Syrian hibiscus , commonly referred to as garden hibiscus, is eagerly planted in gardens due to its magnificent and colorful flowers that develop in late summer. Interest is intensified by interestingvarieties of Syrian ketmiawith different colors. See what thecultivation of ketmialooks like, how to properly prune this shrub, and how to makebreeding of ketmiain your own garden.
Hibiscus syriacus
Fig. pixabay.com
Hibiscus syriacus (Hibiscus syriacus) is a stiffly erect, slow-growing shrub reaching up to 1.5-2 m in height.Hibiscus leaves are seasonal , appearing late in spring, turning yellow in autumn.The flowers of the Syrian ketmiaare very impressive, sometimes even up to 12 cm in diameter. They are somewhat similar to mallow flowers and appear on shrubs from June to August.
No wild species has been cultivated for a long time, but selectedlarge-flowered varieties of Syrian ketmia , the color range of which ranges from pure white, through pink, red to dark purple. Hibiscus varieties, in addition to the multitude of colors, also differ in the form of flowers, which can be full or single. In the table below we have collectedthe most popular varieties of Syrian ketmiaavailable for cultivation in Poland.
It is worth knowing thatSyrian hibiscus, also referred to as garden hibiscus , is sometimes confused with a plant called Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), i.e.home hibiscus. This species does not tolerate frosts and can only be grown indoors, in a pot. Thereforewhen choosing a variety of hibiscus for the garden, pay attention not to make a mistake and not to buy hibiscus homeIn garden cultivation, another species of hibiscus is popular, known as swamp hibiscus ( Hibiscus moscheutos) or perennial hibiscus. It differs from Syrian kemia in that it is a perennial, not a shrub.
Syrian hibiscus - cultivation
Growing Syrian Hibiscus is best done in a sheltered place with plenty of sunlight.This plant prefers well-drained, alkaline soils. One can come across the opinion that ketmias have bad wintering and that garden cultivation has a chance of success only in frost resistance zone 6B and warmer. However, when we provide the plant with a suitable position and cover for the winter, the hibiscus will pay off with beautiful flowers. It is good to cover it with an agrotextile hood, and a mound of e.g.from garden bark, protecting them against freezing.
Syrian ketmas respond very well to fertilizationwith organic fertilizers such as compost or vermicompost. You can also apply multi-component mineral fertilizers from spring.
Syrian Hibiscus - shrub habit
Fig. I. Sáček, senior, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Syrian hibiscus - cut
Syrian hibiscus should be trimmedto maintain its proper habit and stimulate its regular flowering. Although it should be remembered that garden hibiscus grows slowly, sothe cut of the Syrian hibiscus should not be strong , but only slightly correcting its shape.
We cut the Syrian ketmia in the spring , when the plants start growing. Then you can also see which shoots are frozen and which should be cut.
After planting new hibiscus in the garden, trimall weak or damaged growths. The remaining shoots need to be cut to half their length to stimulate new shoots to develop from the base part.
In the following yearsSyrian hibiscus requires a gentle cut . Only weak or dead growths and any excessively bulging shoots should be removed. Additionally, the tops of thin and weak shoots should be removed by trimming them in half their length.
After many years of cultivation, when the plants have grown overgrown, it may be necessarytrim the hibiscus to reduce their size . All shoots are then trimmed by two thirds of their length.
For those in needmore information on pruning Syrian hibiscuswe recommend Lucyna and Alicja Grabowski's book "Cutting School", in which the principles of cutting over 80 popular garden plants are presented in detail. The author of the book devoted 3 pages to pruning the Syrian hibiscus. It is discussed in detail, step by stephow to prune the hibiscus in the following years of cultivationwith drawings showing which shoots should be pruned.
Syrian hibiscus - reproduction
Syrian ketmi can be propagated from herbaceous cuttings or by layering.
The reproduction of the Syrian hibiscus with the use of herbaceous cuttingsinvolves cutting the cuttings from the tops of the shoots 8-12 cm long. We perform this treatment in June. Soak a hibiscus seedling with a rooting accelerator (IBA) and plant it in an inspection area filled with a 1: 1 mixture of sand and peat.
When propagating the Syrian Hibiscus through cuttings, we maintain the temperature of 15-18 ° C . After the cuttings have taken root, we transplant them into pots with a diameter of 7 cm and leave them for the winter in a cool inspection (10-12 ° C). After 2-3 years, we replant the plants permanently.
Reproduction of the Syrian hibiscus by layering is done in autumnLoosen the soil around garden hibiscus and add compost. Slightly cut the young shoot from the bottom, bend it to the ground and tear off the leaves so that they do not touch the ground.We should try to firmly fix the shoot to the ground so that it is stationary and takes root well. The place of contact of the shoot with the ground should be lightly covered with a thin layer of soil. After a year, the roots are checked for emergence. If so,cut off the rooted cuttings of hibiscusand plant it at its destination.
Syrian Hibiscus 'Blue Bird'
Fig. pixabay.com
Syrian hibiscus - diseases
The Syrian hibiscus is a disease resistant plantDisturbing symptoms appearing on the shrub, such as the massive shedding of leaves or flower buds, result from errors in cultivation. Hibiscus likes moist soil, but cannot stand water pools. In too wet soil its leaves turn yellow and fall off. In turnthe massively drooping flower buds of the hibiscusare a symptom of prolonged drought.
Remember, however, that the Syrian hibiscus, especially during flowering, should be watered directly on the soil, so as not to sprinkle the flowers. Sprinkling water on the flowers makesthe flower petals of the hibiscus turn brown at the edge and then blacken .
Occasionally,has round or elliptical brown spotson the stems of the Syrian hibiscus, widening lengthwise and widthwise at the site of a cut or other damage. When they occur around the entire circumference of the shoot, the parts of the plant above the affected area wilt and die. In this case, infected shoots should be cut below the infection site and then the entire plant should be sprayed with a fungicide, e.g. Topsin M 500 SC.
Ketmie can also be attacked by phytophthora. As a result of an attack of this diseaseat the root of the shoot, the tissues turn light brown, then darkenThe rot spreads gradually along the periphery, towards the roots and upwards. When necrosis occurs around the perimeter of the stem, the plant dies. The fungus can also grow on the lower leaves, causing them to turn brown at the base. Unfortunately, the infected plants must be removed completely, and the nearby but still he althy plants must be preventively sprayed and watered with the Polyversum WP biopreparation.Other effective agents against phytophthora are Proplant 722 SL and Magnicur Energy 840 SL.
The most common pests on the Syrian hibiscus are the greenhouse whitefly and aphids. Spraying with the natural oil preparation Emulpar 940 EC will help in getting rid of these pests. Effective chemical sprays are: Karate Gold and Mospilan 20 SP.
Recommended preparations for spraying hibiscus against diseases and pests, as well as excellent fertilizers for this plant, can be ordered in the shop of our guide. To view the offer, press the button below.
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MSc Eng. Joanna Białowąs
