Hibiscus as a tree

[NaturalBeauty_35]

Yes, hibiscus can be grown as a tree. They can be found growing all over the place in the US Virgin Islands. They're one of our native plants here in the Virgin Islands. They come in many different colors and can grow very tall. I want I love about hibiscus trees, it attracts hummingbirds.

Here is a picture of a Hibiscus tree that is grown on the side of my house.

Here is another one that I recently planted in front of my house. This type only grows about 3-5 ft tall the most.

 

[lemonzest]

Oh wow, those are gorgeous. I had no idea they grew quite that large! The tallest I had previously seen were only maybe five foot tall.

 

[claudine]

NaturalBeauty_35, both of your hibiscuses are stunning. The one in the first picture seems giant, I love it! I want to have a plant like this in my garden, too
I've never been to the US Virgin Islands, it sounds like a lovely place.

 

[NaturalBeauty_35]

Oh wow, those are gorgeous. I had no idea they grew quite that large! The tallest I had previously seen were only maybe five foot tall.

Thank you!!!

Yes, they can get very tall. But most likely the tropical ones do. They're different types of hibiscus species. Tropical hibiscus can grow up to 10-15 ft tall, depending on the climate. Recently, I have read in Hawaii they can grow up to 30 ft tall. Now that's huge!!!

 

[lemonzest]

That makes sense, the ones I was used to were probably varieties better suited to a Mediterranean climate. They were very pretty and quite lush, but mostly used as hedges rather than trees or shrubs. I remember being impressed by the varieties I saw in Honolulu, although I didn't notice any giants

 

[NaturalBeauty_35]

NaturalBeauty_35, both of your hibiscuses are stunning. The one in the first picture seems giant, I love it! I want to have a plant like this in my garden, too. I've never been to the US Virgin Islands, it sounds like a lovely place.

Thank you, Claudine.

Yes, the US Virgin Islands is a lovely place indeed. We have all types of hibiscus and different colors too. My favorite color is the yellow and pink hibiscus flowers. The colors combined together is so attractive but I haven't grown that one yet. But, I am planning to.

 

[claudine]

Oh, I've never seen a yellow hibiscus in real life, it sounds like a really pretty plant!
I live in Poland, so growing it here would be difficult, I think. Polish winters can be really cold sometimes

 

[Allison]

Those are beautiful! We had some trees like that in the yard where I grew up. They are also commonly called Rose of Sharon here. They are a much hardier variety than the typical tropical hibiscus. I love them!

I have a Rose of Sharon tree. I still do not understand why my tree only begins to bloom in September. I love the colors.

 

[gata montes]

I have a Rose of Sharon tree. I still do not understand why my tree only begins to bloom in September. I love the colors.

Not all varieties of Hibiscus flower throughout the summer months and The Rose of Sharon Tree like the one you have - is one that doesn't - as it only blooms on new growth - which is normally around August/September and is the reason why yours only blooms in September

 

[LouisFerdinand]

https://flic.kr/p/c75HHy

 

[Nasir]

I love hibiscus but don't really have a place for a hedge. Recently I saw a thing about using it as a standard instead.

Has anyone here tried this? Is it difficult to do?

Yes, hibiscus can be grown as a standard, also known as a "tree hibiscus". This involves training the plant to grow with a single trunk and a rounded, bushy top, which can look beautiful and unique in a garden or in a container on a patio or balcony.
To grow a hibiscus standard, you'll need to start with a young plant with a single stem. Choose a healthy, well-branched plant and remove all of the side shoots, leaving only the topmost leaves. As the plant grows, prune away any new shoots that emerge from the base of the plant, as well as any branches that grow from the trunk below the desired height of the crown.
You can also use a stake or a bamboo pole to support the stem and encourage it to grow straight. As the stem grows taller, tie it to the stake or pole with soft garden twine to keep it upright. Once the stem reaches the desired height, pinch out the growing tip to encourage branching at the top. As the plant continues to grow, pinch out the tips of the new branches to encourage bushiness.
Hibiscus standards prefer a sunny location with well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. They should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather, and fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Overall, growing a hibiscus standard can be a fun and rewarding project for gardeners of all levels. With a bit of patience and attention, you can create a beautiful and unique addition to your garden or outdoor living space.