Annuals – Hibiscus

Botanical name: hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 8 ft in height and 5 ft in width

Bloom time: spring, summer, fall

Hardy zone: zones 9-11

Flower color: white, yellow, pink, orange, red,

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: can grow 2 ft a year

Pruning instructions: prune in the early spring to contain growth. Always keep 2-4 bud on each branch from the previous growing season

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: commonly used as a taller backdrop for smaller flowering plants

Light needs: at least 6 hours of sunlight a day

Special features: medical benefits

Watering instructions: likes consistently moist soil

Fertilizing instructions : mix a powdery slow-release fertilizer into the soil of the plant once a year in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: loam, sand

Companion plants: butterfly bush, daylily, sweet potato vine

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and mildly toxic for pets if ingested

Invasive species: no