There are few shrubs that can boast flowers to compete with the hibiscus. In fact, it is a species of hibiscus, the giant-flowered rose mallow, that gets to claim the largest flowers of any hardy perennial.
The 12” blooms produced by these plants live up to their dinner-plate-sized reputation. The many varieties of hibiscus produce copious amounts of large and colorful flowers, with long blooming seasons that can sometimes last for several months.
Hibiscuses like a healthy dose of fertilizer, as well as plenty of sun and water. But what are some other tricks of the trade to get those blooms booming? Let’s talk about some hibiscus blooming tips to maximize your plant’s blooming potential.
Hibiscus plants are prized for their large, showy flowers that come in a variety of bright colors. However, getting a hibiscus to bloom can be tricky In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share all the tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years for how to make a hibiscus plant produce more flowers.
Provide Plenty of Sunlight
The number one thing hibiscus needs to bloom is abundant sunlight. Hibiscus are sun-loving plants that require at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. For indoor hibiscus place them in a south-facing window if you’re in the northern hemisphere or a north-facing window in the southern hemisphere. Acclimate indoor plants slowly when moving them outside to prevent sunburn. Outdoor hibiscus should be situated in the sunniest part of your garden. Morning sun is ideal in very hot climates. Insufficient sunlight will result in leggy, weak growth and few flowers.
Use the Right Fertilizer
Fertilizing is crucial for prolific blooms. Avoid “bloom booster” fertilizers that are too high in phosphorus as this can actually inhibit flowering. A balanced all-purpose fertilizer like Miracle-Gro is a better choice. Apply fertilizer regularly from early spring through summer. For outdoor plants, use a granular or slow-release fertilizer. Indoor plants can be fertilized at half-strength with every watering when actively growing.
Prune in Early Spring
Since hibiscus bloom on new wood, pruning stimulates more growth and thus, more flowers. Prune established plants in early spring, removing up to 1/3 of old, leggy branches. Leave at least 2-3 nodes on each pruned branch to encourage regrowth. Container plants can be cut back more aggressively. Newly planted or young plants only need light pruning. Avoid heavy pruning after mid-spring, as this removes the wood that will bloom in summer.
Provide Consistent Moisture
Hibiscus prefer evenly moist (but not soggy) soil. Drought stress during bud development causes flower buds to drop. Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry. Mulch helps conserve moisture. Mist leaves regularly. Establish a deep watering routine and water generously in early spring when buds are forming. Container plants need more frequent watering. Wilting leaves indicate under-watering.
Grow in Appropriately Sized Pots
For container plants, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball, as hibiscus bloom best when slightly root-bound. Overly large pots retain too much moisture. Move container plants to larger pots only when roots fill the existing pot. Use containers with drainage holes and well-draining potting mix.
Watch the Temperature
Hibiscus thrive in warm conditions between 60-85°F. Temperatures below 50°F prevent bud development. Move pots indoors or protect with fabric before frost. Indoors, avoid drafty areas. Outdoors, provide afternoon shade in extremely hot climates to prevent wilting. The soil should be kept moderately cool to encourage blooming.
Control Pests
Insects like aphids, thrips and whiteflies can attack buds and new growth. Check regularly for signs of infestation like sticky residue or deformed buds. Remove pests with forceful sprays of water or insecticidal soap. Be vigilant about checking the undersides of leaves. Exclude ants which may protect pests. Sticky traps monitor populations.
Use Seaweed Extract
Seaweed extracts provide micronutrients, plant hormones and compounds that stimulate flowering. Apply every 2-4 weeks according to label instructions during the growing season. Alternate applications with regular fertilizer. Kelp meal worked into potting soil also provides benefits.
Give it Time
Patience is important, as hibiscus may take some time to adjust to your growing conditions before blooming heavily. Don’t give up too quickly! As long as you are meeting the plant’s basic needs for sun, water and nutrition, it should reward you with flowers.
Provide Plenty of Sun
As much as with soil type, hibiscus are tolerant of varying amounts of sunlight. Hibiscus shrubs will technically grow and produce some flowers in partial shade. However, they will produce far more blooms if they are planted in full sun. For some species, that number should be closer to 8+ hours daily.
Full sun is typically described as 6 or more hours of direct sun exposure daily. Not all sun is equal in terms of hibiscus health. The ideal time for that full sun is as early in the day as possible. The morning sun does the same job assisting with photosynthesis, but it is much less harsh than the afternoon sun which can be dehydrating.
If you decide to follow this hibiscus blooming tip and place your hibiscus in a spot that has more intense, afternoon light, just pay attention to the plant’s hydration level and give it some extra water if it starts looking wilted.
Hibiscus plants are water lovers. In fact, providing that the soil is draining properly, it would be difficult to overwater. This is particularly true during the summer when the weather is hot, and the flowers are drinking lots of water.
If your hibiscus is in a container and outdoors, you can go ahead and water it every day. As long as there are sufficient drainage holes in the pot, you should accomplish the goal of consistently moist, but not wet, soil.
For hibiscuses in the ground, there is the question of climate and rainfall. The ultimate goal, though, is the same. Whether by rainfall or by irrigation, keep the soil moist, but don’t flood the plant.
There are a handful of hibiscus varieties that naturally grow in boggy, swampy climates. These are exceptions, as they prefer to be planted in places with poor drainage.
This actually makes them a great plant for anyone who has a spot with less-than-ideal drainage that needs some sprucing up. H. coccineus and H. mutabilis are both species that flourish in boggy areas.
Apart from that handful of varieties that enjoy boggy soil, most hibiscuses don’t tolerate a soggy type of environment. If the soil is too saturated, the nutrients are diluted, and the plant will not absorb what it needs.
Signs of an overwatered hibiscus plant are yellowing of leaves and a plant that appears to be wilting, despite the soil being wet. If you have overwatered a hibiscus in a container, the best hibiscus blooming tip is to repot the plant in fresh soil. Ensure your hibiscus is not sitting in soil that is compromised by fungus.
Pick the Right Location
If your hibiscus is strictly an outdoor plant, the first hibiscus blooming tip is to pay attention to the drainage when choosing a location. Hibiscus is actually pretty good at adapting to different surroundings, but we are talking about thriving here, not just surviving. The healthier the plant, the more flowers it will produce, and the longer it will sustain them.
Hibiscus will be happiest in soil that is well-draining but will hold a consistent amount of moisture with regular watering.
Tropical varieties will tolerate heat and drought best, naturally, and there are a small number of species that like wet feet. For the most part, well-drained but moist soil is the optimal environment.
Growing Gorgeous Hibiscus (5 MUST DO TIPS)
FAQ
How do I get my hibiscus to bloom?
Why is my hibiscus not giving flowers?
If you feed your hibiscus plant too much nitrogen-based fertilizers, your plant will focus on leaf growth/foliage growth instead of flowering.Feb 20, 2025
Will Epsom salt make hibiscus bloom?
Blooming Brilliance
The sulfur in Epsom salt aids in the production of vitamins, which in turn boosts the production of flowers. With regular application, expect to see an improvement in the size, number, and color of hibiscus blooms.
What triggers hibiscus to bloom?
Hibiscus are sun loving plants and without enough sun, they will struggle to bloom. If you have a plant that looks healthy, with green leaves but still isn’t blooming, try increasing the amount of sun that it gets.
Is it difficult to make a hibiscus Bloom?
It’s not difficult to make a hibiscus bloom, but you have to make sure that the environment is just right for the plant to grow properly and bloom. Here are a few things that you need to do to take care of the plant and make it bloom properly. This is a tropical plant, and as a result, you should know that it loves the sun.
How do you increase hibiscus flowers?
To increase the amount of hibiscus flowers, ensure the hibiscus is planted in full sun and water generously in the Spring whilst the flower buds are developing. Hibiscus displays its flowers on new growth, so always prune hibiscus in early spring which stimulates new growth, and results in the hibiscus displaying more blooms.
Do hibiscus flowers grow vertically?
When the plant is growing vigorously vertically, the plant doesn’t necessarily bloom, but once the plant reaches its age of maturity or stops growing vertically, it will continue to give off flowers. The hibiscus flowers are generally quite big and beautiful, and usually range from a host of different colors.
Do Hibiscus bloom all year round?
If you have a hibiscus plant in your house, you should know that it’s going to bloom almost all year round. When the plant is growing vigorously vertically, the plant doesn’t necessarily bloom, but once the plant reaches its age of maturity or stops growing vertically, it will continue to give off flowers.
How do you keep Hibiscus blooming?
Research bloom habits of different varieties before purchasing plants. Beyond basic care, certain techniques further enhance hibiscus blooming: Prune branches back by 1/3 to 1/2 in early spring to encourage new growth. Avoid pruning in fall which removes flower buds. Pinch off spent blooms to promote additional flowering.
How do I get my Hibiscus to bloom?
Getting your hibiscus to bloom requires a combination of proper care, attention to detail, and a bit of patience. By providing the right light, water, soil, and nutrients, along with regular pruning and pest management, you can encourage your hibiscus to produce those stunning, vibrant blooms that make it such a beloved plant.