Hibiscus ( lat. Hibiscus)- an extensive genus of plants in the family Malvaceae (Malvaceae). According to various sources, it includes from 150 to 300 species. Wild and cultivated plants with beautiful flowers.
Hibiscus- evergreen or deciduous plants, trees, shrubs or herbaceous plants, pubescent or glabrous. The leaves are alternate, on petioles. The flowers of most species are large, graceful, with brightly colored corollas, located in the upper part of the shoot, of various colors; subcalyx leaves including 3, or many of them.
The color range of hibiscus has thousands of colors and their combinations, including all colors except blue and black. Some species have a flower size of 5 centimeters - others reach up to 30 cm. The hibiscus fruit is in the form of a box, divided into 5 leaves, containing many seeds, covered with fluff or fibers, or smooth.
The hibiscus bush lives for 20 years or more, and lends itself well to shaping: at the end of winter, the stems are pruned to increase branching.
Under favorable conditions, an adult plant reaches up to three meters in height.
Distributed hibiscus in the Old and New Worlds, in the subtropics and tropics (Indonesia, South China, the islands of Haiti, Fiji, Sumatra, Java, Sri Lanka). They are bred by gardeners in harsh continental climates.
There are 2 species found in the CIS:
— - in the southeastern region of Transcaucasia;
— Hibiscus trifoliata or northern (Hibiscus trionum) Synonym: Hibiscus ternatus- reaching the south of Ukraine and spreading further into Western Europe. Therefore, in the temperate zone, in the open air, they are successful only in areas with the mildest winters, for example, on the southern coast of Crimea. In southern Germany they do not tolerate the local climate particularly well. Also not particularly good, but good enough for seeds to ripen, these plants grow in southeast Kazakhstan.
The most common type is
, with large flowers, up to 12 cm wide, pink with purple or carmine spots at the base of the corolla.
Many hibiscus have long been bred in gardens and greenhouses as ornamental plants that provide beautiful hedges, and for the grace of their flowers. It is an attractive indoor plant. Requires warmth, a lot of light and space. At correct pruning and watering can bloom all year round.
The most common type in our indoor and greenhouse culture is the so-called Chinese rose( Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) . This is a shrub with large, pure double red flowers, which is considered to be native to the Malay Archipelago. In the tropics it is grown in gardens everywhere.
Originating in Asia and the Pacific Islands, the hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia. Interest in hibiscus arose in the early twentieth century in Hawaii. The American Hibiscus Society was founded in 1950.
Hibiscus species
obtained from crossing three North American species - Red hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) , Pink hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) And Hibiscus militaris . Hybrid hibiscus are herbaceous perennials, with very large, bright, spectacular flowers. They are propagated in the spring (with the onset of stable warm weather, when the buds on the root collars begin to swell) by dividing the bushes, green cuttings and vaccination. These ornamental plants are good for large flower arrays, mixed borders, parterres, boulevards, edges, banks of reservoirs; they are planted in clearings in parks and among rare bushes in the southern regions of Russia.
Chinese hibiscus , or Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) grows in East Asia and the islands Pacific Ocean. Introduced into Europe at the end of the 17th century. About 500 varieties are known. A very decorative evergreen shrub, the height of which (at home) reaches 3 m. In cultural conditions, it is a very well-known greenhouse and indoor plant. The leaves are dark green, glossy on top, oval or ovate-elongated, serrated along the edge. Blooms from early spring to late autumn. The flowers are large (12-16 cm in diameter), simple, semi-double, of various colors - from fiery and orange-red to pink and yellow, depending on the variety.
Some varieties:
Anita Buis- flowers are simple, yellow-orange.
Florida- the flowers are large (up to 14 cm in diameter), orange-red.
Hamburg- the flowers are large, double, carmine red.
Rosa- semi-double and double flowers, salmon-pink.
. Synonym: Chinese hibiscus variety (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. schizopetalus). Homeland – Central Africa. A shrub with thin shoots and shiny green leaves. Red-orange flowers with a diameter of 5 cm with bent petals, deep and uneven fringe. Greenhouse and indoor plant.
comes from China, India. Its original exotic flower is a symbol of the island of Haiti. Local residents and numerous tourists decorate themselves with it. In some provinces of India, red and pink flowers are woven into wedding wreaths.
. Dense, erect, robust annual or short-lived perennial with a woody base, 0.6 – 1.5 cm tall and 1 m wide.
Produces long-stemmed, broadly oval, single- or 3-5-petaled, pinkish-red, medium green leaves, 30 cm long.
The flowers are solitary, axillary, funnel-shaped, yellow, pink or red-purple, 6-10 cm in diameter with a bright purple center. Flowering from June to September.
Homeland - Hawaiian Islands. Evergreen shrub up to 5m tall. Erect branched trunk. Oval whole leaves. White, five-petaled, fragrant flowers with red splashes.
Shrub or small tree. The leaves are elliptical, glossy, concave, medium green. The flowers are single, large, bright red, 5-petaled.
. Homeland - Australia. Evergreen shrub up to 2.5 m tall. An erect trunk with thorny branches. Rounded, sometimes deeply lobed, leaves. Large yellow five-petal flowers with a crimson center, 10 cm in diameter.
Homeland: Australia, Pacific Islands. Evergreen shrub up to 3 m tall. An erect, rigid trunk with an openly textured crown. Long-petiolate, heart-shaped, rounded leaves, 7 cm in diameter, with unevenly dissected edges. Yellow five-petaled flowers, crimson at the base, are collected in drooping apical inflorescences.
Homeland - Australia. Evergreen shrub up to 2.5 m tall. Erect thin branched trunk. Three-segmented leaves, 5 cm long, with roughly dissected edges. Purple or pink five-petal flowers with a darkly colored center.
Homeland - Jamaica. Evergreen tree up to 25 m tall.
An erect, branching trunk with fibrous bark and a densely textured, rounded crown.
Oval rounded leaves, 20 cm long. Yellow, becoming orange and then red, open five-petaled flowers, 12 cm in diameter.
Hibiscus edible or Okra (Hibiscus esculentus). Okra- annual herbaceous plant with a height of 30-40 cm ( dwarf varieties) up to 2 m (tall forms). The stem of okra is thick, branched, woody, covered with coarse hairs.
The leaves are also pubescent: long-petioled, light or dark green, rather large, five-seven-lobed. The flowers are single, large, bisexual, yellowish-cream in color, located in the axils of the leaves on short pubescent pedicels. In the axils of the leaves, fruits are formed in the form of 4–8-sided pods (they are called capsules), which contain seeds.
Like a vegetable spicy plant grown in the southern regions. In temperate climates, okra can be grown in greenhouses and greenhouses.
The fruit of okra is finger-shaped, from 6 to 30 cm long. Only young (3-6-day-old) green ovaries are eaten; overripe dark brown fruits are completely tasteless. Okra fruits are eaten both fresh (they are put in salads), and boiled, stewed, fried. In addition, they are dried, frozen, and canned.
Unripe okra pods along with seeds are used as a seasoning in soups and sauces, which are enriched with a pleasant taste and acquire a viscous consistency. Unripe grains (round, dark green or olive) can easily replace green peas, and from ripe and roasted coffee gombo is prepared.
Dense, wide bush. The leaves are palmately lobed, elliptical, medium density. The flowers are funnel-tubular with 5 dark pink petals overlapping each other.
Homeland - Australia. Evergreen shrub up to 3 m tall. An erect, smooth trunk with stiff, thorny branches and an openly textured crown. Entire elliptical or 3 deep lobed leaves. Five-petaled white flowers with a dark purple base.
Homeland - Australia. Evergreen shrub up to 2 m tall. An erect, pubescent trunk with an openly textured crown. 3-5 lobed leaves with wavy edges. Large, pale purple, five-petaled flowers.
Hawaiian Islands. Evergreen tree up to 7 m tall. An erect, branched trunk with an openly textured crown. Oval leaves, 7 cm long, with roughly cut edges. Bright red open flowers, 4 cm in diameter.
Perennial up to 150-200 cm tall with shoots that die off in the winter. The flowers are large, 10-15 cm in diameter, milky white.
Homeland - China. Deciduous shrub up to 3 m tall. Erect branched trunk. The leaves are large, oval-pointed, lobed. White, turning pink, double or single flowers, 10 cm in diameter.
Homeland - Australia. Evergreen shrub up to 2 m tall. Erect branched trunk. Grayish-green heart-shaped leaves, 9 cm long. Yellow flowers with a red center, 9 cm in diameter.
Hibiscus sabdariffa or Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) . Homeland - North Africa. Evergreen shrub up to 4 m tall. Erect branched trunk. Oval leaves with dissected edges. Drooping red or orange flowers, 12 cm in diameter, with curved petals. Pieces of its dry fruit are an indispensable component of hibiscus fruit teas.
Bush. The leaves are ovate, coarsely toothed from the middle to the tip along the edge, almost heart-shaped at the base, matte green, dense, slightly curled inward along the edge. The flowers are funnel-shaped, large, bright yellow, 5-petaled. Petals inside at the base with bright red-brown spots.
Homeland - Australia. Evergreen shrub up to 6 m tall. Elegant velvety trunk with an open textured crown. Broadly oval/heart-shaped, 3-5 lobed leaves, up to 18 cm long. Pink, five-petaled flowers with a crimson base, 16 cm in diameter.
Homeland - Australia and Southeast Asia. Evergreen tree up to 9 m tall. An erect, short trunk with smooth gray bark and a wide-spreading crown. Light green round or heart-shaped leaves, up to 12 cm long. Yellow flowers with a dark pink center, 12 m in diameter.
A herbaceous plant native to North and Central Africa. Currently, the plant is widespread in all areas of irrigated agriculture, where it is found in cotton crops, row crops, pastures and wastelands. It also grows in steppe and forest-steppe regions of the European part of Russia. Prefers loose sandy soils, warmth and moisture. The root is taproot, the stem is straight, branched, 20-80 cm high. The leaves are alternate, tripartite, petiolate, pubescent. The flowers are pale yellow with a purple center and are up to 4 cm in diameter. They open in the morning for only a few hours, and in the afternoon they close. Nevertheless, the flowering period of this plant lasts more than a month, since new buds are formed in the axil of each leaf. If you create the right conditions, flowers will appear every day.
After the corolla falls off, a swollen fruit forms on the peduncle. It is a five- or multi-seeded hairy black capsule with kidney-shaped or oval-heart-shaped dark seeds. Weight of 1000 seeds is 3-4 g. Maximum fertility is up to 15 thousand seeds, which germinate from a depth of up to 5 cm. The development cycle from seedling to the first fruits is 60-70 days. Seeds spill out of the boxes and litter the soil. The germination rate of freshly shed seeds is low. The minimum germination temperature is 5-6 °C. Cotyledons are 7-9 mm long, 6-8 mm wide, rounded. The viability of seeds lasts up to 5-7 years.
In places with warm climates, hibiscus begins to grow like a weed.
Dried shoots with unusual fruits are good in dry bouquets. There are several varietal forms on sale. They are sown in March for seedlings or in May in open ground. The soil should be loose and nutritious.
Hibiscus care
Lighting. Hibiscus prefers diffused light, without direct sunlight.
The optimal placement in summer is a window with a western or eastern orientation. On windows with a southern orientation in spring and summer, place the plant away from the window or create diffused light with translucent fabric or paper (gauze, tulle, tracing paper). If you follow the rules of care, it can even grow well on north-facing windows.
On warm summer days it can be taken out into the open air (balcony, garden), but should be protected from sunlight, precipitation and drafts. If you do not have the opportunity to place the plant outdoors in the summer, you should regularly ventilate the room.
In winter, they provide good lighting; shading is not required. You can create additional lighting using fluorescent lamps, placing them above the plant at a distance of 50-60 cm, for at least 8 hours a day. IN autumn-winter period It is also necessary to ventilate the room, but drafts should be avoided.
If there is insufficient lighting, the plant may bloom sparingly or not at all.
Temperature. In spring and summer, hibiscus prefers a temperature of 18-22°C. In autumn, the temperature gradually decreases to 16-18°C. In winter they are kept at a temperature of 14-16°C, with good lighting. At temperatures of 10°C and below, the plant may shed its leaves.
Watering. During the growing season and flowering period, hibiscus is watered abundantly as the top layer of the substrate dries. In the autumn-winter period, water moderately, two or three times after it dries out. top layer substrate. When the plant is kept (in winter) at temperatures below 14°C, the soil is kept moderately moist.
When watering, do not allow the substrate to dry out or become excessively waterlogged. The water from the pan is poured out after half an hour. Water with soft and well-settled water.
Air humidity. Air humidity does not play a significant role, but it is advisable to spray the plants. This procedure is also a preventive measure against.
During flowering, especially on clear, warm days, hibiscus is sprayed with warm, soft, settled water. In the autumn-winter period, you can spray the plants with warm water from time to time.
Fertilizer. In the spring-summer period, regular (once a month) fertilizing with nitrogen-containing fertilizers is useful. mineral fertilizers(this stimulates long flowering). You can feed it with special complex fertilizers for flowering indoor plants every 3 weeks. You can use “Rainbow”, “Ideal”, etc. It is very useful, after watering with clean water, to feed once a month with a fermented solution of bird droppings (1 part solution to 20 parts water) or liquid mullein (1 part infusion to 12 parts water). By mid-August, the amount of nitrogen in fertilizing is reduced. In winter, only phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is applied in half the dose once a month, or (if the content is almost dry in cool conditions) it is not fertilized. Fertilizers are applied after watering.
Transfer. At the end of April - beginning of May, adult plants are transferred to large pots (once every three to four years). If the soil is not sour and there are no pests in it, you can simply replace the top 5 cm layer of soil with fresh nutritious soil. As soon as the flower reaches its maximum size in your conditions, do not replant it, but carefully remove it from the pot and replace some of the soil. The soil used is close to neutral (pH about 6), light, and nutritious. It can be prepared from 4 parts turf, 3 parts leaf, one part each of humus soil and sand. Pieces of charcoal are added to the mixture. Unrotted manure and dry mullein should not be used. A mixture of turf, humus soil and sand (2:1:1) may also be suitable. You can add a little peat and bone meal. Good drainage is needed, as the plant does not tolerate stagnant water very well.
Features of cultivation. Hibiscus - bonsai. Hibiscus are cultivated as large or small bushy or standard plants, different crown shapes of which can be obtained by timely and correct pruning.
To increase the decorativeness of the crown and stimulate the development of a large number of young shoots that form flowers (hibiscus flower buds are formed on the shoots of the current year), after replanting (for young ones) or replacing the top layer of soil (for adults), the plant must be pruned to the bud at approximately a distance 15 cm from the base. When new shoots begin to form, you need to remove the weak ones and leave the healthiest ones.
To delay flowering until autumn or winter, plants should be replanted and pruned in May. Before this, they should be dormant with very moderate watering. In July they prune again. As a result, flower buds are formed only in early autumn. The resulting cuttings of twigs can be used for propagation.
Hibiscus is able to grow from the root. This property is convenient for those gardeners who have a shortage of light and space in their apartment, and because of which an extra flower pot is in winter time nowhere to put it. In autumn, watering the plants is gradually reduced to a minimum and the leaves are allowed to fall, and then the stems are cut off, leaving stumps of 7-8 centimeters. In this state, the hibiscus will overwinter in a cool place (10-12°C) - to prevent the roots from drying out, the soil of the hibiscus is slightly moistened from time to time, and after three to four months the plant will produce fresh shoots. From now on, it needs to be exposed to light and watered, not forgetting to pinch the young shoots, as they grow very quickly.
Reproduction. Propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Seeds sown from mid-January to mid-March. Before planting, they are soaked for 12 hours in epin. Sow in a mixture of peat and sand. The bowl is covered with glass and the temperature is maintained at 25-27°C. Using a mini-greenhouse or bottom heating promotes better seed germination. Spray and ventilate periodically. When the seedlings have formed two or three leaves, they are planted in pots of the appropriate size. Seedlings bloom and bear fruit at 3-4 years of age.
Easy to Propagate Hibiscus cuttings. They are cut in June-August from the tops of young growth with 2-3 internodes. The sections are treated with growth stimulants. Cuttings take root well after 25-30 days in indoor greenhouses with soil heated to 22-25°C (a mixture of peat and sand or clean sand) or in pots covered glass jar, or in water. After the roots appear, they are planted in 7-10 cm pots with a soil mixture of humus (2 parts), leaf and turf land and sand (1 part each), water with warm water. It is good to add horn shavings and bone meal to the mixture.
To form a bush, smaller shoots are pinched. Young plants grow very quickly, so they may need to be transplanted into a larger pot within a few months after rooting. In the future, they need to be replanted annually in fresh fertile soil. The transplant is carried out early spring before flowering. Before this, it is useful to prune the plant, this stimulates abundant branching and flowering. The branches are cut to two-thirds or half their length. At good lighting and abundant watering, flowering plants can be obtained in 1 year.
Possible difficulties
Buds appear on the plant, but do not open and soon fall off- the plant does not have enough nutrients; watering is not abundant enough, the soil dries out too much; low air temperature.
The lower leaves fall off, new ones grow yellowish– chlorosis of the leaves has occurred due to the increased content of chlorine and calcium in the irrigation water, while there is a lack of nitrogen and iron (it is necessary to settle the water for irrigation and add iron chelate to it according to the instructions); root disease from hypothermia with abundant watering and low temperature; too dry indoor air combined with high temperature and insufficient spraying.
Lack of flowers in the presence of lush, numerous foliage– the plant is overfed with fertilizers with a high nitrogen content; keeping in an insufficiently bright place; insufficient watering during the active growing season; winter maintenance at a fairly high temperature.
Lack of lighting combined with excess nutrition can cause the appearance of dirty pink spots on the leaves.
From the cold soil The roots of the plant may dry out.
In case of lack of moisture leaves droop and become limp.
Damaged
Useful properties of hibiscus
In the past, some types of hibiscus were used to make perfumes, while others were used for food.
At this time, they are of great economic importance Hibiscus hemp , or Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) , gives excellent spinning material, for which it is bred in all tropical countries. From flowers rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) They produce the Hibiscus drink, which has a sour taste and a beautiful rich red color. Dried flower cups are used for tea. A drink made from hibiscus perfectly quenches thirst and has beneficial properties.
Chinese hibiscus It cleanses and improves the air in the room well, and also has a very life-giving effect on weak plants - next to it, sick plants come to life, become stronger and grow.
Hibiscus (hibiscus) tea- completely different in both appearance and taste from the traditional one. 
Bright red in color, quite sour, this drink has an unusual taste, and when diluted it resembles raspberry compote. It is very popular in Europe and America.
Hibiscus has many names and epithets. It is also called "drink of the pharaohs", "Kandahar", "Sudanese rose", "red rose", "red sorrel", "okra", "kenaf", "rose of Sharon", "mallow of Venice". It is the national Egyptian drink.
Hibiscus tea is very healthy! The substances that cause its red color - anthocyanins, have a pronounced P-vitamin activity, they strengthen the walls of blood vessels, regulate their permeability and blood pressure; when hot, tea increases it, and when cold it decreases. Has antispasmodic and diuretic effects. Helps improve general condition.
The flavonoids contained in hibiscus, quercetin, enhance the effect of anthocyanins and help cleanse the body. Unnecessary metabolic products are removed from the body. Bile production is stimulated and liver protection from adverse effects is increased, metabolism improves. Kills some pathogens and can be used as an anthelmintic.
Citric acid gives the drink a pleasant taste; it is refreshing in the heat and at elevated temperatures.
Hibiscus does not contain oxalic acid, so it is safe for kidney patients. It contains little ascorbic acid (vitamin C), but its effect is mutually enhanced by flavonoids and anthocyanins.”
Important! The hibiscus drink should not be boiled; with prolonged heating, the coloring matter decomposes and the drink becomes dirty gray.
An interesting feature of the finished drink is that when hot it increases blood pressure, and when cold it lowers it.
It is also useful to eat the cups soaked during brewing; they are a valuable food product: they contain from 7.5 to 9.5% protein, which contains 13 amino acids, of which 6 are essential. They also contain polysaccharides, including pectin (2.4%), which contribute to the release of toxins and heavy metals from the intestines.
Hibiscus can be consumed with or without sugar. The taste and aftertaste of the drink very much depend on how strong it is brewed.
Used for recovery vital energy Hibiscus tonic drink improves metabolism in the body, has a sedative (calming) effect, bactericidal (kills germs) effect, cleanses the liver, cleanses and improves the genitourinary system, has a beneficial effect on the activity of the pancreas, regulates the stomach, especially in people with gastritis and colitis, and has preventive properties against influenza.
Hibiscus may be especially popular among hypertensive patients because it normalizes blood pressure and strengthens the walls of blood vessels, counteracting the increase in cholesterol in the blood.
Hibiscus does a good job of cleansing the body of alcohol intoxication (poisoning), acting in this regard even better than the well-known cucumber or cabbage pickle.
A major global medical company, Watt & Breyer-Brandwijk, noted a decrease in the intensity of the alcoholic effect in chickens after the internal administration of Hibiscus extract and came to the conclusion that Hibiscus extract reduces the degree of absorption of alcohol in the blood! This should be taken into account by people who drink alcohol.
Experiments have also shown that a drink made from Hibiscus helps cure infertility in men and women. For example, after six months of using the infusion by infertile women, due to improper ovarian function, 70 out of 100 women were able to give birth.
Hibiscus can be recommended as a multivitamin table drink, containing almost all vitamins in proportions useful for the human body.
Citric acid gives the drink a pleasant taste; it is refreshing in the heat and at elevated temperatures. The action of ascorbic acid and the action of flavonoids and anthocyanins in hibiscus are mutually enhanced. Unlike sorrel and other plants with sour greens, hibiscus contains almost no oxalic acid, which is involved in the formation of kidney stones, so it is also safe for kidney patients.
The cups soaked during brewing remain somewhat harsh, and eating them is not very pleasant, although healthy. They themselves are quite a valuable food product: they contain from 7.5 to 9.5% protein, which includes 13 amino acids, of which 6 are essential. The polysaccharides contained in the calyxes, including pectin (2.4%), help remove toxins and heavy metals from the intestines. They are used as additives in salads, vinaigrettes, and first courses to give them piquancy and a bright, lasting ruby color, as well as as an original component for meat and fish dishes.
Preparing the hibiscus drink "
Boil 2 teaspoons per glass of water for 3 - 5 minutes. At the same time, the water turns bright red and acquires a characteristic refined sweetish-sour taste. It is recommended to add sugar to the drink. Moreover, hibiscus petals softened in water also do not lose their original sweet and sour taste, and therefore they can be eaten as an excellent vitamin supplement, which, thanks to high content vitamin C, protects the body from viral infections.
Iced tea: hibiscus inflorescences are placed in cold water and brought to a boil, then sugar is added; Serve very cold or even with ice.
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This legend is widely known in East Asia. She talks about how a person discovered the wonderful properties of the hibiscus flower.
Exhausted by the long trek through the jungle, the traveler who had lost his way sat down to rest. He was hungry and thirsty. Situated among the trees and bushes, he began to make a fire. Pouring water into a pot, he dreamed that the gods would send him food. Suddenly, from somewhere above, several red flowers fell into the pot, saturating the water with a ruby red color.
The traveler risked trying the tea, which surprisingly turned out to be aromatic and tasty. Every sip gave him a surge of strength. A new sip brought back the feeling of vigor. Leaving the jungle, the traveler took these wonderful flowers with him for future use. He distributed them to the people of those villages that he met along the way, talking about amazing properties drink A lot of time has passed since then until the news about hibiscus tea spread throughout the world.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus). © Gary Williams
(Hibiscus) - an extensive genus of plants of the Malvaceae family ( Malvaceae). According to various sources, it includes from 150 to 200-220 species, some sources indicate up to 300. Hibiscus are found wild and cultivated. Mainly shrubs and trees. There are also perennial and annual herbs. Distributed in the Old and New Worlds, in the subtropics and tropics. They are bred by gardeners in harsh continental climates.
The leaves are more or less notched, petiolate. The flowers of most types of hibiscus are large, graceful, with brightly colored corollas. The fruit is in the form of a capsule, divided into 5 leaves, containing many seeds, covered with fluff or fibers, or smooth.
Southeast Asia is considered the homeland of hibiscus, but they grow freely in Africa and America. In America, they form entire thickets, lushly covered with flowers, in wet floodplain meadows. Because of their great love for moisture, they are called “swamp mallow.” In Hawaii, hibiscus is considered the national plant, called the "flower beautiful women" In Brazil, the hibiscus diophyta grows, called “princess earrings.” It has split petals and a long peduncle on which it sways gracefully, truly reminiscent of an exquisite earring.
Hibiscus in the places where they grow serve not only for decorative purposes. Young leaves and shoots are eaten as vegetables. Seeds, leaves, fruits, roots are used in medicine. The seeds are used to make necklaces. The flowers are used to make black hair dye and purple dye for food industry. Dry fruit pieces Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hibiscus sabdariffa) is an indispensable component of fruit teas. It goes on sale under the names “Hibiscus tea”, “Mallow tea”, “Sudanese rose”, “Hibiscus”.
Hibiscus sabdariffa, or Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa). © Dave Proffer Our best known plant is cultivated as a houseplant. Hibiscus Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), or Chinese rose from Southeast Asia. How are spicy vegetable plants grown in the southern regions? Hibiscus edible (Hibiscus esculentus), or okra. In temperate climates, okra can be grown in greenhouses and greenhouses.
Okra or Okra or Gombo or Lady's Finger (Abelmoschus esculentus, formerly classified as Hibiscus esculentus)
Popular types of hibiscus
Hybrid hibiscus (Hibiscus hybridus)
Hybrid hibiscus are herbaceous perennials with very large, bright, showy flowers. They are propagated in the spring (with the onset of stable warm weather, when the buds on the root collars begin to swell) by dividing bushes, green cuttings and grafting. These ornamental plants are good for large flower arrays, mixed borders, parterres, boulevards, edges, banks of reservoirs; they are planted in clearings in parks and among rare bushes in the southern regions of Russia.
Chinese hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Chinese hibiscus, or Chinese rose, grows in East Asia and the Pacific Islands. Introduced into Europe at the end of the 17th century. About 500 varieties are known. A very decorative evergreen shrub, the height of which (at home) reaches 3 m. In cultural conditions, it is a very well-known greenhouse and indoor plant. The leaves are dark green, glossy on top, oval or ovate-elongated, serrated along the edge. Chinese hibiscus blooms from early spring to late autumn. The flowers are large (12-16 cm in diameter), simple, semi-double, of various colors - from fiery and orange-red to pink and yellow, depending on the variety.
Chinese hibiscus, or Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). © floradania Some varieties:
- Anita Buis - flowers are simple, yellow-orange.
- Florida - flowers are large (up to 14 cm in diameter), orange-red.
- Hamburg - large, double, carmine-red flowers.
- Rosa - semi-double and double flowers, salmon pink.
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. schizopetalus can be found under the synonym Chinese Hibiscus, variety - Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. schizopetalus. Homeland - Central Africa. A shrub with thin shoots and shiny green leaves. Red-orange flowers with a diameter of 5 cm with bent petals, deep and uneven fringe. Greenhouse and indoor plant.
Hibiscus schizopetalus. © erica
Syrian hibiscus comes from China and India. Its original exotic flower is a symbol of the island of Haiti. Local residents and numerous tourists decorate themselves with it. In some provinces of India, red and pink flowers are woven into wedding wreaths.
Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus). © m.sudarevic Features of growing hibiscus
Bloom: Hibiscus blooms from spring to autumn.
Height: The plant grows quickly.
Light: bright, diffused, in spring and summer without direct sunlight. In the autumn-winter period there is good lighting, direct rays are allowed.
Temperature: moderate, in the spring-summer period +18..+22°С. Autumn-winter period - +14..+16°C, at temperatures below +10°C it can shed leaves.
Watering: during the growing season and flowering - abundant, as the top layer of the substrate dries. In the autumn-winter period, watering is moderate, two to three days after the top layer of soil has dried. When the plant is kept (in winter) at temperatures below +14°C, the soil is kept moderately moist.
When watering, do not allow the substrate to dry out or become excessively waterlogged.
Humidity: does not play a significant role, but it is advisable to spray the plants, especially during flowering. This procedure is also a preventive measure against spider mites.
Top dressing: in the spring-summer period, regular (once a month) fertilizing with nitrogen-containing mineral fertilizers (stimulates long-term flowering). In winter, only phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is applied in half the dose once a month, or (if the content is almost dry in cool conditions) it is not fertilized.
Rest period: November-February. Optimum temperature +14..+16°C, good lighting, moderate watering. It can overwinter in a pruned state - in the fall, watering the plants is gradually reduced to a minimum and the leaves are allowed to fall, and then the stems are cut off, leaving stubs of 7-8 centimeters. In this state, the hibiscus will overwinter in a cool place (+10..+12°C) - to prevent the roots from drying out, the soil of the hibiscus is slightly moistened from time to time
Transfer: young - annually in the spring. Adults migrate once every three to four years.
Reproduction: cuttings, less often seeds.
Hibiscus. © floradania Caring for hibiscus at home
Hibiscus prefers diffused light, without direct sunlight.
The optimal placement of hibiscus in summer is windows with western or eastern orientation. On windows with a southern orientation in spring and summer, place the plant away from the window or create diffused light with translucent fabric or paper (gauze, tulle, tracing paper). If you follow the rules of care, it can grow well and even bloom on north-facing windows.
On warm summer days, you can take the hibiscus outdoors (balcony, garden), but it should be protected from sunlight, precipitation and drafts. If you do not have the opportunity to place the plant outdoors in the summer, you should regularly ventilate the room.
In winter, good lighting is provided for hibiscus; shading is not required. You can create additional lighting using fluorescent lamps, placing them above the plant at a distance of 50-60 cm, for at least 8 hours a day. In the autumn-winter period, it is also necessary to ventilate the room, but drafts should be avoided.
If there is insufficient lighting, the plant may bloom sparingly or not at all.
During the growing season and flowering period, hibiscus is watered abundantly as the top layer of the substrate dries. In the autumn-winter period, water moderately, two to three days after the top layer of the substrate has dried.
When watering, do not allow the substrate to dry out or become excessively waterlogged. The water from the pan is poured out half an hour after watering. Water with soft and well-settled water.
Air humidity does not play a significant role, but it is advisable to spray the plants. This procedure is also a preventive measure against spider mites. During flowering, especially on clear, warm days, hibiscus is sprayed with warm, soft, settled water. In the autumn-winter period, you can spray the plants with warm water from time to time.
Hibiscus. © floradania In the spring-summer period, regular (once a month) feeding of hibiscus with nitrogen-containing mineral fertilizers is useful (this stimulates long-term flowering). You can feed it with special complex fertilizers for flowering indoor plants every 3 weeks. You can use “Rainbow”, “Ideal”, etc. It is very useful, after watering with clean water, to feed once a month with a fermented solution of bird droppings (1 part solution to 20 parts water) or liquid mullein (1 part infusion to 12 parts water). By mid-August, the amount of nitrogen in fertilizing is reduced. In winter, only phosphorus-potassium fertilizer is applied in half the dose once a month, or (if the content is almost dry in cool conditions) it is not fertilized. Fertilizers are applied after watering.
At the end of April - beginning of May, adult plants are transferred to large pots (once every three to four years). If the soil is not sour and there are no pests in it, you can simply replace the top 5 cm layer of soil with fresh nutritious soil. As soon as the flower reaches its maximum size in your conditions, do not replant it, but carefully remove it from the pot and replace some of the soil. The soil for hibiscus is close to neutral (pH about 6), light, and nutritious. It can be prepared from 4 parts turf, 3 parts leaf, one part each of humus soil and sand. Pieces of charcoal are added to the mixture. Unrotted manure and dry mullein should not be used. A mixture of turf, humus soil and sand (2:1:1) may also be suitable. You can add a little peat and bone meal. Good drainage is needed, as the plant does not tolerate stagnant water very well.
Hibiscus is cultivated as large or small bushy or standard plants, the different shapes of the crown of which can be obtained by timely and correct pruning.
To increase the decorativeness of the crown and stimulate the development of a large number of young shoots that form flowers (hibiscus flower buds are formed on the shoots of the current year), after replanting (for young ones) or replacing the top layer of soil (for adults), the plant must be pruned to the bud at approximately a distance 15 cm from the base. When new shoots begin to form, you need to remove the weak ones and leave the healthiest ones.
To delay the flowering of hibiscus until autumn or winter, the plants should be replanted and pruned in May. Before this, they should be dormant with very moderate watering. In July they prune again. As a result, flower buds are formed only in early autumn. The resulting cuttings of twigs can be used for propagation.
Hibiscus is able to grow from the root. This property is convenient for those gardeners who have a shortage of light and space in their apartment, and because of which there is nowhere to put an extra flower pot in the winter. In autumn, watering the plants is gradually reduced to a minimum and the leaves are allowed to fall, and then the stems are cut off, leaving stumps of 7-8 centimeters. In this state, the hibiscus will overwinter in a cool place (10..12°C) - so that the roots do not dry out, the soil of the hibiscus is slightly moistened from time to time, and after three to four months the plant will produce fresh shoots. From now on, it needs to be exposed to light and watered, not forgetting to pinch the young shoots, as they grow very quickly.
Hibiscus. © floradania Hibiscus propagation
Hibiscus is propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Hibiscus seeds are sown from mid-January to mid-March. Before planting, they are soaked for 12 hours in epin. Sow in a mixture of peat and sand. The bowl is covered with glass and the temperature is maintained at 25..27°C. Using a mini-greenhouse or bottom heating promotes better seed germination. Spray and ventilate periodically. When the seedlings have formed two or three leaves, they are planted in pots of the appropriate size. Seedlings bloom and bear fruit at 3-4 years of age.
It is easy to propagate hibiscus from cuttings. They are cut in June-August from the tops of young growth with 2-3 internodes. The sections are treated with growth stimulants. Cuttings take root well after 25-30 days in indoor greenhouses with soil heated to 22..25°C (a mixture of peat and sand or clean sand) or in pots covered with a glass jar, or in water. After the roots appear, they are planted in 7-10 cm pots with a soil mixture of humus (2 parts), leaf and turf soil and sand (1 part each), watered with warm water. It is good to add horn shavings and bone meal to the mixture.
For correct formation Smaller shoots of the hibiscus bush are pinched. Young plants grow very quickly, so they may need to be transplanted into a larger pot within a few months after rooting. In the future, they need to be replanted annually in fresh fertile soil. Transplantation is carried out in early spring before flowering. Before this, it is useful to prune the plant, this stimulates abundant branching and flowering. The branches are cut to two-thirds or half their length. With good lighting and abundant watering, flowering plants can be obtained within 1 year.
Hibiscus. © Amy Possible difficulties when growing hibiscus
Buds appear on the plant, but do not open and soon fall off - the plant lacks nutrients; watering is not abundant enough, the soil dries out too much; low air temperature.
The lower leaves of the hibiscus fall off, new ones grow yellowish - chlorosis of the leaves has occurred due to the increased content of chlorine and calcium in the irrigation water, while there is a lack of nitrogen and iron (it is necessary to settle the water for irrigation and add iron chelate to it according to the instructions); root disease from hypothermia with abundant watering and low temperature; too dry indoor air combined with high temperature and insufficient spraying.
The absence of flowers in hibiscus in the presence of lush, numerous foliage means the plant is overfed with fertilizers with a high nitrogen content; keeping in an insufficiently bright place; insufficient watering during the active growing season;
winter maintenance at a fairly high temperature.
Lack of light combined with excess nutrition can cause dirty pink spots to appear on the leaves.
Cold soil can cause plant roots to dry out.
With a lack of moisture, the leaves droop and become limp.
Damaged by: aphids, thrips, whiteflies, spider mites.
Hibiscus is a perennial and annual herbaceous plant, as well as shrubs and trees of the Malvaceae family.
Hibiscus: botanical description
Hibiscus is a deciduous or evergreen tree, shrub or herbaceous plant. It is very difficult to give an accurate description of the plant, as its genus numbers more than a hundred various types, which are very different in shape, color, and botanical characteristics. However, they also have a lot in common. The leaves of the plant are usually notched, smooth, glossy with a short petiole. Their color can be green (and any shades of this color) or variegated.
Large, regular, graceful, crowned, simple or double flowers have a wide range of colors, which covers almost all the colors of the rainbow spectrum. They can be red, yellow, blue, light blue, burgundy, chartreuse, lilac, lilac and violet. In addition, some of them are painted in several colors at once.
After pollination, fruits are formed on the plant - five-leaf multi-seeded capsules with smooth or pubescent seeds inside. They can be used to propagate the plant next season.
Hibiscus: a little history
The first mentions of hibiscus appeared in the Middle Ages. It came to Europe via the Silk Road through Pakistan from China and India. Very soon, leading gardeners in Greece and the Middle East began to cultivate the flower in gardens and parks. They also worked on developing new forms and colors of the “Chinese rose”.
By the 18th century, hibiscus had become one of the ten most common garden plants. However, the craze for hibiscus came a little later - with the discovery of indoor plant species in 1831.
Hibiscus: etymology of the name
The name of the plant comes from the ancient Greek word "hibíscos", which means "ibis-like". The ibis is a bird with a curved beak, whose natural habitat is considered to be the Middle East and North Africa.
Hibiscus also has a second name - “flower of death”. This is due to the superstition that the bloom of a flower attracts death to the house. Moreover, only indoor plant species are endowed with this ability.
Hibiscus: interesting facts
Hibiscus is a non-trivial plant, so over the years it has acquired many interesting facts and myths. For example, hibiscus is often called “Chinese rose” or “Sudanese rose”, although it has nothing to do with the Rosaceae family.
Some of the plants are completely edible. An example of this is the same “Sudanese rose”, from whose flowers the famous refreshing and tonic Hibiscus tea is made.
Hibiscus is a highly revered plant in many countries around the world. He has earned special treatment in Malaysia - his image is placed on the country's coat of arms.
Homeland of hibiscus
The homeland of hibiscus is considered to be Southeast Asia and some Pacific islands, namely China, India and Malaysia. Nowadays, on the territory of these countries you can find wild thickets of hibiscus, which delight the eye with a large number of colors.
Along the Silk Road, as well as after the colonization of most of the Pacific islands, the plant began its victorious march across the planet. Nowadays hibiscus is grown almost everywhere. In warm latitudes it is a popular garden plant, in cold latitudes it is an indoor plant.
Hibiscus: application
Hibiscus is a beautiful flowering plant that is often used in decorative landscaping of parks, squares, gardens, open terraces, balconies and indoor spaces. The abundance of species, shapes and colors has allowed the plant to become in great demand in landscape design.
Some types of hibiscus are quite edible, and you can eat not only the flowers, but also the leaves and shoots. In traditional oriental cuisine there are many fried and boiled dishes with the addition of this plant.
Speaking about hibiscus, one cannot fail to mention its Sudanese variety. The flowers of this plant are extremely beneficial for the body. They make a very tasty and healthy tonic tea, which has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular, digestive and nervous systems.
Hibiscus Hibiscus, Chinese rose, Chinese rose, swamp mallow, "flower beautiful ladies" Evergreen trees or shrubs with large single or double flowers of various colors (white, yellow, orange, lilac, all shades of pink and red, there are also two-color varieties).
Etymology
The genus bears the ancient Greek name rose stock Alcaea rosea.
Types and varieties of hibiscus
The genus includes over 250 species of evergreen trees, shrubs and herbaceous perennials, common in tropical and subtropical regions.
Hibiscus is native to tropical Asia and southern China, but it grows freely in Africa and America. In Brazil, the hibiscus fibre, or “princess earrings,” grows; in Hawaii, hibiscus is considered the national plant and is called the “flower of beautiful women.”
In the places where they grow, hibiscus are used not only as wonderful ornamental plants, their young shoots and leaves are used as food. The seeds, fruits, roots and leaves are used medicinally.
Chinese hibiscus, or Chinese rose, Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Homeland - Southeast Asia and Polynesia. The species was introduced into Europe at the end of the 17th century.
This is a shrub or tree in nature up to 4-5 m tall (in cultivation up to 2 m) with large leaves up to 10-15 cm long, oval-shaped, shiny, dark green. There are variegated forms.
Already at a young age, hibiscus begins to bloom profusely. The flowers are solitary, 10-12 cm in diameter, white, yellow, pink, red or purple. The initial type has simple flowers, while hybrids often have double flowers.
Each flower lives only 1 day. However, the plant can bloom throughout the year.
Currently, about 500 varieties are known.
Popular varieties of Chinese hibiscus:
Hibiscus" Alicante"- flowers are simple, red;
Hibiscus" Ankara" - flowers are simple, yellow with a red core;
Hibiscus" Rosa"- semi-double, pink flowers;
Hibiscus" Flamingo"—pink flowers with a dark core, simple;
Hibiscus "Paramaribo"- flowers are red, simple;
Hibiscus "Rio"- pink flowers with a dark center, simple;
Hibiscus "Koenig"- yellow, double flowers;
Hibiscus "Bangkok"- yellow flowers with a dark burgundy center, simple;
Hibiscus "Bari"- flowers are light yellow with a dark center, simple;
Hibiscus "Sunshine Purple"- flowers are deep pink, simple.
Hibiscus mutabilis
An attractive ornamental semi-deciduous shrub or small tree about 3-5 m tall with an umbrella crown in an adult plant and large (about 20x20 cm), velvety dark green five-lobed serrated leaves.
Syrian hibiscus, or ketmia, or Syrian rose (Hibiscus syriacus)
A shrub up to 4 m in height native to China and India with bright green leaves and flowers of various colors, living up to 100 years. Blooms from mid-summer until frost. Flowers up to 10 cm in diameter, color from white to crimson and even lilac with a burgundy center. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be simple or double; there are also unusual variegated varieties. At proper care hibiscus is literally covered with flowers. And although each flower lives only one day, due to the abundance of buds, the flowering of the bush is very bright and long-lasting.
Quite a demanding type of hibiscus, suitable for growing in winter gardens and on insulated loggias.
Syrian hibiscus is now often sold as a garden plant for middle zone Russia. Unfortunately this southern plant It doesn’t overwinter here, even under cover.
Hybrid hibiscus, or grass hibiscus (Hibiscus hybridus)
The species was obtained by crossing three North American species - Red hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus), Pink hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos) And Hibiscus militaris.
The plant is suitable for growing in hydroponic culture. Hibiscus makes excellent bonsai, and this plant tolerates pruning well.
Popular varieties of hybrid hibiscus:
Hibiscus" Albus" - flowers are single, large, white;
Hibiscus" Coelestis" - narrow and upright growing shrub with short shoots, solitary flowers, violet-blue;
Hibiscus" Diana" - an upright growing shrub up to 2 m tall, flowers up to 12 cm in diameter, pure white, petals with wavy edges. Flowering profusely;
Hibiscus" Hamabo" - a rather tall shrub, solitary flowers, pale pink with a reddish tint or stripes in the lower half of the petals;
Hibiscus" Lady Stanley" - a low-growing shrub with a narrow shape, semi-double flowers, white with a pinkish tint, dark red in the center. Blooms moderately;
Hibiscus" Pink Giant"—single flowers, uniformly pink with a dark red spot at the base. Distinguished by abundant, long early summer flowering;
Hibiscus" Russian Violet" - a powerfully growing shrub. Flowering is very abundant, the flowers are dark pink;
Hibiscus" Violet Elar Double" is a powerful upright growing shrub. The flowers are double, less often semi-double, violet-blue with one or several red spots.
Trifoliate hibiscus (Hibiscus trionum)
A herbaceous plant native to North and Central Africa.
The species is grown as an annual plant in the garden.
The root is taproot, the stem is straight, branched, 20-80 cm high. The leaves are alternate, tripartite, petiolate, pubescent.
The flowers are pale yellow with a purple center and are up to 4 cm in diameter. They open in the morning for only a few hours, and in the afternoon they close. However, the flowering period of this plant lasts more than a month, since new buds are formed in the axil of each leaf. If you create the right conditions, flowers will appear every day. After the corolla falls off, a swollen fruit forms on the peduncle. Dried shoots with unusual fruits are good in dry bouquets.
Hibiscus develops well in indoor culture. It is very popular among flower growers. A wide variety of forms and varieties are used in indoor gardening. Hawaiian hybrids are distinguished by their large flower sizes (13-15 cm).
Hibiscus care
An unpretentious plant for indoor cultivation.
Place the hibiscus in a bright place. In winter - in the light at a temperature of +15...+20 °C. Watering during the growth period is plentiful, in winter - limited.
Until mid-August, weekly feeding is required; In winter, feed no more than once a month when placed in a warm place.
In spring, the main shoots of overgrown plants are shortened by half. Pruning is always done above an already formed bud. Reacts to a change in location - it can shed leaves.
Young plants are replanted every year in the spring, simultaneously pruning and thereby stimulating the appearance of a large number of young shoots on which flowers form. It is better to replant adult plants once every 2-3 years. Large specimens prefer wooden tubs. If the pot is too large, the hibiscus will produce new leaves but not bloom. Used for planting soil mixture from leaf and turf soil, compost, sand (1:1:2:1). It is advisable to add bone meal.
Possible problems:
- leaves are falling— possible reasons: drying out of the soil or, conversely, waterlogging, drafts are also possible;
— buds fall— the most likely reason is drying out of the soil. Other possible causes include lack of nutrients and sudden changes in temperature;
— leaves wrinkle- The cause is usually dry air. In summer, spray the plant more often;
— pads of yellow, orange or brown spores appear on the inside of the leaf— reason: rust. Remove spotted leaves, isolate the diseased plant and spray with synthetic fungicides. Repeat treatment every week for a month;
— pests- can be affected by whiteflies, aphids and spider mites; to prevent this, hibiscus must be periodically sprayed and washed with warm water.
Hibiscus propagation
Hibiscus is propagated by green and semi-lignified cuttings in February, March and August in a substrate consisting of nutritious soil at a temperature of +20...+25 °C. Cuttings can be treated with phytohormones to stimulate root formation. When rooting, it is necessary to cover with a glass jar or plastic bag.
Hibiscus in home ecology
Actively enriches the air with phytoncides and moisturizes it. Humid air contains 40-50% less dust than dry. Plants that humidify the air significantly reduce the risk of developing respiratory diseases and help improve the general condition of the human body. Hibiscus not only humidifies the air, but also creates healthy “electrostatics”, which helps improve performance. In addition, the plant has the ability to absorb and decompose trichlorethylene (this is a colorless liquid that smells of chloroform, which is part of varnishes and glue, easily evaporates and is considered carcinogenic).
Like any beautifully flowering plant, it creates an aesthetically pleasing and comfortable environment. The “heart” of this plant contains nectar, which is considered an aphrodisiac, so it’s worth thinking, dear women, about putting this “flower of love” in your bedroom. The presence of this plant will add charm to the room, and summer periods will fill it with a unique aroma.
Medicinal properties of hibiscus
The history of using hibiscus for medicinal purposes goes back several thousand years. In Egypt, hibiscus seeds were used to cleanse breath, and an emulsion of oil and milk was used to relieve itching. The Arabs mixed musky hibiscus seeds with coffee. In the East, the seeds are used as a seasoning for food. The Taiwanese know hibiscus seeds as a diuretic, laxative and tonic. In the Philippines, sour hibiscus root is used as a tonic to increase appetite. Angolans recommend hibiscus leaves as a soothing drink for coughs. The leaves, stems, calyxes and fruits of the plant are edible.
Currently, the plant is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Dark red fleshy inflorescences and calyxes form the basis of hibiscus tea, and contain various organic acids, such as malic, tartaric, citric. Therefore, the tea drink prepared from them has a pleasant sour taste, which perfectly quenches thirst. Anthocyanins, which give the drink its red color, help strengthen the walls of blood vessels and ensure their permeability.
Most diseases are known to be caused by fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which thicken the walls and impede blood circulation. The main means of combating cholesterol deposits is gamma-linoleic acid, which dissolves fat deposits. Hibiscus tea (hibiscus tea, mallow tea, Sudanese rose, hibiscus)- one of the most natural natural sources gamma-linoleic acid.
Hibiscus energy
Hibiscus flowers have strong love energy. Subject to fairly simple care rules, the plant can bloom for a long time, helping to create harmony in the home. The content of this plant will be especially useful for couples who have lived together for many years. Blooming hibiscus will help restore the extinguished flame of feelings and ignite your hearts with passion. Hibiscus is characterized by spiral vibrations of energy directed upward. Energy flows from the roots of the plant into the stem, around it in a spiral to the tips of the leaves and flowers, enveloping the flowers in widely diverging circles.
Hibiscus in flower cooking
Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hibiscus sabdariffa), hibiscus is used to produce a tea drink with a sour taste and a beautiful rich red color. Dried flower cups are used for tea. A drink made from hibiscus perfectly quenches thirst and has beneficial properties.
It is brewed like tea, without boiling; when heated for a long time, the coloring matter decomposes, and the drink becomes dirty gray. It is also important to use glass or porcelain containers when brewing. When it comes into contact with metal, the taste and color of the drink deteriorate. The infusion may also become colored green when brewing with very hard water. Moreover, hibiscus sepals softened in water do not lose their original sweet and sour taste, and therefore they can be eaten as an excellent vitamin supplement, which, thanks to the high content of vitamin C, protects the body from viral infections.
For Russians, hibiscus tea can be recommended taking into account climatic conditions, which are characterized by a seasonal lack of vitamins in the body. No serious contraindications for hibiscus tea have been identified, but it is still necessary to use it carefully and in moderation if individual intolerance to certain products has previously been noted. The restriction on the consumption of hibiscus tea applies only to children under 1 year of age. Hibiscus can also be used as a weight loss aid.
The hibiscus flower is very popular in many countries. The coat of arms of Malaysia contains a red hibiscus flower, and in the capital of this country there is a beautiful Hibiscus Park, where more than two thousand specimens of this plant grow. In addition, the hibiscus is a symbol of the island of Haiti. Local residents and numerous tourists decorate themselves with its flowers. In India they are woven into wedding wreaths.
Pages of history
Interest in hibiscus first arose in Hawaii, from where this plant was subsequently brought to Europe. And already at the beginning of the 18th century. Hibiscus adorned some European botanical gardens, captivating visitors. lush flowering. In 1950, the American Hibiscus Society was formed.
Hibiscus in the world
Hibiscus in Malaysia
Malaysia is a multinational country. Malaysia has a population of over 22 million and consists of over 60 different ethnic groups, the largest being the Malays. They are Muslim, speak Bahasa, and are the most politically active part of the country.
The Malaysian coat of arms features a red hibiscus flower. In Malaysia, women used to fill their eyebrows with hibiscus petals, and a decoction of its roots was used to treat many diseases. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is often called simply KEL - “City of Gardens and Lights”. There are several parks around the picturesque lake, not far from the center. The parks are decorated with flower beds, shady alleys, playgrounds and all kinds of jogging paths. The Orchid Park, which has more than three thousand species of these beautiful flowers, smoothly transitions into the Hibiscus Park. More than two thousand specimens of this beautiful flower, which is a national symbol, grow here.
Hibiscus in Egypt
In Egypt, hibiscus tea (red tea) is the national Egyptian drink and has been consumed since time immemorial. Hibiscus seeds were used to cleanse breath, and an emulsion of oil and milk was used to relieve itching.
Hibiscus in Haiti
The original exotic hibiscus flower is a symbol of the island of Haiti. Local residents and numerous tourists decorate themselves with it.
Hibiscus in India
In some provinces of India, red and pink flowers are woven into wedding wreaths.
Hibiscus in Brazil
In Brazil, the hibiscus diopetallata grows, called “princess earrings.” It has split petals and a long peduncle on which it sways gracefully, truly reminiscent of an exquisite earring.
Hibiscus in Argentina
Hibiscus is a very popular plant in Argentina. In Buenos Aires, every third house has one or another variety growing in its front garden, blooming, with short breaks, almost all year round, hanging its flowering branches over the sidewalk from behind the fence of the houses. Numerous hybrids and selection varieties of this species with simple and double flowers, and sometimes with small variegated white-green leaves, are so widespread in South America, that one might think that this is their homeland.
Chinese rose is one of the best plants for home floriculture. Moderate demands on living conditions, exotic appearance and bright flowers- the main advantages thanks to which this “tree” has become very popular among residents of the central zone and more northern latitudes. However, in its homeland there are many signs associated with the flower. For example, the Chinese say that hibiscus is the flower of death.
The presence of a large number of signs is understandable. How home flower It began to be grown in northern countries only about half a century ago. But in more southern latitudes this plant is well known; there are more than 300 varieties, most of which can easily be grown in a pot.
First of all, hibiscus has become popular due to its beneficial properties. In India, for example, there is a legend about the origin of everyone’s favorite hibiscus tea. The exhausted traveler lit a fire, put a pot of water on it and began to pray to the gods for help. In response to his pleas, flowers fell into the pot, turning the water a bloody color (it is possible that because of this circumstance, the flower received the eerie name “bloody” hibiscus). The traveler was not afraid to drink the strange drink and felt his strength return to him again.
Later, scientists began studying the flower and discovered that it is a real storehouse of vitamins and microelements. Perhaps it is precisely this circumstance that makes the shrub so popular among inhabitants of tropical and subtropical climates. And each country tries to attribute its origin to itself.
So, in Sudan, this plant from the mallow family has been grown on special plantations for several centuries in a row. Sudanese rose, rosella or hibiscus sabdarifa in nature can reach 5 m in height. But when grown at home, Sudanese hibiscus is limited to 2 m. Another fundamental difference is that indoor plants are not suitable for tea production. But in terms of decorative properties, Sudanese hibiscus is superior to many potted plants:
- Sudanese varieties are distinguished by bright green foliage;
- leaf length can reach 15 cm;
- petals of Sudanese varieties always have a torn edge;
- The color of the bark, depending on the variety, can be gray or brown.
Directly in Sudan, there are no signs associated with this flower. Unless, of course, we consider it a sign that its successful cultivation provides the Sudanese with raw materials for making tea and sweet dishes, and allows them to improve their economic situation through the sale of hibiscus.
Useful aphradisiac
Another useful variety is musk hibiscus. Unlike Sudanese rose, you cannot brew tea from this variety. But the aroma of hibiscus abelmoschus can cure frigidity and impotence. The easiest way to distinguish musky varieties is:
- the height of the indoor plant does not exceed 2 m;
- the leaves are large, densely covered with hairs;
- flowers are dark yellow with a scarlet core;
- the seed pods are also covered with thick hairs, and the seeds themselves are gray in color and emit a strong odor.
Amber seeds are actively used in the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics.
In addition, the substance obtained from the seeds of this plant replaces animal musk and significantly reduces the cost of the product. In addition, musk hibiscus oil helps improve digestion, eliminate headaches, relieve itching, eliminate bad breath, relieve cramps, and help with depression.
However, the main signs associated with musk hibiscus relate to marital relationships, sexual strength of partners and reproductive function. For the same reason, it is better to place the plant directly in the bedroom.
Extravaganza of color and shape
Add exotics home interior"Aliogyne" or blue hibiscus will help. The variety is close to the Syrian varieties, but differs in color. A hybrid variety, it has large flowers of a rich blue color and drooping leaves, like those of a real mallow (outwardly similar to the leaves of a Chinese rose).
If you want to “blue” your garden plot, then it is better to choose from the varieties of Syrian rose. A good addition landscape design will become low (up to 2 m) Blue Satin. Very spectacular variety with large (up to 12 cm) flowers, abundantly decorating the plant from late spring to early autumn. This variety tolerates pruning well and is suitable for standard cultivation.
A stunning effect will be produced by blue hibiscus planted in the same container with varieties of a different color.
Hibiscus Linden is the most unusual representative of the genus. This hibiscus is a tree that, depending on the variety and planting location, can reach 7 m in height. The variegated hibiscus got its name for its similarity to the linden tree. Spreading branches with large (about 30 cm) heart-shaped leaves are decorated with large chameleon flowers. During the day, the flowers delight the eye with a scattering of yellow, but by evening the color of the inflorescences changes to red. Some species of this plant can be grown at home and are very popular among lovers of Japanese culture and bonsai-style trees. Flowers of this variety can be used for medicinal purposes:
- good for bronchitis;
- contribute to the treatment of tonsillitis;
- heal abscesses.
If you propagate this flower by seed, you can get various varietal variations, including double ones. However, double hibiscus is not a separate variety. Terry varieties are found regardless of color and variety.
For example, the yellow double hibiscus most clearly represents the mallow family. And it is a typical variation of the Chinese rose. Only, unlike the latter, it has larger, decorative flowers. By the way, the Chinese rose itself, which is popularly called the bloody hibiscus and is surrounded by legends, actually has a connection not only with China. Hibiscus is native to southern China, tropical Asia and the subequatorial islands. Among which we can name Hawaii, where the flower has been elevated to the rank of a national treasure.
Hawaiian hibiscus is a tragic story beautiful flower. Now this species is almost completely exterminated and is rarely found in wildlife. It is not difficult to guess that this is a Hawaiian hibiscus, since this small tree (maximum 1 meter) looks very attractive. The oval leaves are reminiscent of ficus leaves - glossy, concave with a medium color intensity. The flowers on the tree are scattered rarely, but they are quite large and colored bright red.
For those who like more consistency, we can recommend the variety - sunset yellow. The plant looks incredibly delicate. Yellow hibiscus - as if created from air and the most delicate lemon fibers. The life of this flower is limited to just one day. But new inflorescences decorate the bush quite quickly.
Rainbow mood
One of the most striking indoor representatives of the mallow family is the hibiscus gabriel. His distinguishing feature- a huge flower up to 15 cm in diameter, changing color depending on the conditions and time of year. The variegated “Gabrieel” can be gray-lilac with a beige edging, or it can delight the gardener with a purple flower framed along the edge by a bright yellow stripe. The leaves of this variety are glossy and have a regular oval shape.
Tahitian is a royal hibiscus, which is absolutely true. Corrugated, with soft waves, like a royal robe, the petals of this variety are painted in a spiral. And the palette combines three colors (for one flower) and varies from dark burgundy to faded gray. This hibiscus is a standard variety.
An amazing and unusual cherry variety. Its highlight is the bright contrast. The red inside of the flower seems to be poured on top with perfectly white and thick cream.
Hibiscus gabriel hibiscus tahitian hibiscus cherry
Many-sided and tasty hibiscus
If you love unusual plants, the following hibiscus variety is just for you. Mahogany splendor, also known as sour hibiscus, also known as Hibiscus acetosella. Sometimes, due to some similarities with wood sorrel, it is called oxalis. Due to its pleasant sour taste, this type of hibiscus is used in some countries as vegetable crop, replacing sorrel. The flower got its name - maple-leaved Mahogany - thanks to its unusual foliage, reminiscent of a Chinese maple. And thanks to the unusual red color of the leaves, people also call this variety red-leaved.
Sour hibiscus is rightfully very popular. This is a short-lived, but very decorative-looking bush. The variegated, carved and dense crown of the flower will easily decorate any garden, and its pleasant taste will delight gourmets.
This variety has no clear characteristics. Scientists explain this by the hybrid origin of the shrub. And it was discovered by a French botanist on the African continent, which is why the plant was initially called African mallow for a long time.
Despite this, splendor is well tolerated minus temperature, but in the climate of northern latitudes it is grown as an annual crop
The leaves of the hibiscus schizopetalus or dissected hibiscus variety look no less impressive. This species is also close to Chinese varieties. It is a shrub with thin drooping vines. The beauty of the variety is in its unusual flowers of red, orange or mixed colors. Small in size, only 8 cm, the flowers are striking in their unusual shape - the dissected petals are curled and bent back.
Pink dreams
You can decorate your balcony and windowsill with Cooper's hibiscus. This variety is beautiful not only during flowering, when the branches are decorated with large flowers of deep pink color, but also during the dormant period. The second name of the flower is variegated hibiscus. The foliage of the plant is regular oval in shape and white-green in color.
Small flower beds can be supplemented with Copper King or swamp hibiscus. This is a small herbaceous plant with light pink and very large flowers. The white variety also looks good.
Hibiscus of the natalie variety will add porcelain perfection to the interior. Its large, tubular flowers with textured tips and deep pink color always look perfect. Natalia will fit best into classical style interiors.
The s joy variety is characterized by greater color saturation and is suitable for people who are used to constantly being on the move. In addition, the pink-orange large flowers of this hibiscus will always remind you of a hot and sunny summer.
Hibiscus allure – real indoor rose. A stuffed clover-colored bud with a fine cut will not leave true connoisseurs of beauty indifferent.
Let's add some color
Discreet, cold, giving off a metallic shine, the hibiscus metallic blue will become great addition for offices.
But flame crazy is its complete opposite. Huge, as if made of paper, crazy flowers exude a breathtaking acid-pink color around them.
Hibiscus voodoo magic - this hybrid is created for those who love stories about magical, distant countries and African romance. Orange-brown, like the setting African sun, voodoo flowers amaze the imagination with their size. With proper care, Voodoo Magic is able to give the owner flowers up to 17 cm in diameter.
Black dragon hibiscus is a variety for true connoisseurs and experienced gardeners. The noble dragon amazes, first of all, with the depth of its dark cherry color, which shimmers in blue-black colors in the sun.
For beginning gardeners, the Fireball variety would be an excellent option. A herbaceous hybrid, very unpretentious to growing conditions, cold-resistant and beautiful. Its flowers actually resemble fireballs in size and shape.
Fans of seed propagation should pay attention to another herbaceous variety - hibiscus ice cream. A plant with relatively small (only 6 cm in diameter) flowers can preserve for a long time decorative properties. During flowering, hibiscus delights with cream flowers with a chocolate core. And after flowering, the plant is decorated with unusual pods.
Russian selection
In the 50s of the last century, the Russian breeder F. Rusanov developed a stunning herbaceous variety, which was named hybrid or Rusanov hibiscus. This plant combines the qualities of three North American varieties. The leaves resemble maple, the flowers are very large and look like the inflorescences of a Chinese rose.
The variety can winter in open ground in northern latitudes
In the winter, Rusanova's hibiscus sheds its leaves, and in the spring shoots appear again from powerful tubers. It is better to choose sunny and open places for the plant.
However, the most famous in our country was and remains the Chinese rose or hibiscus - the flower of death. It was noticed that hibiscus begins to lose leaves, or blooms at the wrong time, if its owner is terminally ill. Some flower growers also claim that the plant helps to pay attention to your health in time and get examined before the disease develops.
True, signs don’t always work, but hibiscus grown in the house will really benefit your health. This plant ionizes and purifies the air well. And, according to psychics, it fills the apartment with positive energy.
