Hibiscus acetosella has red leaves and the shape of the leaves are like maple leaves. Because of having beautiful leaves, this plant looks stunning in your garden, moreover if they bloom. How to grow, care and propagate Hibiscus acetosella? Here is the information about it.
How to Grow Hibiscus acetosella
This plant is easy to grow from seed. To grow Hibiscus acetosella from seed, you can buy the seed from offline or online stores. When you buy the seed, you may see that the seeds have small prickly hairs. The germination of the seeds occurs easily and the seedlings will grow fast. After you buy the seed, then you are able to sow them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost. You are able to plant outside after the danger of frost has passed.
Growing these hibiscus from seed can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost is predicted, as described on the Outside Pride website. Most gardeners give a recommendation to nick the seeds with a knife and soak overnight in warm water. After that, you are able to sow the seeds into small pots or starter trays by using a well-draining, sterile potting mix. Then, you have to lightly cover and keep it moist, but you have to make sure that you do not make it soggy.
After several weeks, you may see that the seedlings have developed and you find that there are some sets of true leaves with the stems which start to harden and become woody. If so, you can move the plant to bigger pots or to a place which is protected in the garden. For several days, these tender plants must be introduced to the sun gradually. At this point, you are able to use a water soluble fertilizer.For your information, the sowing rate is 2 to 3 seeds per plant and the average time of germination is around 14 to 21 days. You must keep it moist until germination.
Read more: Where to Buy Hibiscus Acetosella Seeds
How to Care Hibiscus acetosella
Now, how to care for Hibiscus acetosella? There are a number of aspects that you have to think about caring for this plant. However, basically the aspects are the same as other plants including light needed, watering, fertilizing, and pruning.
- Light
Hibiscus acetosella can grow best in full sun to partial shade. If you put your Hibiscus in full sun, they will have the best color. But, if the condition is very hot and dry, the plants may need partial shade.
- Watering
Actually, this plant is fairly low maintenance. However, you have to make sure that this plant is moist, but of course don’t let it sit in wet soil. You may need to water them daily. If you let them dry out for long periods, it will make them drop their leaves.
- Fertilizing
You are able to give them fertilizer monthly during the summer. You are able to use any balanced fertilizer. When you give them fertilizer, you have to make sure that you do not overfeed them.
- Pruning
How about pruning? Hibiscus acetosella does not need pruning. However, you are able to prune them with the aim to shape or control the size of the plant. Sometimes, there are some branches which grow fast and long and they will tend to arch and open the center of the plant. If you do some pruning, it will help this plant to maintain a bushy shape. The long branches can also be taken by wind and it will tatter the leaves. You are also able to take small cuttings in the fall to overwinter for next spring.
How to Propagate Hibiscus acetosella
How to propagate Hibiscus acetosella? You are able to propagate Hibiscus acetosella from seed or cuttings. If you want to propagate them from seed, you can sow the seeds 1/4-1/2 inch deep and give them water daily. However, if you prefer to propagate through cuttings, you can take cuttings 8 – 12 inches long and remove most leaves. Then, you have to plant them immediately or put them in a bucket of water. If the roots have developed, you are able to transplant into the ground.
Knowing More About Hibiscus acetosella
Hibiscus acetosella has colorful and ornamental leaves. Their foliages are flashy where they can come in stunning shades of copper and burgundy and the shape looks like maple leaves. If this plant blooms, the beauty of this plant will add.
How big will this plant be? The mature size of Hibiscus acetosella depends on the variety and growing conditions. However, usually they get to about 4 ft (h) x 4-6 ft (w). How about their bloom period? According to the Spruce, throughout the summer, there are sporadic blooms, but the flowers are not very striking. Hibiscus acetosella has leaves which can be ovate or lobed.
How about the flowers? This plant has typical Hibiscus funnel-shaped flowers in yellow and red. The flowers of this plant are incidental. Even some of the newer cultivars d o not flower at all.
How are the USDA hardiness zones? According to the Spruce, the hardiness rating of this plant depends on the variety you are growing. Most of them are only hardy in USDA Zones: 7-11. However, they are able to be overwintered in containers, indoors. Make sure that you give them enough light if you put them indoors. If not, they will go dormant. When you feel that the soil is dry, you have to water it and move the plant into the sun in early spring.
According to the Spruce, here are the best varieties of Hibiscus acetosella to grow.
- Hibiscus ‘Red Shield’
It has iridescent maroon leaves and stems with deep red flowers.
- Hibiscus ‘Panama Red’
It has dark plum foliage and leaves. Specifically, it is bred for hot-humid conditions.
- Hibiscus ‘Panama Bronze’
It has dark green leaves which are tinged with bronze. In full sun, the color is more intense. It is specifically bred for hot-humid conditions.
- Hibiscus ‘Garden Leader Gro Big Red’
It has deep red leaves and burgundy flowers.
