Ibisco Cinese

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Malvaceae

Order

Malvales

Genus

Hibiscus

Species

syriacus

Description

A small deciduous shrub or tree with a dense, compact crown dotted with elegant flowers featuring a prominent stamen column, a bell-shaped corolla and petals in varying shades of colour depending on the variety. It adapts to a range of soil and climate conditions, though it prefers a position in full sun. Suitable for adding a distinctive ornamental touch to gardens and parks as well as terraces and balconies, whether as a single specimen, in groups or in combination with other plants.

Variety description

A small tree which, in the wild, is more commonly found as a shrub but takes on the form of a tree when mature. Available from nurseries as a tree with a neat, compact crown. It has dense branching and produces abundant, prolonged flowering during the summer. Neat habit with a fan-shaped crown; the leaves are a deep green, turning yellow in autumn. Highly adaptable to various soil types and growing conditions, including urban environments. Requires a sunny position, but tolerates partially shaded areas. It develops a deep root system with numerous secondary roots; it prefers clayey and sandy soils, but grows well in all soil types. A small but versatile tree, suitable for parkland, small urban avenues, gardens and roof gardens. It has good drought tolerance and adapts well to coastal areas. It is resistant to pathogens and does not require frequent pruning; any pruning should be aimed at maintaining its shape whilst respecting the architecture of the crown.

Curiosities and special features

Hibiscus syriacus is the national flower of South Korea.

Origin and distribution

A species native to southern China and Taiwan; it is now naturalised in Europe, where it is found in a variety of cultivars that differ in flower size and the colour of the petals.

Leaf

The leaves have a lobed lamina, smooth on the upper page and sometimes pubescent along the veins of the lower page.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, deep green turning to yellow in autumn.

Plant height

The height of the plant ranges from 1 to 8 metres, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Lifespan

Polyennial deciduous plant.

Where to plant

Extremely versatile in its use, it is ideal for adding a unique decorative touch to flowerbeds, central reservation flowerbeds, planters, gardens and parks, large flowerbeds and roundabouts, large pots, open ground and outdoor planters.

Stem

The stem is woody with greyish wrinkled bark with longitudinal stripes.

Flower

It flowers from late spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 20 and 40 days.

Growth

A plant withmedium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect with fan-shaped, compact and regular foliage.

Branching

Its profuse branching results in a high density of foliage and flowers, creating a highly ornamental display.

PH

It prefers a soil or substrate pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in early spring, choose the most suitable location, taking into account the plant’s requirements, and use a spade to dig a planting hole at least one-third larger than the volume of the roots or root ball, removing any weeds and large stones. Add organic matter and apply organic or granular chemical fertiliser specifically formulated for ornamental plants to provide a base dressing, ensuring the plant has the nutrients it needs during the early stages after transplanting.

Sun exposure

It prefers full sun exposures for better flowering.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 10 and 30 °C for optimal growth and abundant flowering.

Use

Owing to its size and showy blooms, it is used as a plant in:

Outdoor ornamental settings Outdoor landscape design Landscaping

Hardiness

A plant of moderate hardiness.

Soil

It adapts to a variety of soil conditions; however, the ideal soil for the hibiscus to thrive is of medium texture, light and well-draining. For pots and planters, use a substrate based on peat and perlite – new and of high professional quality.

Difficulty

Following proper establishment in the new planting site, hibiscus cultivation is easy with a low level of management effort required.

Growing tips

Some useful tips and specific cultivation practices forHibiscus syriacus:

Balanced fertilisation Avoid overwatering Prefers a warm, humid climate Exposure to direct sunlight Proper pruning

Planting

Place the plant in the planting hole with the root collar above ground level. Plant in potting compost or loose, light soil to encourage root development; also, firm the soil around the root collar and water thoroughly without allowing water to pool. Finally, apply mulch at the base of the plant to reduce weeds and root competition. Ensure that transplanting is carried out when the soil is at the right consistency – never too dry or too wet.

Pruning

At the end of winter, train the plant by pruning it in line with its growth and repot it into pots appropriate to its size.

Propagation

Propagation is by semi-woody cuttings, layering and grafting.

Repotting

If the plant shows stunted growth, repot in early spring in pots or planters of a size proportionate to the development of the roots and foliage.

Watering

Allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly between one watering and the next, preventing both dryness and waterlogging. Reduce watering in winter.

Fertilising

When preparing the soil for transplanting, do a background fertilisation by burying slow-release balanced fertiliser for ornamental flowering plants. Following the transplanting to the new planting site, carry out regular fertilisation during the spring-summer period with specific liquid fertiliser, to be diluted in the irrigation water, or granular fertiliser, to be applied to the soil or wet substrate.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible ornamental Species.

Tip

In the final phase, reduce all cultivation operations except weeding and relief irrigation. Keep the soil free and clean to favour the timing of operations. Carry out minor pruning to remove dried or broken parts.