Hibiscus MOSCHEUTOS 'NIPPON RED'

Hibiscus MOSCHEUTOS 'NIPPON RED' - Swamp rose mallow 'Nippon Red', Red herbaceous hibiscus.

Hibiscus is an extensive genus of plants in the mallow family (Malvaceae). According to various sources, it includes from 150 to 200-220 species, with some sources indicating up to 300. Hibiscuses are found wild and cultivated. They are mainly shrubs and trees. Perennial and annual herbs also occur. They are distributed in the Old and New Worlds, in the subtropics and tropics. They are cultivated by gardeners in sharply continental climates. The leaves are more or less lobed, petiolate. The flowers of most hibiscus species are large, graceful, with brightly colored corollas. The fruit is in the form of a capsule that splits into 5 valves, containing many seeds covered with down or fibers, or smooth.

The homeland of hibiscuses is considered to be Southeast Asia, but they grow freely in Africa and America as well. In America, they form entire thickets profusely covered with flowers in damp floodplain meadows. Due to their great love of moisture, they are called 'swamp mallow' there. In Hawaii, hibiscus is considered the national plant and is called the 'flower of beautiful women'. In Brazil, fringed rosemallow grows, called 'princess earrings'. It has dissected petals and a long pedicel on which it sways gracefully, genuinely resembling an exquisite earring.

Swamp rose mallow 'Nippon Red' is a shrubby plant that reaches 2 m (6.6 ft) in height in nature. Large pubescent heart-shaped leaves adorn the swamp hibiscus throughout the entire growing season. Its flowers are huge, up to 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter, pink with a crimson center.

Seeds are soaked for 24 hours in warm water with the addition of stimulant preparations (Zircon, Epin, etc.). A layer of drainage is placed at the bottom of small pots, followed by a layer of slightly acidic or neutral, light, loose soil. Seeds are sown into the soil and lightly embedded, moistened with a spray bottle, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not in direct sun, at a temperature of 25-30 °C (77-86 °F). Seedlings require ventilation. Overwatering and drying out of the crops must be avoided. Seeds germinate quite quickly, within a few days. Seedlings are pricked out at the stage of 2-3 true leaves.

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A plant of warm, humid climates, requiring a long photoperiod for flowering. Bright diffused light is preferred, in the spring-summer period without direct sunlight. In the autumn-winter period - good illumination, direct rays are permitted. Maintenance temperature is moderate, 18-22 °C (64-72 °F) in the spring-summer period. Autumn-winter period - 14-16 °C (57-61 °F); at temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F) it may drop leaves. During the growing season and flowering, watering should be abundant as the top layer of substrate dries out. In the autumn-winter period, watering is moderate, two to three days after the upper soil layer dries out. When keeping the plant (in the winter period) at temperatures below 14 °C (57 °F), the soil is kept moderately moist. When watering, neither drying out nor excessive overmoistening of the substrate should be allowed.

Air humidity does not play a significant role; however, misting plants is desirable, especially during flowering. This procedure also serves as a preventative measure against spider mites. It is fed with a complete mineral fertilizer, alternating it with liquid mullein (1 part infusion to 10 parts water). Feeding of hibiscus is carried out from spring to mid-August once a week, and during the rest of the year - once a month, with phosphorus and potassium only at half the dosage. Repotting of young plants is carried out annually in spring. Mature plants are shifted once every three to four years. It prefers loose sandy loam with humus, but can adapt to any soil.

During the dormant period from November to February, the optimal temperature is 14-16 °C (57-61 °F), with good illumination and moderate watering. It can overwinter in a pruned state - in autumn, watering of the plant is gradually minimized and leaves are allowed to drop, after which the stems are cut back, leaving stumps of 7-8 cm (2.8-3.1 in). In this state, the hibiscus will overwinter in a cool location (10-12 °C (50-54 °F)) - to prevent the roots from drying out, the soil of the hibiscus is lightly moistened from time to time. Hibiscus grows rapidly and blooms from spring to autumn. In indoor floriculture, it is valued for its beauty and unpretentiousness. Over the years, the bush becomes large and spreading with a lush crown, and is wonderful for decorating spacious halls, foyers, winter gardens, and offices.