Hibiscus are vibrant summer blooms that can transport you to a tropical garden no matter where you are. These beautiful flowers come in a variety of species and hues. If you are considering growing your own, South Maui Gardens in Kihei, HI, offers five tips for nurturing tropical hibiscus blossoms.

To infuse brilliance and beauty into any garden, use these five steps to keep your hibiscus flowers healthy throughout the season:

• Location: Tropical hibiscus can be grown all year, but it needs to be brought inside during the colder months. These colorful blossoms will not survive winter frost. Hibiscus grown in containers are easier to transport when the weather shifts. Keep them in full sunlight no matter where they are located.
• Soil & Fertilizer: Soil should be rich and moist. These flowers are best left in well-draining pots that are not compacted too tightly. Soilless potting is another option, but beware of letting them stand in water. Regular feeding with organic liquid fertilizer is best for these blooms.
• Blooming Season: Tropical hibiscus usually bloom in spring and live through the fall. To extend the life of your flowers during the colder months, bring containers indoors and place them in a bright, cool area.
• Watering: Regular watering during the warm months will keep your flowers healthy. Once they are indoors, watering should be reduced, but never stopped completely. If your plant loses some leaves during the temperature changes, don’t worry—the flowers need to adjust to the climate change.
• New Season: When it’s time for the warm weather to return, prune your hibiscus plants before moving them back outside. Remove any rubbing branches and replace the top few inches of soil with fresh compost. Feed your hibiscus organic fertilizer to prepare them for the warmer temperatures outdoors.

South Maui Gardens offers a lush selection of plants and flowers, letting customers bring a bit of tropical paradise to their own homes. From hibiscus to palm trees, you can create your own colorful garden from their vast inventory of fully matured plants. To learn more about their unique foliage, visit the website or call (808) 419-6562.