and temperature, reducing the amount during cooler, wetter months to avoid overwatering.

Light

Hardy Hibiscus, including the 'Lohengrin', thrives in full sun to partial shade. To promote optimal growth and flowering, place the plant in an area where it will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. However, in extremely hot climates, some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from heat stress. The best spot for the plant is a south-facing or west-facing location that meets these light requirements.

Temperature

Hardy Hibiscus 'Lohengrin' can tolerate a range of temperatures, but it grows best in conditions between 60 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can withstand minimum temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost and extreme cold. Ideal temperature conditions are warm and stable temperatures within the 60 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit range to encourage healthy growth and blooming.

Pruning

Prune Hardy Hibiscus 'Lohengrin' to maintain shape, encourage bushiness, and remove dead or damaged stems, which promotes healthy growth and better flowering. The best time for pruning is early spring, before new growth begins. Cut the plant back by about one-third, ensuring to make clean cuts just above a set of leaves. Pruning can be done annually, and any spent flowers or seed pods can be removed throughout the growing season to encourage continuous blooming.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for Hibiscus, commonly known as Rose Mallow, is well-draining and fertile with a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.0. An ideal mix can be achieved by combining two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or vermiculite, and one part compost to ensure nutrients and proper drainage.

Repotting

Rose Mallow generally needs to be repotted every 1-2 years as they can outgrow their pots. It's best to repot in the spring just before the growing season begins, making sure to choose a pot that's only one size larger than the current one to prevent overwatering.

Humidity & Misting

Rose Mallow thrives best in high humidity levels, ideally between 60% and 70%. To maintain these conditions, especially indoors, use a humidifier or regularly mist the leaves while avoiding the flowers.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Rose Mallow in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity.

• Outdoor

  Grow in full sun to partial shade and protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Hibiscus 'Lohengrin', commonly known as Hardy Hibiscus or Rose Mallow, begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when soil temperatures warm up. Once germinated, the seedling grows rapidly, benefiting from warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight. The Hardy Hibiscus develops into a vegetative state, forming a bushy structure with large, attractive foliage. Following vegetative growth, it enters the blooming phase in mid to late summer, displaying large, showy flowers that can be several inches in diameter. After pollination, often by hummingbirds or insects, the plant sets seed in the form of a capsule containing several seeds. The Hibiscus 'Lohengrin' then either dies back in areas with cold winters, entering a period of dormancy, or it may be an herbaceous perennial, depending on the climate, re-emerging from its root system the following spring to repeat the cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Hibiscus 'Lohengrin', commonly known as the Hardy Hibiscus, is most effectively propagated through softwood cuttings. This method is generally performed in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is still green and flexible. To propagate, a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 centimeters) cutting is taken from a healthy portion of the plant, making sure it includes at least a couple of leaves. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring high humidity and consistent moisture without waterlogging. In this environment, roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new Hibiscus can be gradually acclimated to normal growing conditions.