Propagating Hibiscus Made Easy: Do It Before Fall

The Ultimate Guide to Propagating Hibiscus

Hibiscus are ideal plants to add to your garden. Their vibrant, colorful blossoms add excitement and curb appeal while also attracting hummingbirds, butterflies, bees, and other helpful pollinators. Hibiscus is an easy plant to propagate, meaning you can multiply your plants at no cost.

There are more than 200 varieties in the Hibiscus genus, and some are easier to successfully propagate than others. For that reason, it’s important to identify which variety of hibiscus you’re working with before setting out to propagate—some can only be propagated from cuttings while others are easier to grow from seed.

Types of Hibiscus

There are two main groups of hibiscus. While hibiscus flowers might look tropical—and many varieties thrive in tropical climates—there are countless other hibiscus varieties that grow well in temperate climates. All hibiscus plants do best when planted in a spot that receives full sun.

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Tropical Hibiscus

Tropical hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), as the name suggests, is native to tropical climates in Asia and produces dramatic, vibrant flowers that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter with protruding stamens. This shrub is fast-growing and thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-12, where it can stay alive and green year-round.

While it is possible to grow them from seed, tropical hibiscus plants are slow-growing when planted from seed and are best propagated from cuttings.

Hardy Hibiscus

Hardy hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) are bred to tolerate colder temperatures. These cold-hardy varieties are also known as “perennial hibiscus” because they will grow back every year. They thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.

The best way to propagate hardy hibiscus is by division or stem cuttings. While both tropical and hardy hibiscus can be propagated by seed, generally only hardy hibiscus is propagated using this method, as they are easier to germinate. If you plant seeds from your hibiscus plant, beware that the seeds may not grow true to type.

How to Propagate Hibiscus From Cuttings

Propagating hibiscus using cuttings guarantees the new plant will be exactly the same as the parent. The best time to propagate hibiscus using soft-stem cuttings is during the warmer months—in late spring or early summer after the plant has begun active growth for the season.

Steps to Successfully Propagate Hibiscus Plants Using Cuttings:

1. Disinfect Pruning Shears: To avoid spreading diseases and pests, disinfect your pruning shears with rubbing alcohol and a clean rag.
2. Select Healthy Stems: Choose a stem (or multiple stems) for cutting, looking for new growth—a sign that it’s healthy. Select stems with smooth, green growth that’s at least 4 to 6 inches long.
3. Make the Cut: Using your clean, sharp pruning shears, cut the green stems, making sure they are at least 4 to 6 inches long. Carefully store them in a clean container.
4. Remove Lower Leaves: To help improve oxygen levels as the plants put down roots, remove all but the top set of leaves on the stem cutting. Gently snip all of the leaves off with pruning shears, leaving two to three leaves at the top. Avoid pulling the leaves off with your fingers or hands, as it can damage the fibers in the stems and affect the success of the propagation.
5. Apply Rooting Hormone: Using pruning shears, make a diagonal cut at the bottom of the stem at a 45-degree angle. Dip the end in rooting hormone to encourage new growth.
6. Plant the Cutting: Place the new cutting(s) in a pot of well-draining soil that’s half potting soil and half perlite. Moisten the soil with water. Using your finger or a pencil, push a hole in the dirt in which you plan to place the cutting. This step is important to ensure you create space for the cutting to be placed without pushing off any of the rooting hormone.
7. Cover and Maintain Moisture: Cover the cuttings with a clear plastic bag, but make sure it does not touch the leaves. Bagging the cutting helps preserve moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for the cutting to establish new roots.
8. Provide Indirect Sunlight: Place the newly-planted cuttings in indirect sunlight and mist with water every day to keep the soil moist. Once the cuttings are actively growing, you can repot them in a larger container.

How to Grow Hibiscus From Seeds

Both tropical and hardy hibiscus varieties can be propagated by seed. However, this is generally only recommended for hardy hibiscus, as they are easier to germinate.

Steps for Growing Hibiscus From Seeds:

1. Start Indoors: Begin hibiscus seeds indoors about 10 to 14 weeks before the last spring frost.
2. Prepare Seeds: Before planting any hibiscus seeds, start by nicking or sanding the seeds using fine-grade sandpaper or the tip of a knife. This will allow moisture to enter the seed.
3. Soak Seeds: Soak hibiscus seeds in room-temperature water for at least eight hours or overnight to boost the germination rate.
4. Sow Seeds: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist soil that’s kept at 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Provide Sunlight: Seedlings should emerge in 14 to 21 days. When they do, place them in full sun, such as a sunny window.
6. Transplant Seedlings: Once the seedlings have two pairs of leaves, transplant them into a larger container. Be sure to harden off the seedlings before transferring them to your garden.

Tips for Successful Hibiscus Propagation

• For the greatest success, hibiscus is best propagated from cuttings.
• Take Multiple Cuttings: Tropical hibiscus cultivars have a lower success rate than hardy hibiscus varieties, so take multiple cuttings to increase your chances.
• Ensure Well-Draining Soil: Make sure you plant hibiscus cuttings in well-draining soil.
• Use Rooting Hormone: Use rooting hormone to increase a cutting’s chance of growing roots.
• Be Patient: Remember: patience and persistence are key when propagating hibiscus plants.

FAQ

Can I grow hibiscus from flowers?

It is possible to grow hibiscus plants from seeds that came from a flower. However, growing a new hibiscus plant is easier when propagating from cuttings.

Do hibiscus spread?

Sun-loving hibiscus like to spread out to capture as much sunlight as they can. Some hibiscus can be invasive and especially aggressive growers, including the rose of Sharon, which can self-seed and lead to unwanted spread.

Do hibiscus grow better in pots or in the ground?

Hibiscus can grow in both pots and in the ground. Smaller varieties will thrive in pots or the ground, whereas larger cultivars will do better when planted in the ground.