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Bare root hibiscus

Justine OHaraJustine OHara Posts: 35
in Plants
Hello! Just looking for advice on what to do with bare root dormant hibiscus that I bought in the pound shop! I have read that you can plant out until after last frost (end May?) So am I OK to just leave the plant in its box until then indoors?
Any advice would be great thanks!
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Posts

  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    Approx where do you live in the country. They rarely survive winters in the Midlands.
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Justine OHaraJustine OHara Posts: 35
    I live south...Greater London
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    No, it needs planting ASAP. Plant it in a pot that you can keep somewhere light and bright but warm enough to suit the variety. Some varieties of hibiscus aren't at all hardy in the UK and need a warm greenhouse or conservatory for overwintering (or as a permanent home).
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Justine OHaraJustine OHara Posts: 35
    Thankyou! I can pot it up and keep it indoors.. would you recommend a particular soil type?
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    It depends whether you're going to have it in a pot for the long term or just for a couple of months until you can plant it out (if it's a hardy type). Do you know what variety it is?
    For the short term standard multipurpose compost will be fine.
    For the longer term I would choose a soil-based composed such as a John Innes No.3 formulation and ultimately a large pot, but if it's only a small baby plant (which I'm guessing it probably is coming from a pound shop) it would be best to start off with a smaller pot and move it on as it gets bigger.


    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • GardenerSuzeGardenerSuze Posts: 5,692
    So pleased you live in south, hope they are not for sale in my local £1 shop.
    Good advice given important to put it in an appropriate sized pot as mentioned by @JennyJ  
    I have worked as a Gardener for 24 years. My latest garden is a new build garden on heavy clay.
  • Justine OHaraJustine OHara Posts: 35

  • Justine OHaraJustine OHara Posts: 35
    I don't normally but plants from there but I did buy a deutzia once and its about 6ft now so I thought ild take a chance.

    So ok to pot up indoors and then place outside in June? I think I have some john innes...

    Appreciate all your help guys
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Great, it looks as if that's a hardy one https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/99789/hibiscus-syriacus-blue-bird/details, so yes, pot it up temporarily, and harden it off gradually when it's time to plant out. I hope it grows well for you.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • Justine OHaraJustine OHara Posts: 35
    Thankyou. I only have John innes no 2. Would that work? If not I'll just go and get some multi purpose
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