Hibiscus Cannabinus (Kenaf) is a herbaceous plant and is in the genus Hibiscus. A herbaceous plant is a plant that has leaves and stems that die down at the end of the growing season to the soil level. They have no persistent woody stem above ground. Herbaceous plants may be annuals, biennials or perennials. In the case of Kenaf, it is an annual or biennial herbaceous plant but rarely found as a short lived perennial plant. This plant generally grows to 1.5 to 3.5 meter tall with a woody base. Kenaf grows quickly, rising to heights of 12-14 feet in as little as 4 to 5 months.
Stem of Ambari or Kenaf is 1-2 cm in diameter and often has branches but not always. The leaves are 10–15 cm long, variable fit as a fiddle, with leaves close to the base of the stems being profoundly lobed with 3-7 flaps, while leaves close to the highest point of the stem are shallowly lobed or unlobed lanceolate. The blooms are 8–15 cm distance across, white, yellow, or purple; when white or yellow, the focal point is still dull purple.
How to Grow and Care
Hibiscus flowers are one of the most spectacular blossoms a container gardener can grow. The blooms are large, colorful and incredibly graceful. The foliage of the Hibiscus plant is also beautiful – the dark green, glossy leaves, provide a wonderful contrast to the extravagant blooms.
Hardiness: Hardiness zone 6a to 11b: from −10 °F (−23.3 °C to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Origin: Hibiscus Cannabinus is native to southern Asia.
Light: Place outside in the summer, gradually acclimating to more light. In the winter, give as much direct light as possible.
Water: Water freely in the summer, but excellent drainage is a must. Never let the mix become soggy. In the winter, let dry almost completely before watering again.
Temperature: Even a few nights below 50ºF (10ºC) will kill a Hibiscus. Move them inside when the temperature is consistently 55ºF (13ºC). They prefer between 55ºF and 70ºF (13ºC and 21ºC).
Soil: Use a well-drained potting mix. Ensure also that the plant isn't packed in too tight in order to keep its drainage is good. Poor drainage could rot the plant's roots and slowly wear it down.
Fertilizer: Feed in the early summer with a slow-release fertilizer or weekly with a liquid, blooming fertilizer.
Propagation
Hibiscus can be propagated with soft-stem cuttings in late spring, when the plant begins to grow again. Use rooting hormone and shelter the cutting from direct sun until it begins to grow. Many gardeners bag their plants, which seals in heat and moisture and increases newly planted cuttings' chances of surviving. Don't be discouraged if you can't propagate your Hibiscus plants right away; it's a process that takes time, even for experienced gardeners, and upon success you'll find your new plants all the more rewarding.
- ALSO READ some more info How to Grow and care Hibiscus flower
Stem of Ambari or Kenaf is 1-2 cm in diameter and often has branches but not always. The leaves are 10–15 cm long, variable fit as a fiddle, with leaves close to the base of the stems being profoundly lobed with 3-7 flaps, while leaves close to the highest point of the stem are shallowly lobed or unlobed lanceolate. The blooms are 8–15 cm distance across, white, yellow, or purple; when white or yellow, the focal point is still dull purple.
- Scientific Name: Hibiscus cannabinus L.
- Common Names: Kenaf, Deccan Hemp, Brown Indian Hemp, Java Jute
- Synonyms: Hibiscus obtusatus, Hibiscus sabdariffa subsp. cannabinus, Hibiscus vanderystii, Hibiscus verrucosus, Abelmoschus congener, Abelmoschus verrucosus, Furcaria cannabina, Furcaria cavanillesii, Hibiscus asper, Hibiscus congener, Hibiscus cordofanus, Hibiscus malangensis, Hibiscus vitifolius, Hibiscus wightianus, Ketmia glandulosa, Kosteletzkya vitifolia
- Family: Malvaceae
- Tribe: Hibisceae
- Genus: Hibiscus
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| source pic: flickr.com, flickr.com |
Hibiscus flowers are one of the most spectacular blossoms a container gardener can grow. The blooms are large, colorful and incredibly graceful. The foliage of the Hibiscus plant is also beautiful – the dark green, glossy leaves, provide a wonderful contrast to the extravagant blooms.
Hardiness: Hardiness zone 6a to 11b: from −10 °F (−23.3 °C to 50 °F (+10 °C).
Origin: Hibiscus Cannabinus is native to southern Asia.
Light: Place outside in the summer, gradually acclimating to more light. In the winter, give as much direct light as possible.
Water: Water freely in the summer, but excellent drainage is a must. Never let the mix become soggy. In the winter, let dry almost completely before watering again.
Temperature: Even a few nights below 50ºF (10ºC) will kill a Hibiscus. Move them inside when the temperature is consistently 55ºF (13ºC). They prefer between 55ºF and 70ºF (13ºC and 21ºC).
Soil: Use a well-drained potting mix. Ensure also that the plant isn't packed in too tight in order to keep its drainage is good. Poor drainage could rot the plant's roots and slowly wear it down.
Fertilizer: Feed in the early summer with a slow-release fertilizer or weekly with a liquid, blooming fertilizer.
Propagation
Hibiscus can be propagated with soft-stem cuttings in late spring, when the plant begins to grow again. Use rooting hormone and shelter the cutting from direct sun until it begins to grow. Many gardeners bag their plants, which seals in heat and moisture and increases newly planted cuttings' chances of surviving. Don't be discouraged if you can't propagate your Hibiscus plants right away; it's a process that takes time, even for experienced gardeners, and upon success you'll find your new plants all the more rewarding.
- ALSO READ some more info How to Grow and care Hibiscus flower
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| source pic: flickr.com |
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