I planted the bare root of the Midnight Marvel hibiscus in May and it was growing really well. It gave out very healthy looking leaves. I wasn't expecting flowers this year anyways. But in that last couple of days - its leaves are looking kind of droopy and sad. I really want this plant to grow well. What could be wrong and how can I fix this? ( photo / image / picture from Tina's Garden ) ( photo / image / picture from Tina's Garden )
Yea, might be kinda hot there. Another thought: check the soil. Is it too wet? They may be getting too much water? Not enough?
I don't think it is too much water. I checked the soil doesn't feel too wet. It rained (just drizzle) a few times the last couple of days, so not sure. Should I put it in the ground? Do you think that will be better?
Hibiscus can be grown in containers... as long as they are large enough. What variety of Hibiscus is it? I'd just move it away from those rocks to see if that makes a difference. And since under stress right now, I don't think this would be a good time to plant it. The extra stress might kill it.
I would go with too much radiant heat from the rock behind it too, the Geranium in the pot is also suffering. Move the pot to a part shade location, maybe morning sun only until they recover. When they recover, put them in separate pots, they both need more room than they are getting in that small pot.
I just went back to your original posting and saw that you had posted it's name (Midnight Marvel hibiscus). I looked it up online and it said it could grow to 5-6 foot. If you're going to keep it in a container... I suggest a big one... like those half whiskey barrels. But, if it's hardy in your zone, being the ground would probably be best... just wait until Spring when it's nice and healthy again. Good luck!It looks/reads like it will be a super gorgeous plant.
Actually the container is pretty big. I took a picture which shows the size. I kept it in a container as I don't have a spot for a shrub in my garden. I hope it lives. I also moved it away from the rock wall. ( photo / image / picture from Tina's Garden )
Tina, Have you watered this plant since you asked this question? it really looks bone dry to me. The geranium is indicative of extreme dehydration. If you haven't, give it a big drink of water. I cut the bottom off of a pop bottle and inserted the other end (minus the cap) into the soil to water my container on the driveway since the water would run right through the soil once it had dried out too much. I just fill it several times a day if I need to to water it slowly.
That looks like a Pelargonium (zonal Geranium) to me, which would be much more like a cactus than a thirsty Hibiscus. If the soil isn't bone dry, it may look like that from rotting.
I have several different varieties of hibiscus plants. They have a very large woody but shallow root system. They do ok in pots but they rock in the ground with lots of compost. Mine get huge every year. They LOVE rotting mulch. Your baby may need more room and less competition. Because they require so much room I would not plant them with any other plant in the same pot. Good luck. I hope your little guy makes it.
Hey everyone, Sorry took a little while to get back to you. Happy to report that the hibiscus and geraniums have recovered after I moved them away from the rocks. Thanks.
That is great news . I have my hibiscus tree right next to the patio block wall and it seems to love it. I water it every day and it seems to be thriving. Come cooler temperatures I will cut it back and put it in the garage before I bring it in the house for winter. Hibiscus... ( photo / image / picture from Sherry8's Garden ) The picture was from last year but it is still thriving.
