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Not a happy Hibiscus!

c.humphreys712c.humphreys712 Posts: 36
in Plants
Hi
I've obviously have lots to learn about making a happy boarder! I planted this Hibiscus (Magenta Chiffon) last spring (2019) in a south facing border with well drained soil. I've always made sure to water and feed the plant, but it has refused to grow. It's now in its 2nd year and it's hardly grown since it left its pot! 
The only thing I can think of to explain the lack of growth is that it's too cramped / too close to the fence and possibly needs more space around it. Any ideas please?


Posts

  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    They do need space and maybe this is what is stopping it from developing.
    When you took it out of the pot were the roots all curled round the pot?
    Many people now look at digging a square hole not round when transplanting a plant as the roundness acts as the pot.
    We had a magnolia that we had to move around our garden many times before it became happy and is now brilliant.
    Our Hibiscus is over 40 years old as it was here when we moved in. It is starting to show it's age but is in flower now.
  • c.humphreys712c.humphreys712 Posts: 36
    Yes, I made sure to prize out some of the roots from the pot shape  - a tip I saw from Monty Don. Thanks - I'll move the bush forward in the border and see if that works. 
    Cheers
  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    Good advice so far. I know you mentioned free draining soil and watering well but maybe it’s me but the photo shows a compacted surface. Watering into a compacted area can cause the water to not run into the soil. 

    If you are re-planting again, I would add/mix in more compost to bulk up the soil and open up the structure. Young shrubs need a bit of help to encourage the roots to grow out into the surrounding soil. If the roots are very matted, you can also slash the edges to free it out.
  • c.humphreys712c.humphreys712 Posts: 36
    Good point about the soil, but I'm fairly sure it's not compact. However, when I move it I'll make sure to dig in some compost.
    Cheers!
  • c.humphreys712c.humphreys712 Posts: 36
    I guess I can move the plant without any problems during the summer?
  • batwood14batwood14 Posts: 193
    Hi - the soil does look a bit compacted there as mentioned above but aside from that, some plants take more than two years to bed down and establish. Some take 3-5 years so I would think if you free up the soil a bit and incorporate organic matter (which is really better than feed) as it will allow the roots to grow better. Also remember that the growing media used for many plants these days dons't resemble what you have in your garden so the plant has to assimilate into its surroundings and its this that can take time. 

  • BorderlineBorderline Posts: 4,700
    You can always move small or young plants any time of the year. But, in warmer weather you will need to keep on top of the watering immediately after moving the plant and continue to water it generously for the next few weeks, then easing off a bit after that. 
  • c.humphreys712c.humphreys712 Posts: 36
    Thanks for all the advice. Much appreciated :)
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