Q.Type of hibiscus with Stalks
Hi, my hibiscus ? grows in stalks. It has become super huge with a circumference of about 3×4.
The root system is unbelievable and twist and turns under the ground.
The plant was at a home we moved to in 2005-it was already growing-and I noted two separate plants. The flint in front had some sturdy green stalks that were going straight up, but some of the slimmer ones were starting to lean-I used panty house as my grandma always did, then got the largest circular garden hoops I could.
I let the one behind it fashion the house part.
Well, come fall, as the season of bloom was done-in Michigan, it starts to sprout in June, then blooms end of July, August, and lesser as the weather gets colder. However, the tall 6-7 feet stalks harden, and they snap right off. The kids loved doing that for mom because they would play swords. When the plant was younger, the height wasn’t as tall, and the stalks half inch around. I moved one to our next home about 7 years later. I dug the largest hole and hoped for the best.
I moved it again in 2012, and it is enormous.
I have a cousin take one root after the stems hardened-that was off the laying one-I couldn’t believe how long the roots were.
I decided this year I had to make it smaller.
In early spring I just pulled the mulch and barrier back and used my shovel to see where the roots were going-some new ones were skinny near the surface, the found the main hub and in had roots 3-5 feet long. I dung into it the best I could, but it’s still too big.
Was able to find a short root system with little green nubs and one 2 inch stalk starting- my girl friend planted that after I had the roots in just water for along time-and it took off. My mom took one up north to Atlanta, MI and planted hers at their little Farm in a sandy top soil and more moisture below. Got it strapped to a nice lattice and she has 3 stalks. Sent 2 large based root systems, with many little nubs, and foliage, about 2 inches, to Florida. They are sprouting, but not as fast. It’s very hot and rainy now. Will hope it takes, and see the difference with climate change.
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
I'm sorry I didn't quite catch the question here. Here is an article to help you to care for hibiscus in the meantime:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/hibiscus/how-to-care-for-hibiscus-plants.htm