How to Plant a Hibiscus Tree in Michigan
- 1). Buy a hardy hibiscus that looks healthy and has as many branches as possible. The majority of Michigan falls into USDA hardiness zone 5; hardy hibiscus will thrive even in zones 3 and 4. Gardeners who choose tropical varieties will need to bring the plants indoors prior to the first frost. Hardy hibiscus come in a variety of colors, including lavender, deep to scarlet red, plum, pink and purple. Bloom sizes vary, ranging from 7 to 12 inches in diameter.
- 2). Locate a sunny area in your landscaping and dig a hole; hibiscus requires six or more hours of sunlight daily. The hole should be as deep as the container that the hibiscus was in when you purchased it and approximately two times as wide. If possible, add organic matter such as sphagnum peat moss to the soil, which will create an ideal growing environment by increasing the acidity and available nutrients in the soil.
- 3). Remove the hardy hibiscus from the nursery pot and place it into the hole. Fill the hole with soil until it is approximately half full. Add water, filling the hole completely. Allow the water to drain into the soil before adding the remaining soil to the hole and water generously. Gently pat the soil down.
- 4). Mulch your new planting, which will help increase water retention and reduce the number of weeds. Water the hibiscus plant frequently; new plantings require constant moisture to thrive.
- 5). Prune the hibiscus plant to approximately 1 foot above the ground after the initial frost. Once the cold weather is consistent and the ground is nearly frozen, add a thick layer of mulch to your hibiscus. The mulch should be a minimum of 1 foot thick.
Source...