How to Grow White Hibiscus

Outdoor Growing

• 1

  Find an area in your yard with full sun exposure and wind protection. A wall or fence may offer protection.

• 2

  Remove weeds and other vegetation in a 3-foot diameter circle. White hibiscus does better with little or no competition for nutrients or moisture in its growing area. Amend the soil with 3 inches of compost.

• 3

  Dig a hole with a shovel or spade twice as deep and wide as white hibiscus’ root ball. Loosen the hole’s sides and bottom with the shovel’s edge. This helps the roots penetrate beyond the hole.

• 4

  Push some of the amended soil into the hole until it is an inch over half full. Insert the root ball into the hole’s center. Make sure the root ball’s top is a half-inch higher than the ground. When it is, finish filling in the hole and tamp the soil in place with your hands. As the ground settles beneath the root ball, it becomes level with the ground.

• 5

  Water the white hibiscus thoroughly. Turn the water on to a slow flow and allow it to run until the ground is wet to a depth of 2 feet. Once or twice a week, check the soil for moisture. Stick your finger into the ground to your second knuckle. If the soil feels dry, water it deeply.

• 6

  Place a 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch around the white hibiscus. The mulch helps the soil retain moisture and prevents weeds from growing.

• 7

  Fertilize the hibiscus with hibiscus fertilizer.

• 8

  Prune the white hibiscus only if needed during the months of August to October. Cut back the main branches by a third and remove dead branches. Pruning makes the plant bushier, but it also pushes back the first blooming season by two or more months.

• 9

  Inspect the hibiscus for spider mites and aphids. If you find these pests, spray the leaves of the white hibiscus with the sprayer nozzle on your hose. Make sure that the pressure is not so rough that it tears the leaves or damages the plant.

Growing White HIbiscus Indoors

• 10

  Place the pot in a south- or west-facing window. White hibiscus must receive adequate sunlight during the winter months. If you don’t have much sunlight, use grow lights, keeping the top of the plant at least 4 to 5 inches away from the lights.

• 11

  Water the white hibiscus with warm water. Feel the soil with your finger. If the top inch feels dry, give it some water. Do not allow the pot to stand in water after watering.

• 12

  Feed the white hibiscus during the months of March through October with a water-soluble hibiscus fertilizer.

• 13

  Inspect the hibiscus for pests, especially for spider mites and aphids. If you find these pests, spray the plant with insecticidal soap.

• 14

  Prune the white hibiscus only if needed and only during August to October. Cut back the main branches by a third and remove any dead branches. This cutting back make the white hibiscus bushier and delays the blooming season. It puts it off by at least two months.