How Long Does A Hibiscus Blossom Last?

Yellow Hibiscus, Courtesy of Rose Hunter Photography

Hibiscus blossoms usually last 1-2 days.  Hibiscus is in the Mallow family, Malvaceae and has hundreds of species native to tropical and subtropical regions. They are known for their bright eye catching flowers which come in yellows, pinks, reds and purples.  The flowers can be single or double-bloomed.  Some varieties can even have blossoms up to 12 inches in diameter.

Bloom Time and Varieties:

Most hibiscus flowers, especially in tropical varieties, open in the morning and close or wilt by the end of the day, lasting only about a day.  However Hibiscus plants compensates for this short bloom duration by producing a continuous supply of new buds that open in succession, leading to a long blooming season.

Some hardy Hibiscus varieties bloom from mid-summer to fall, while tropical Hibiscus can bloom from spring through fall, and even into winter in frost-free climates.

Hardy Hibiscus plants are usually perennials, which will come back year after year when planted in the ground and tropical Hibiscus are annuals and usually in pots.

Care of Hibiscus:

To encourage and maintain vibrant hibiscus blooms, provide your plant with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, consistently moist (but not waterlogged) soil, and regular fertilization.  

In hot climates, containers with hibiscus should be placed where they receive ample sunlight but are not exposed to extreme afternoon heat, which can overheat their roots.

Interesting Things About Hibiscus:

Hibiscus flowers are also edible and can be used in a variety of ways. The flowers can be added to salads, used to make tea, or even used as a garnish - my favorite is Hibiscus tea.  It’s so refreshing on a hot summer day!

Hibiscus flowers hold deep cultural and symbolic meaning in many parts of the world. In Hawaii, the hibiscus is the state flower and symbolizes beauty and hospitality. 

Hibiscus flowers with their bright colors and sweet nectar are a favorite among pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. 

Life Span:

Hibiscus plants generally have a lifespan of 5 to 10 years, though some varieties can live much longer, even decades with proper care.  Older garden varieties can live up to 50 years, while some newer hybrids may have a shorter lifespan of 5 to 10 years. Hardy hibiscus varieties, also known as perennial hibiscus, can live up to 20 years or more.  If your Hibiscus has dull medium green heart shaped leaves, dinner plate sized white, pink or red flowers with huge bomb shaped buds that are 2-4 inches in length then it is a perennial, hardy Hibiscus.

Select a container that is 1-2 inches larger than the root ball when planting Hibiscus plants, as they like to have crowded roots.

Natural Beneficial Additives to Help Hibiscus:

Epsom salt can enhance the color of Hibiscus blooms by promoting healthy leaf growth and aiding in nutrient absorption, leading to more vibrant blossoms.

Coffee grounds can be beneficial for Hibiscus plants. They act as a natural fertilizer, providing nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and can also help improve soil drainage and aeration.

Coffee grounds can also help lower the pH of the soil, which can be beneficial for Hibiscus, as they prefer slightly acidic conditions.

Can you tell it’s summer with the last couple of blogs I’ve posted?  I love all the gorgeous flowers that come with the summer months!