Hibiscus habitat

Hibiscus prefer warm, humid and sunny environments, slightly tolerant of semi-shade, with a certain degree of cold tolerance. The soil requirements are not strict, but in fertile, moist, well-drained sandy soil growth is best. Can be planted in the courtyard of the sunny side or the pond, usually more sloppy management, drought, pay attention to watering, every winter or spring in the plant around the ditch to apply some rotted organic fertilizer, fertilizer, timely watering, sealing the soil.

In cold areas of the plant planted in the ground in winter, some shoots will freeze to death, do not have to care about it, and so the spring warming temperatures will have new branches issued. Its pruning after flowering, the tree can be pruned into both tree-like, but also can be pruned into shrub-like, but no matter which type of tree type should be cut to remove the dead branches, weak branches, inner branches, to ensure that the inner canopy has good ventilation and light permeability. Hibiscus can also be planted in pots, potting soil requires loose and fertile, good drainage and air permeability, the growing season to have enough water to meet the needs of growth, winter moved indoors to overwinter, maintaining a temperature of 0 ～ 10 ℃ to ensure that its dormancy.

Morphological features

Hibiscus mutabilis is a deciduous shrub or small tree, more than 1m high. Branches and trunks are densely stellate hairs, and the leaves are alternate, broadly ovoid or rounded-ovate, palmately 3 to 5-lobed, apex pointed or acuminate, and stellate tomentose on both surfaces. Flowers are large, solitary in the leaf axils at the ends of branches, red, pink, white and other colors, flowering period August to October. The capsule is oblate and matures in October and November. In colder areas, withered in the late fall, the following year by the persistent root re-branching buds. Clumps, only about 1m high. Where winter temperatures are high, it can reach 7 to 8m in height and has a diameter of up to 20cm. Leaves large, broadly ovate, 3-5-lobed, lobes triangular, base cordate, leaf margin obtusely serrate, both surfaces hairy. Flowers in the branch end of the leaf axils solitary, white or first light red and then become deep red and red, white heavy, half-white and half-peach red heavy and red and white.

Hibiscus varieties

Common varieties of Hibiscus

White Hibiscus: white flowers

Pink Hibiscus: pink flowers

Red Hibiscus: large red flowers, large heavy petals, similar to peonies

Yellow Hibiscus: also known as the yellow mold, yellow flowers, bell-shaped, dark purple core, large heavy petals, similar to peonies, is a rare species

Drunken Hibiscus: Also known as "three drunken hibiscus", white flowers early in the morning, the flowers turn peach at noon, and then turn crimson in the evening, as a rare and valuable varieties.

Hibiscus flower application value

1, ornamental value. Hibiscus flowers in late autumn, long flowering period, flowering exuberance, many varieties, its flower color, flower type with different varieties have rich changes, is a very good species of flowers. Because of the large and colorful flowers, China since ancient times in the garden planting, can be planted alone, clump planted in the wall, roadside, in front of the hall and other places. Particularly suitable for planting waterfront, when in bloom, waves of light and flower shadow, reflecting the yi yan, enchanting, so there is a "water hibiscus," the name. In addition, planted in courtyards, slopes, roadsides, forest edges and buildings before, or planted as a hedge, are very suitable. In the cold north can also be potted ornamental.

2, industrial use. Stem skin contains 39% cellulose, stem skin fiber is flexible and water-resistant, can be used as cable and textile raw materials, can also make paper.

3, medicinal value. Hibiscus flowers, leaves, roots rich in flavonoids sound, chrysin, inulin, phenols, reducing sugar and other pharmaceutical ingredients, can be used as medicine. It can clear away heat and detoxify the toxin, reduce swelling and expel pus, cool the blood and stop bleeding. It can be used for coughing, excessive menstruation, leucorrhea, external treatment of carbuncle sores, mastitis, lymphadenitis, mumps, burns, snake bites, bruises. The famous "Jade Dew San" and "Hibiscus Oil" are made from the flowers and leaves of Hibiscus mutabilis.