Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

How to Grow a Hibiscus Privacy Hedge

...
Hibiscus image by Cédric FROEHLICH from Fotolia.com

The hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L) is an evergreen tropical shrub that produces an abundance of year-round blossoms in a wide variety of colors. Hibiscus flowers are relatively short-lived, and most will only last on the shrub for a day. The plant is native to China, but was introduced to Florida through the South Pacific by way of Hawaii according to the University of Florida. The shrubs' ease-of-growth makes it an ideal privacy hedge that can easily attain a height of 15 feet. It can also be heavily pruned each spring to maintain the hedge's height and shape with no adverse affects to the plant.

...
hibiscus image by Christophe Fouquin from Fotolia.com

Apply a 15-5-15 fertilizer to the planting location one week prior to planting the hibiscus shrubs. Apply 1/2 pound per 100 square feet. Work into the soil and water thoroughly. Choose a sunny location.

  • The hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L) is an evergreen tropical shrub that produces an abundance of year-round blossoms in a wide variety of colors.
  • Apply a 15-5-15 fertilizer to the planting location one week prior to planting the hibiscus shrubs.

Space each hibiscus shrub 4 feet apart for the ideal hedge. Dig the hole 1 foot wider then the hibiscus shrub's root ball. Plant at the same level as the shrub was planted at in the nursery. Tamp the soil down to remove any excess air pockets around the shrub's root system. Water the shrub thoroughly.

Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch such at peat moss, bark chips, leaf debris or sawdust around the hedge to keep weed growth at bay and maintain a moist soil environment. Keep the hibiscus moist once planted, but not water-logged.

  • Space each hibiscus shrub 4 feet apart for the ideal hedge.
  • Dig the hole 1 foot wider then the hibiscus shrub's root ball.

Apply a 15-5-15 fertilizer once the shrubs begin to show growth. Apply 1/2 oz. per shrub. Sprinkle around the base and water thoroughly. Fertilize again in the mid-winter and then again in the spring.

Prune the hedge in the early spring. Flowers grow on new growth, so it is best to prune in February or March, prior to the new growth's arrival.

  • Apply a 15-5-15 fertilizer once the shrubs begin to show growth.
  • Flowers grow on new growth, so it is best to prune in February or March, prior to the new growth's arrival.

Tip

When the hibiscus shrub is young, it may require staking to maintain an upright habit and provide protection from heavy wind. Insert stakes into the ground and lightly tie the hibiscus using nylon rope.

Warning

Hibiscus shrubs can be afflicted by aphids, spider mites, thrips and whiteflies. These pests can easily be controlled before extensive damage is done using contact or systemic pesticides recommended for the type of bug that is causing the infestation. There are also organic means to control the insects.

Related Articles

How to Troubleshoot White Powder on Shrubs
How to Troubleshoot White Powder on Shrubs
How to Care for Hibiscus Plants Indoors
How to Care for Hibiscus Plants Indoors
Hibiscus Care Instructions
Hibiscus Care Instructions
How to Care for Ixora Shrubs
How to Care for Ixora Shrubs
How to Plant and Care for Pyracanthas
How to Plant and Care for Pyracanthas
How to Grow Forsythia for Privacy Hedges
How to Grow Forsythia for Privacy Hedges
How to Feed Gardenias
How to Feed Gardenias
How to Care for a Butterfly Bush
How to Care for a Butterfly Bush
Examples of Bush or Shrub Plants
Examples of Bush or Shrub Plants
How to Treat Scale Insects on Shrubs
How to Treat Scale Insects on Shrubs
Fertilizing Hedges
Fertilizing Hedges
My Hibscus Leaves Are Turning Yellow & Curling Up
My Hibscus Leaves Are Turning Yellow & Curling Up
Garden Guides
×