Hibiscus mutabilis/Cotton rosemallow / गुलाबी गुड़हल
cotton rosemallow, गुलाबी गुड़हल
Hibiscus mutabilis, commonly known as the Confederate Rose, is a beautiful and hardy flowering shrub known for its large, showy blooms that often change color throughout the day. It’s a great addition to southern or warm-climate gardens.
Planting Tips
- Location: Choose a sunny spot (6–8 hours of sunlight daily). It can tolerate partial shade but blooms best in full sun.
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Amend heavy clay with compost or sand.
- Spacing: Allow 6–10 feet of space around each plant—these shrubs can grow quite large (up to 10–15 feet tall and wide).
Watering
- Establishment phase: Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
- After established: Drought-tolerant, but benefits from deep watering once a week during dry spells.
- Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root rot.
Fertilizing
- Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) in early spring.
- You can feed again in mid-summer to encourage more blooms.
- Organic compost or fish emulsion works well for eco-friendly feeding.
Pruning
- Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth appears.
- Cut back to shape the plant or control size—it responds well to pruning and can be hard-pruned if necessary.
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches.
Flowering Tips
- Blooms usually appear in late summer to fall.
- Flowers often open white or pale pink and darken to deep pink or red by the end of the day.
- Encourage blooming by deadheading spent flowers and avoiding excess nitrogen (too much = more leaves, fewer flowers).
Pests and Diseases
- Generally, pest-resistant but watch for:
- Aphids, whiteflies, or spider mites — treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Leaf spot or rust — improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Good garden hygiene (removing fallen debris) helps prevent disease.
Winter Care
- Mulch heavily around the base to protect roots.
- Consider growing in a large pot and overwintering indoors or in a greenhouse.
Propagation
- Easily propagated by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer.
- Can also grow from seeds, but cuttings produce faster results.
