Hibiscus President Red

Description: The 'President Red' Hibiscus is prized for its stunning, trumpet-shaped flowers that can reach up to 6 inches (15 centimeters) in diameter. The flowers feature deep, velvety red petals and a prominent central stamen. They typically bloom throughout the warm months of the year, attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. The glossy, dark green foliage provides an attractive backdrop to the striking blooms, creating a lush and tropical appearance.

Size: 'President Red' Hibiscus plants are typically medium to large-sized shrubs, reaching heights of 4 to 8 feet (1.2 to 2.4 meters) and spreads of 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) at maturity. However, the size of individual plants may vary depending on growing conditions, pruning, and care. With its upright growth habit, 'President Red' Hibiscus forms a dense and bushy shrub that can be trained as a single-trunk tree or maintained as a multi-stemmed shrub.

Best Growing Zones: 'President Red' Hibiscus is native to tropical and subtropical regions and thrives in warm, humid climates. It is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, where temperatures rarely drop below 20°F (-6°C). In cooler climates, 'President Red' Hibiscus can be grown as a container plant and overwintered indoors. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires protection from strong winds and frost.

Soil and Sun Requirements: 'President Red' Hibiscus prefers well-drained, fertile soil with good moisture retention. It thrives in full sun, receiving at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Adequate sunlight is essential for promoting vigorous growth and abundant flowering. 'President Red' Hibiscus can tolerate partial shade, especially during the hottest part of the day, but prolonged shade may reduce flowering and overall vigor.

Watering: 'President Red' Hibiscus has moderate water needs and prefers evenly moist soil. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as soggy soil can lead to root rot and other problems. Mulching around the base of the plant can help conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperature, especially during hot and dry periods.

Maintenance: 'President Red' Hibiscus is relatively low-maintenance and requires minimal care to thrive. Prune as needed to maintain the desired shape and size, removing any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to promote continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Fertilize 'President Red' Hibiscus with a balanced fertilizer in spring to encourage healthy growth and flowering.