The cranberry hibiscus which is also
known as Hibiscus acetosella is an African native plant that produces deep red
to burgundy, maple like leaves that thrive in warm temperatures. Any gardener
who actually loves plants with striking color may find himself drawn to the plant.
On the cranberry hibiscus plant, reddish-purple, trumpet shaped, 2-inch wide
flowers appear in late fall and then last through the winter. The cranberry
hibiscus is known also as false roselle, red leaf hibiscus or maroon mallow, the
plant actually grows best in full sun and fertile, fast-draining soil. The
plant is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones nine through eleven. The plant
also grows quickly and requires spacing of about six to ten feet.
How to Grow Cranberry Hibiscus
Step one: Water the cranberry
hibiscus plant when the top two to three inches of soil becomes dry. Also water
the surrounding soil to a depth of about eight to ten inches using a garden
hose. Don’t ever allow the soil to become soggy. Make sure you check the plant
periodically for signs of wilting stems or leaves when temperatures reach ninety
degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Make sure you water the cranberry hibiscus plant immediately
if you discover drooping foliage.
Step two: You can fertilize the
cranberry hibiscus plant in the spring, once after the first flush of new
growth appears. You can easily apply a 10-30-10 nitrogen, phosphorous,
potassium slow-release fertilizer at a rate of about one tablespoon per square
foot of the soil. Make sure you spread the fertilizer in a band just outside
the perimeter of the shrub. Mix the granules into the top one to three inches
of the soil using a rake. You have to water the area thoroughly. You can fertilize
the cranberry hibiscus plant every 4 months during their growing season.
Step three: Spread a one to three inch
layer of mulch around the base of the cranberry hibiscus plant using a rake. Make
sure you keep the mulch four inches away from the shrub's trunk.
Step four: Prune the cranberry
hibiscus plant 2 to 3 times during their growing season in other to keep its
size under control. You can easily cut out any dead, damaged or diseased stems of
the plant using a pair of pruning shears. Make each cut at a forty-five degree
angle, ¼ inch above a leaf bud, growth node or lateral stem. You can cut back
any straggly or extremely vigorous stems of the plant in other to shape the
plant into a pleasing rounded habit. Also gather all the fallen leaves and the
removed branches and then place them in a plastic garbage bag for transport.
Collecting the plant material will actually help to prevent the spread of
unwanted seeds, which will start growing in your landscape if they come in
contact with the soil. You can also discard the removed plant material in a
trashcan or on top of a compost heap.
Step five: Always examine the cranberry
hibiscus plant's leaves each time you water, you need to look for signs of
insect damage such as holes and discoloration. Also watch for miniature webs, a
sign of spider mites, or tiny, green to brown aphids. You can easily spray a
steady stream of water on the infested leaves to wash away the insects. You can
treat large infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure you remove
any damaged foliage or stems.
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