Hibiscus Braid ‘President Red’

President’s Red Hibiscus requires specific types of care in order for the plant to properly grow and thrive. Taking care of President’s Red Hibiscus is relatively easy as long as you prepare yourself to take care of the blooms properly. President’s Red Hibiscus requires full sunlight, though care must be taken in climates with higher temperatures, since the blooms can sometimes become scorched if they are not watered properly.

President’s Red Hibiscus, or Hibiscus rosa-sinensis ‘President’, has several other names in popular culture. These names include tropical hibiscus, red hibiscus, and red tropical hibiscus. However, the most common name used in gardening circles is President’s Red Hibiscus, as this helps differentiate this variety of flower from other tropical hibiscus varieties.

Hibiscus are large shrubs or small trees that produce huge, colorful, trumpet-shaped flowers over a long season. Hibiscus are deciduous shrubs with dark green leaves; the plants can grow to 15 feet tall in frost-free areas. Flowers may be up to 6 inches diameter, with colors ranging from yellow to peach to red. Hibiscus can be planted singly or grown as a hedge plant; they can also be pruned into a single-stemmed small tree. The flowers are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.

Hibiscus require at least 1 inch of rain (or equivalent watering) each week. They like to be constantly moist, but not wet. Feed twice a month during the growing season and prune as necessary to control plant size and cut back errant branches. Cut branches back to just above a side shoot. Hibiscus are sensitive to cold and should be protected when temperatures dip into the 30s; container-grown plants should be brought indoors. Check plants periodically for pests such as aphids, white flies and mealybugs. Use a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control these pests.