The other name for Hibiscus is “the Rose of Chine”. It belongs to the Malvaceae family. Hibiscus is a flowering plant which can be grown in the home garden and which blooms almost all through the year. The flowers of the Hibiscus are large and colorful and they are cultivated in warm countries as well as the tropics. The hibiscus comes in different sizes. The normal height of a hibiscus plant is   12 to 18 inches, but if they are not cut they can grow as high as 5 feet. The Hibiscus flowers do not have any distinctive fragrance. There are about 200 different varieties of Hibiscus. The Hibiscus also includes types of plants, trees and shrubs which are either perennial or annual. Among all the varieties of Hibiscus the ones that are very popular are Rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) and Scarlet Rose mallow (Hibiscus coccineus). The Hibiscus plant has alternative leaves and the flowers can range from white to bright red.

The place where the Hibiscus plant will be planted should have a source of steady water, good drainage and where the sun can reach at its fullest. Apart from that the soil needs to be fertile and a bit alkaline. Hibiscus is such a flower which can bloom all throughout from late spring to early winter so if there is any exhibition of cut flowers it can also be done in the home garden indoors. If Hibiscus of different species is planted in the entire garden the whole Home garden brightens up due to the unique look and vibrant color of each flower. Hibiscus plants are often used in garden landscapes to create informal hedges or highlight the borders. As Hibiscus come in different varieties there are small plants also which can be grown in a flower pot indoors in a home garden as well as trees which are 6 – 8 ft tall.

Apart from decorative value Hibiscus has medicinal value also. It is used for hair care through natural shampoos and as food product. The flowers are edible thus they are used in salads and as a primary ingredient in herbal teas. Hibiscus also provides nectar to the humming birds which visit the home garden. The Hibiscus flower is the pride of Malaysia as it is the National Flower of Malaysia. Hawaii has also earned the name of being the world centre for evolving lovely varieties of Hibiscus through hybridization.

In order to plant the Hibiscus a hole needs to be dug which is double the size of the root ball. The plant needs to be kept in the centre and covered.  In order to remove any air that may have been captured around the roots it needs to be watered properly. If the soil is fertile than very little or no fertilizer is required.  In order to help the plant retain its moisture mulch has to be given on the base of the plant, but about 3 inches away from the trunk.

Hibiscus face typical problems like bud drop, white fly, mealy bugs, spider mites, ants, alphids and yellow leaves. The problem of bud drop is due to extreme to extreme difference on the temperatures of night and day, insufficient light and drafts. The spider mites latch on the under-sides of the leaves. Due to the spider mites the leaves develop white or brown spots and ultimately wither and fall off. Spider mites can be fought by removing the infested leaves and spraying it with insecticides. The tip of the shoots and buds are generally infested by alphids which causes stunted growth and uneven curly leaves and finally the yellow leaves are caused by the root being damaged, lack of water or use of excessive fertilizers. Pruning of the Hibiscus plant should be done in order to encourage growth the next season and should be protected during the winter months from ice and strong chilly winds.