Plant Care Guides / Outdoor & Coastal / Large shrubs and feature plants
Exotic (tropical hybrids) | Moderate Care | Large shrubs and feature plants
Hibiscus hybrids bring big, bold, tropical colour to a coastal garden. The flowers are unmistakable: large, showy, often dinner-plate sized in shades of red, salmon, orange, pink and yellow, each lasting just a day before being replaced by the next.
They flower prolifically through the warm months and are a real feature in a sunny garden bed or large container. They handle coastal conditions reasonably well, including some salt and wind, though they are happier in a sheltered, sunny spot than a fully exposed one. They are not as drought-hardy as the indigenous options on this list, and they need more feeding and attention, which is why they sit in the moderate category.
1.5 to 3 m, depending on variety.
Moderate to fast in warm weather.
Feature shrub, colour bed, large container, poolside, courtyard. Best in a sheltered, sunny position.
Full sun. They need at least six hours of direct sun for the best flowering.
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost. They are hungrier than most indigenous shrubs and need good soil to perform.
Water regularly through the growing season. They are not drought-tolerant and will drop buds and leaves if they dry out. Reduce watering in winter but do not let the soil dry out completely.
Feed every two to three weeks through spring and summer with a balanced fertiliser or a specialised flowering fertiliser. They are heavy feeders and reward you with more flowers the better you feed them.
Prune in late winter or early spring, cutting back by about a third to encourage bushy new growth and heavy flowering. Remove dead wood and any crossing branches. Pinch tips on young plants to promote branching.
Ask about availability. WhatsApp us to check what is currently in stock, or visit the nursery and we will help you choose the right plant for your spot.
