How to Divide a Hardy Hibiscus
Hardy hibiscus (hibiscus moscheutos) is more commonly known as rose mallow. It is a perennial shrub that usually grows to be about four feet tall and three feet wide. It has white flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. Hardy hibiscus often are divided to propagate new shrubs or to reduce size. Divide your hardy hibiscus in early spring, just as the new sprouts begin to grow. Replant the divided bushes in full sun and in soil that drains well.
Dig a wide circle around your shrub, at least six inches from the base. That will penetrate some of the roots, but that is expected. The size of your hardy hibiscus will determine how deep you need to dig. It’s better to go too deep, so start off a couple inches deeper than you originally planned.
- Hardy hibiscus (hibiscus moscheutos) is more commonly known as rose mallow.
- The size of your hardy hibiscus will determine how deep you need to dig.
Lift the shrub out of its hole. Lay it on its side and think about how you’re going to divide your plant. Separate the shrub into smaller clumps or larger clumps. Just be sure you get some roots with each clump.
Divide the bush with your hands. You may need an axe or saw to cut through the roots. The divided shrubs are now ready to give away or replant.
- Lift the shrub out of its hole.
- Divide the bush with your hands.
Plant your new bushes as soon as possible (keep the roots moist in the meantime) to the same depth they were planted originally. Hardy hibiscuses prefer full sun and can tolerate most soil conditions. They do however, prefer soil that is well draining, so consider adding a couple inches of organic matter, such as compost or peat moss, to the soil before planting.
Make A Hardy Hibiscus Shrub Become A Tree
Choose the strongest stem in the hibiscus shrub and tie it to a stake to hold it upright, so it doesn't bend once you remove the other supporting stems. The best time to start the training is before new growth begins in the spring. Prune all but the chosen stem or stems back to the soil line. Cut lateral growing branches or stems from the bottom two-thirds of the shrub. Monitor the hibiscus as it grows. Pinch the top of the tree when it reaches your desired height.
- Plant your new bushes as soon as possible (keep the roots moist in the meantime) to the same depth they were planted originally.
- Choose the strongest stem in the hibiscus shrub and tie it to a stake to hold it upright, so it doesn't bend once you remove the other supporting stems.
Tip
Take care when handling the roots since they tend to be brittle and can easily break off.
Related Articles
References
Tips
- Take care when handling the roots since they tend to be brittle and can easily break off.
Writer Bio
Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.
