Beautiful Desire Hibiscus

Beautiful desire is a glowing tropical-type Hibiscus, perfect for adding to your outdoor oasis. The huge (5-6 inches on average) flowers are mottled a deep pink at the edges, deepening to a rich plum-jam shade at the center. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cannot be beaten when it comes to drama and intrigue. This shrub flowers best in the hottest summer heat, when many other plants need a break until cooler weather returns.

In USDA zones 9-10, Beautiful Desire Hibiscus can be grown as a deciduous shrub and makes the perfect mid-height hedge for screening around the patio or deck. Grow Beautiful Desire as an annual or a much-loved houseplant in the colder gardening zones, bringing the plant outdoors when the nighttime temperatures reach 60 degrees F overnight. Tropical Hibiscus is much easier to care for than it appears and can grow quite happily for many years in containers. Make Beautiful Desire the centerpiece of a seasonal mixed planter alongside Blackie Sweet Potato Vine and another tropical plant with complementary coloring such as Heart to Heart® Heart and Soul Caladium.   

Beautiful Desire Hibiscus Care

Hibiscuses are relatively easy to grow and do not demand unique soil or watering schedules. The essential elements for growing tropical Hibiscus are heat and full sun. Hibiscus planted in the ground in zones 9-10 will thrive in well-draining soil that is not heavy in texture and retains moisture well. Potted Hibiscus grows best in an all-purpose potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite to ensure excellent drainage. Often, yellowing of Hibiscus leaves results from overwatering or poor drainage. Fertilize HIbiscus with a formulation for flowering plants from spring to late summer. A product with an NPK ratio of 1-4-2 applied at 2-week intervals will provide nutrition for heavy blooming and a robust root system.  

Even though the shrub itself remains in bloom for an extended period in the summer, individual blooms last no longer than a day. If the spent flowers do not fall off on their own, deadheading can be done to keep the plant clean and free of decaying flowers that can attract pests. Pruning in the early spring will help the shrub return to life from semi-dormancy over the winter. Lightly cut back branches to keep a natural shape or the height you require. To rejuvenate an overgrown or declining Hibiscus, prune no more than one-third of the overall growth at a time. 

Beautiful Desire Hibiscus Spacing

Beautiful Desire will reach a mature height of 4 feet with a spread of 2-3 feet. Plant multiple Hibiscus plants 30 inches apart on the center to create a hedge that fills in quickly. Container-grown Hibiscus requires a pot at least 12 inches in diameter and as deep.

Beautiful Desire Hibiscus Information