Cottage Farms DIRECT M89465 Tropical Hibiscus Tree User Guide
- June 9, 2024
- Cottage Farms DIRECT
Table of Contents
Cottage Farms DIRECT M89465 Tropical Hibiscus Tree
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9960 Padgett Switch Rd. Irvington, Alabama 36544
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We aren’t happy it you aren’t happy. Cottage Farms warrants its perennials for one year and annuals tor 900 days trom the time of the shipment. If tor any reason you are dissatistied, Cottage Farms will replace your plant with a similar or comparable one at no charge. It your replacement is not available or it is too late in the season to ship, it will ship the following shipping season.
Caution: Do not assume any plant is safe to eat. Only parts of plants
expressly grown to be eaten should be considered edible. As with any product
that is not food, care should be taken to make sure that small children and
pets do not ingest any part of a plant that is not expressly grown to be
eaten.
Unless specifically stated, this product is intended for ornamental
horticultural use only and is not intended for consumption or ingestion by
humans or pets. Most plants are harmless but some contain toxic substances
which can cause adverse heath effects. Furthermore, some individuals and some
animals are sensitive or allergic to certain plants and precautions should be
taken to limit or avoid physical contact with particular plants. Some plants
have thorns or spines that can be painful if handled.
In case of ingestion, contact a poison control center immediately.
1-800-222-1222
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QUICK REFERENCE PLANTING GUIDE
| LIGHT/SUN EXPOSURE | Full to part sun. |
|---|---|
| USDA HARDINESS ZONES | Not winter hardy in-ground. Will thrive from spring to |
fall in all zones.
We recommend planting in a container so you can move the plant indoors before the first frost.
PLANT TYPE| Annual/Tropical.
CONTAINER SIZE| One plant per 20-inch or larger container.
MATURE HEIGHT/SPREAD| 5 to 10 feet tall with a 4 to 5 foot spread.
BLOOM TIME| Summer to fall and intermittently the rest of the year.
TIME TO REACH MATURITY| 12 to 24 months.
FACTS OF NOTE| Attracts pollinators. Sun-loving and heat tolerant. Great for
containers.
SOIL PREPARATION
SOIL PREPARATION
We recommend having your soil tested periodically by your local County
Extension Office
(www.nifa.usda.gov/extension or by
calling 1-800-333-4636). A soil test
can determine if your soil needs any amendments to enhance the growth and
performance of your plants.
Ideal garden soil is easy to dig in and drains well while still holding the
nutrients and water vital to plant growth. To prepare a bed for in-ground
planting, spade or till the soil to a depth of roughly 12-18 inches. Next,
spread a 2-4 inch layer of organic matter such as compost, shredded leaves or
peat moss over the soil and mix well.
OUT OF THE BOX
TROPICAL HIBISCUS TREE SKU# M89465
Your plant has been shipped to you in a pot. Please remove the plant from the packaging right away and plant as soon as possible following the planting instructions below. If it is not possible to plant right away, follow these important steps:
- Roll the plastic down around the plant and place it in a sunny location.
- Keep the plant well watered.
Note: Some leaves may appear wilted or yellow upon arrival. This is due
to the stress of shipping and is nothing to worry about. Water the plant and
let it recover in a shady location for a few days, then gently remove any
foliage that does not recover to allow for new growth.
SHIPPED IN AN 8-INCH POT.
PLANT SIZE MAY VARY BASED ON GROWING CONDITIONS.
PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS
We strongly recommend planting your tree in a container in order to properly protect it from winter damage. Use the following instructions as a guide for container planting.
Important: Thoroughly hydrate the plant by watering well before planting.
Fill the container with soil to within 4 inches of the top. Remove the pot and prepare the root ball for planting by gently disturbing the surface roots with your fingers, fork or gardening tool and pruning any damaged roots. Dig a hole in the soil to insert the lower part of the root ball.
Once the plant is properly positioned in the pot, begin filling the pot with soil. Work the soil around the root ball with your hands, firming the soil around the plant with your fingers. When the hole is filled, tamp the soil to remove any air pockets.
Water well and, if necessary, adjust the plant so it is upright and add
additional soil if needed. Check to be sure the plant is not planted too
deeply. If it is, raise the plant carefully and re-firm the soil. Stake the
tree to allow strong roots to develop and to help keep it upright,
particularly in windy conditions.
CONTINUING CARE
WATERING
Adequate and consistent watering is essential for your plant. Infrequent,
long soakings of water that thoroughly saturate the soil are more effective
than frequent, light applications of water.
Due to variable geographical and environmental conditions, a specific watering
schedule is difficult to define. However, as a rule of thumb, you should not
allow the soil or the original root ball to completely dry out. During the
summer, you may need to water as often as every few days in periods of drought
and extreme summer heat. To determine if your plant needs water, dig a few
inches into the soil next to the plant. If the soil is dry 2-3 inches below
the surface, it is time to water.
Over-watering can be as damaging as under-watering. Be sure that the area
surrounding your plant has adequate drainage to move water away from the
plant. Always select a container with drainage holes to prevent your plant’s
roots from sitting in water.
FEEDING
Feed your plant once every 2-3 weeks during the growing season with a
water-soluble fertilizer such as Cottage Farms’ Carefree Bud-N-Flower Booster
(SKU #M7582). Discontinue fertilizing by September 1st to allow your plant to
prepare for winter.
MULCHING
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of shredded bark, compost, leaves, straw or other organic matter around your plants to promote moisture retention, maintain even soil temperatures and discourage weed growth. Replenish the mulch as needed.
PRUNING
Clip off any dead, damaged or unsightly growth as needed to maintain an
attractive appearance. To ensure your tree keeps its form, remove any growth
that appears on the trunk below the main branches and any growth coming up
from the root system. Hibiscus trees can be pruned for size before they are
brought indoors for winter. Cut each branch back by as much as one third of
its length and re-shape the plant as desired.
WINTERIZING
Tropical hibiscus trees should be grown in containers and moved indoors before
the first frost. Select a room that is bright, preferably one with southern
exposure. Indoors, plants tend to dry out from a lack of humidity. To boost
the humidity level around your plant, fill a shallow tray with gravel and
water then place the pot in the tray. The water level should be slightly below
the gravel so the pot is not submerged in water. As the water evaporates, it
will create a more humid environment for your plant.
Watering should be reduced significantly while the plant is indoors. Do not
overwater or allow your plant to sit in water. Remove any unsightly or dead
growth as needed over the winter.
In the spring when temperatures begin to rise, ease the plant into a full
watering schedule and move it back outdoors for the summer.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why does my tree have yellow leaves?
Yellow leaves are a sign of stress typically caused by over-watering or under-
watering. Maintain a regular watering schedule to keep your tree looking its
best.
When should I bring my tree indoors for winter?
Bring your tree indoors before the nighttime temperature drops below 45°F or
before the first frost in your area.
How long do hibiscus blooms last?
Hibiscus blooms usually last one day. Once established, hibiscus trees bloom
heavily with new flowers opening on a daily basis.