Hibiscus flowers could solely final a day, however they nonetheless produce a shocking show. Companion vegetation can assist you get probably the most out of your hibiscus. On this article, I’ll share ten of my favourite companion vegetation for hibiscus flowers.
What Are Companion Crops?
Companion planting consists of planting a few completely different species collectively to deliver advantages to every plant. Companion vegetation are primarily used to reinforce the fantastic thing about your most important decorative vegetation. They may also be used to draw pollinators and deter pests or weeds.
Selecting Companion Crops for Hibiscus
When selecting companion vegetation for hibiscus flowers, choose species that want comparable circumstances to hibiscus. Hardy hibiscus grows greatest in USDA Zones 4 to 9, whereas tropical hibiscus thrives in Zones 9 to 12. Plant hibiscus in nutrient-rich, well-draining soils that keep barely moist. Hardy hibiscus vegetation can tolerate full solar in cooler climates, however tropical hibiscus requires partial shade.
10 Finest Companion Crops for Hibiscus
1) Bee Balm
Bee balm (Monarda spp.) is a horny wildflower native to North America. These vegetation make wonderful companion vegetation as a result of they entice pollinators. Bee balm vegetation bloom throughout the summer time in Zones 3 to 9. The flowers can final for every week, offering a very good distinction with short-lived hibiscus flowers.
2) Bougainvillea
Bougainvilleas are prickly evergreen shrubs or vines which can be perennials in Zones 9 to 11. They make nice companion vegetation for tropical hibiscus. Bougainvilleas can intertwine with massive hibiscus shrubs, and each species bloom all 12 months spherical in heat, tropical climates. Bougainvillea flowers have three to 6 heart-shaped bracts and tiny central flowers.
3) Crape Myrtle
Crape myrtles are beautiful shrubs and timber recognized for his or her colourful crepe-like flowers. Crape myrtles flower for 3 to 4 months all through summer time and fall. These long-lasting blooms are the right complement for fleeting hibiscus flowers. Many hibiscus and crape myrtle timber attain comparable sizes, offering two decorative shrubs to construct your backyard round.
4) Daylily
Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.) are wonderful hibiscus companion vegetation. Each species are perennials that flower all through summer time and fall. Daylilies and hibiscus produce massive, colourful flowers that solely final for a day or two, making a dramatic duet. Daylilies develop between 1 and 5 toes tall, enabling them to develop beneath and round bigger hibiscus vegetation.
5) Hardy Geranium
Hardy geraniums are wonderful floor cowl companion vegetation for hardy hibiscus. Hardy geraniums are clump-forming perennials in Zones 4 to 9. They normally develop between 1 and three toes tall, in order that they develop properly beneath hibiscus vegetation. Hardy geraniums have stunning cup-shaped flowers that bloom from spring till fall.
6) Mandevilla
Also referred to as rocktrumpets, mandevillas are beautiful flowering vines that may complement tropical hibiscus. Like tropical hibiscus, mandevillas thrive in Zones 10 and 11 and require moist soils. Mandevillas produce elegant, colourful flowers from spring till fall. These beautiful flowers work properly subsequent to hibiscus blooms, particularly when grown in pots shut collectively.
7) Miscanthus
Also referred to as silvergrass, miscanthus is a superb perennial grass to develop as a companion plant to hibiscus. Miscanthus produces feathery, swaying grass heads that look nice subsequent to massive, colourful hibiscus flowers. Miscanthus are well-liked landscaping grasses, which suggests they’re extremely versatile. Like hibiscus, miscanthus thrives in moist, fertile soils in partial shade.
8) Decorative Candy Potato Vine
Decorative candy potato vines are wonderful floor cowl companion vegetation for tropical hibiscus. They develop greatest in Zones 9 to 11 and produce beautiful arrow or heart-shaped leaves. These leaves distinction rather well with tropical hibiscus flowers. Candy potato vines may suppress weeds that will in any other case threaten your hibiscus.
9) Candy Alyssum
Candy alyssum (Lobularia maritima) is a good companion plant for hibiscus that grows as floor cowl. Candy alyssum produces lots of tiny, aromatic white flowers from spring till fall. Like hardy hibiscus, candy alyssum grows properly in Zones 5 to 9 and requires moist soils. It acts virtually like a residing mulch by serving to to suppress weeds.
10) Candy Joe-Pye-Weed
Candy Joe-Pye-Weed (Eutrochium purpureum) is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial wildflower that enhances hibiscus vegetation. It thrives in Zones 3 to 9 and desires nutrient-rich, moist soils. Candy Joe-Pye-Weed produces a number of clusters of tiny purplish-pink flowers throughout the summer time. These clusters distinction properly with massive, colourful hibiscus flowers.
Finest Companion Crops for Hibiscus FAQs:
What are companion vegetation, and why are they necessary for hibiscus?
Companion vegetation are vegetation which can be grown close to one another for his or her mutual profit. For hibiscus, companion vegetation can assist entice helpful bugs, present shade, and enhance soil well being.
How do I select the most effective companion vegetation for my hibiscus?
When selecting companion vegetation, think about components such because the plant’s solar and soil necessities, in addition to its development habits and shade scheme.
Are there any vegetation that shouldn’t be grown close to hibiscus?
Some vegetation, similar to tomatoes and brassicas, will not be your best option for companion planting with hibiscus attributable to their excessive nutrient calls for.
Can companion planting assist to discourage pests from my hibiscus?
Sure, companion planting can assist to discourage pests by attracting helpful bugs that prey on frequent backyard pests.
How shut collectively ought to I plant my hibiscus and its companion vegetation?
The space between hibiscus and its companion vegetation will rely on the particular vegetation and their development habits. Typically, permit sufficient area for each vegetation to thrive with out overcrowding.
Ought to I fertilize my hibiscus and its companion vegetation otherwise?
It’s a good suggestion to think about the nutrient wants of every plant when fertilizing, however it’s not essential to fertilize them otherwise.
Can companion vegetation have an effect on the expansion or look of my hibiscus?
Sure, companion vegetation can have an effect on the expansion and look of hibiscus, so selecting vegetation that complement the hibiscus in shade and development behavior is crucial.
Ought to I select companion vegetation primarily based on the colour of my hibiscus flowers?
It may be useful to decide on companion vegetation that complement the colour of your hibiscus flowers, however it’s not vital.
How can I design a visually interesting backyard utilizing hibiscus and its companion vegetation?
To design a visually interesting backyard utilizing hibiscus and its companion vegetation, think about components similar to shade, texture, and top variation, and group vegetation collectively in a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing means.
Wrapping Up
Companion vegetation like bougainvilleas and daylilies produce stunning flowers that complement hibiscus blooms. Decorative candy potato vines and candy alyssum are nice companion vegetation for hibiscus as a result of they assist to suppress weeds.
For extra, see our in-depth information to troubleshooting non-flowering hibiscus vegetation, frequent causes of yellow leaves on hibiscus, and 32 superb makes use of and advantages of hibiscus vegetation.
Edd is a budding content material author and gardener residing in the UK. He has a bachelor’s diploma in Artistic and Skilled Writing and has written for a number of gardening publications on-line. He’s enthusiastic about nature and sustainability with a deal with gardening and wildlife.
