How To Stake Hardy Hibiscus

Unlike tropical hibiscus plants, hardy hibiscus can grow even in areas with extreme winter freezing. These plants reach heights from just a few feet tall up to 15 feet. The 6- to 12-inch flowers are bell-shaped and come in pink, red and white. The stem of the hibiscus, though sturdy, is still not always strong enough to support these large flowers. Properly staking the plant keeps it both looking its best as well as preventing the stem from breaking.

Step 1

Space plants 3.5 to 5 feet apart to give them room to grow straight. Overcrowding may lead to curved growth that doesn't support itself well, as well as leading to a higher chance of plant disease from poor air circulation.

Step 2

Choose a stake tall enough to support the maximum height your hibiscus variety may reach. Check the plant label for the height of the plant, and use a plant stake no more than 1 foot shorter than this.

Step 3

Place the stake in the ground behind the hardy hibiscus at the time of planting. Push the stake 10 inches into the ground so it doesn't pull down under the weight of the plant.

Step 4

Tie the hibiscus to the stake every 8 inches at is grows. Use cloth or plastic plant ties wrapped loosely around the stem and the stake. Loop the tie in a figure-eight pattern around the plant and stake, with the crossover of the figure-eight positioned between the stem and stake. This prevents stem damage caused when the plant rubs against the stake.

Drive a plant stake about 1 to 2 feet into the ground right next to the root ball after planting your hibiscus. Above ground, the stake should stand as tall as you want the main stem to grow, between 3 and 5 feet. Continue to cut off shoots on the bottom of the stem as it grows. Tie the stem loosely to the stake about 4 to 6 inches from the bottom, using a strip of pantyhose, soft cloth or plant tie.