Hibiscus plants are incredibly popular for a good reason. These common garden plants are very stunning to look at, and people just love how big the flowers can get.
When you’re growing one, you likely want it to get as big as it can. If you take care of it well, it should be able to grow to quite an impressive size.
However, not everyone is sure how quickly hibiscus plants are supposed to grow. Are these plants very fast growers or do they take a while to really get big?
Keep reading to get all of the information that you need about these plants and their growth rate. It should help you to get the best results while taking care of your plant.
All Hibiscus Plants Will Grow Fairly Quickly
All hibiscus plants are supposed to grow pretty quickly, but it’s important to keep in mind that the growth rates vary. There are actually different types of hibiscus plants out there, and which type you’re raising will impact the growth rate.
Some of these plants have incredibly fast growth rates, but others will only enjoy solid medium growth rates. Either way, you can rest assured that hibiscus plants aren’t supposed to be slow-growing plants.
If your hibiscus isn’t growing as fast as you’d expect it to, you might be doing something wrong. There are situations where hibiscus plants will grow more slowly due to a lack of sunlight.
For example, you could have chosen to plant it in partial shade, and this will lead to various issues. A hibiscus can survive and do okay in partial shade, but you might not be able to enjoy as much flowering this way.
Hibiscus plants are also going to grow much more slowly in partial shade than they would in full sunlight. Full sunlight is the recommended way to go for these plants so that they can grow strong.
The only caveat to this is that non-tropical hibiscus plants might have issues with extreme heat. If you live in a very hot climate, you might need to shade your plants during the hottest parts of the day during the summer months.
This isn’t necessarily a typical problem, but it is something to keep in mind. Those who live in certain parts of the southern United States might need to be careful, but most people will be fine just keeping hibiscus plants in full sun.
Tropical Hibiscus Growth Rates
Tropical hibiscus growth rates are very impressive overall. A tropical hibiscus has the potential to reach heights between seven and twelve feet in just three years.
These are evergreen plants that can bloom throughout the year under the right conditions. If you live in the right climate to plant tropical hibiscus plants, you’ll find that they will grow very quickly for you.
Anyone who wants to have a big, bold plant with beautiful flowers will enjoy having these plants. They’ll turn into deciduous plants when the temperatures dip below fifty degrees Fahrenheit, though, and it’s important to keep in mind that they aren’t suitable for all climates.
Rose of Sharon
Rose of Sharon is one of the most common and beloved types of hibiscus plants in the United States. This type has a bit of a slower growth rate, but it should have a moderate growth rate if you’re caring for it well.
A Rose of Sharon plant can grow to a height of eight to twelve feet over time with the proper care. It can spread out about four to ten feet once it is mature as well.
To get this plant to grow well, it’s going to be necessary to give it soil that drains very well. It’s a bit drought-tolerant, and this means that you’ll likely want to be careful not to water it too much.
Potted Hibiscus Plants
Potted hibiscus plants have a moderate growth rate and they grow pretty well over the summer months. It’s possible that a plant could grow a few feet during the summer under ideal conditions.
These types of hibiscus grow best in containers or planters, but they don’t do as well when planted directly in the soil. They can still grow in direct soil, but you might experience some slowdown in the growth rates.
Placing plants such as this in a bright window should allow them to bloom pretty well. It won’t grow as much with only indoor light, but it’s going to thrive and grow during the summer months when it can be placed on a patio.
Rose Mallow
The rose mallow is a type of hibiscus shrub that is common in the United States. These plants have the potential to grow between three and eight feet tall.
They’re perennial hybrids that are found naturally in marshy areas of the southeastern United States. The plants can bloom throughout the summer and into the early autumn months.
These are actually very fast growers, and they’ll reach their full height potential in one season. It’s even possible for these to flower in the first year when they’re grown from seed.
Fertilizer Can Help
As you might expect, fertilizer can help to encourage growth if you use it properly. It’s recommended to use a good liquid fertilizer that will allow you to distribute it evenly through the soil.
Finding soil that is high in potassium will be a good thing based on the needs of hibiscus plants. Try to avoid using fertilizers that utilize phosphorus because that mineral can be deadly to them.
Some experts say that it’s a good idea to fertilize your hibiscus plants often, but to do so lightly. It helps you to keep from using too much fertilizer.
Using a slow-release fertilizer up to four times a year can also work pretty nicely. Having a good fertilizer should help to encourage the plants to grow as quickly as they can.
Do Your Best to Care for Your Hibiscus Plants
Hibiscus plants are certainly a sight to behold, and you’ll love having them in your yard no matter which type you decided to go for. These plants add a significant amount of visual pizzazz to a property, and it’s nice to know that they grow fairly quickly.
Most are very fast growers, and they can grow to impressive heights in many instances. Some of the tallest hibiscus plants out there can grow as tall as twelve feet, and you’ll love having such an aesthetically pleasing plant to enjoy.
So long as you give them the right light conditions, it’s going to be possible to help them grow tall. You do need to pay attention to the soil and the watering conditions as well, but that shouldn’t be too hard at all.
If you wish to give your plants a bit of extra encouragement to grow strong, using some fertilizer can help to move things along. Overall, it doesn’t take much to coax these plants into growing nice and tall.
Now you know everything that you need to know about hibiscus plants and how fast they grow. Hopefully, you’ll be able to grow a tall and beautiful one that’ll live up to your expectations.
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.
Teya
Tuesday 24th of January 2023
Helpful info Lisa, thanks so much!