Hibiscus is an attractive, long-flowering shrub valued for its large, stunning blooms that bring a bold and exotic feel to the garden from mid to late summer. Best grown in full sun and sheltered positions with fertile, well-drained soil, it makes a great focal point in a hot-coloured border or tropical planting scheme. More compact varieties will grow well in patio containers. Deciduous and fully hardy once established, Hibiscus is relatively low maintenance, benefitting from a light prune in spring to encourage flowering on new growth. The open, nectar-rich flowers will provide a feast for bees and butterflies adding colour and interest during the height of summer.

How to plant

— Hibiscus are supplied as bare root plants in spring for planting between February and May. Bare roots require rehydration after transit and should be dealt with soon after delivery. If you can't plant on the day of delivery, remove from the packaging and place the root in a bucket of water outside so it can soak. Plant within a week of delivery while fresh and viable.

— Soak the roots in water for 3-6 hours prior to planting. You can plant bare root shrubs directly into a clear space in a border providing the soil is good quality and free drianing. Dig over the area prior to planting, remove weeds and trim/cut back any neighbour established plants which could encroach in its space. Dig a hole large enough to fit the bare root so that the whole root system is fully submerged after planting. The stem and branches should remain above the soil surface after planting. Ensure the hole is the correct depth so that the soil is level with the point at which the roots meet the stem.

— To improve the growing conditions for your new shrub, mix some organic matter like compost or leaf mould into the planting hole. This provides a softer medium which is easier for the new roots to settle into, plus an additional boost of nutrients to help it grow. Avoid adding manure to the planting hole as this can be too rich and damage the young roots. You can however add manure to the soil surface after planting if desired.

— Position the shrub in the hole with the most attractive side facing into the garden. Backfill the hole, firm down and water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

— If your borders have challenging growing conditions/poor soil (heavy clay or light sandy soil) or if the border isn't ready for planting, you can pot up your bare root shrub so it can establish before transferring into a border later in the year. Pot up into a 20-30cm temporary pot using multipurpose or soil based compost. Ensure the roots are fully submerged and the stem is exposed above the soil surface. Water thoroughly and allow it to grow-on in a sheltered position outside. The shrub can be transplanted to a border once growth is established and the plant easily comes out of the pot with the soil held together in a root ball.

— When planting into the garden, choose a position which is in partial shade or has some shade for part of the day, with moist but well-drained soil.

— This shrub is deciduous and will lose its leaves in autumn. It is fully hardy and does not require winter protection.

— Water after planting and continue watering regularly for the first year while the shrub settles in. Once established, watering is only necessary during particularly dry spells.

Aftercare

— Hibiscus is supplied in a dormant state and will not usually have any leaves on arrival. Leaves will emerge in spring by around mid April.

— Keep the surrounding soil consistently slightly moist.

— Young plants need little pruning, only the removal of any dead, damaged or crossing branches to maintain a good shape.

— Mature Hibiscus should be pruned yearly after flowering. Remove congested stems from the centre to improve air flow, and cut long stems down to around two thirds of their height. Stems left to get too long can droop outwards under the weight of the leaves, spoiling the shape of the display.

— Apply a mulch of organic matter in winter or spring, to feed the shrub and retain moisture in the soil.

— If growing in pots, feed with a potash-rich feed every 2-4 weeks throughout the flowering season, or repot in fresh compost each year.

— Stems may die back in autumn or winter after a particularly sharp frost. Cut any blackened stems down to a healthy, outward facing bud in spring.

Read further general instructions about planting bare-root shrubs