Hibiscus flower meaning. Chinese rose (hibiscus) in superstitions, omens and dreams

Growing indoor and garden plants, including flowers, is a popular activity with many gardeners and florists. Among the many green spaces Chinese rose became widespread. Due to the variety of species of this flower, everyone can choose the best option for their home and garden. Having familiarized yourself with the features of cultivating a plant, caring for it will not take much effort and time.

Hibiscus (Chinese rose) - description

Hibiscus, also known as the Chinese rose, is a popular crop among many flower growers. The plant is an excellent option for those who are just starting out in gardening and growing indoor and garden flowers. A distinctive feature of the flower is unpretentiousness and ease of cultivation. This species has many representatives, which differ in the shape of flowers and leaf plates, size, color, as well as in a number of other indicators.

Depending on the species, hibiscus are both annuals in the form of single flowers and perennial shrubs that can decorate any garden. In nature, the Chinese rose reaches 20 m in height and 3-5 m in width. An important feature of the plant is resistance to negative natural influences, in particular to sub-zero temperatures. In winter, hibiscus is able to tolerate frosts down to -20˚С. The only thing that is required is to organize a film shelter.

In nature, hibiscus can reach 20 m in height and 3–5 m in width.

Where did the name "flower of death" come from, signs

Hibiscus, despite its apparent simplicity and unpretentiousness, is endowed with some features, because of which it is called the "flower of death." To understand why this plant deserves such a name, you need to turn to old European signs:

1. If the Chinese rose bloomed during a period uncharacteristic of this process, then it is believed that someone in the house will soon die. To avoid this, the plant must be immediately disposed of, or rather, burned.
2. Hibiscus negatively affects the health and life span of its owner. That is why it is not recommended to install a flower in the bedroom. It is believed that after the death of the owner of the plant, the Chinese rose blooms powerfully and profusely. This is explained by the accumulated energy.
3. If the flower dropped all the leaves, then this indicates the need to go to the hospital for the residents of the house. Thus, hibiscus warns that someone in the household has health problems.
4. Chinese rose helps to attract men to unmarried girls. However, at the same time, the flower drives the male sex out of the house. This suggests that a girl can not expect happiness.
5. If a hibiscus appeared in a house where an established married couple lives, then the plant becomes a source of contention and confusion and, as a result, people will be unhappy. From the "flower of death" they make a crown of celibacy. However, history is silent about who does it and how.

Such conflicting signs exist in relation to hibiscus. If in Europe a flower is an indicator of family well-being, then, for example, in Malaysia they are proud of this plant: there is a whole park with Chinese roses in the country. Among Haitians, the so-called "flower of death" is considered a symbol of the island: it is customary to give hibiscus to tourists.

Video: why hibiscus is called the "flower of death"

In addition to negative signs, there are positive ones:

1. The regular flowering of the Chinese rose speaks of family well-being, possible joyful events.
2. Hibiscus is a friendly plant: it has a good effect on weak and fading indoor crops. Plus, the plant has a positive effect on the air in the room, healing it and creating an atmosphere of comfort.
3. Chinese rose bloom is a good sign for negotiations. A flowerpot with hibiscus is recommended to be installed in the manager's office or in the back office. In this case, plants with red flowers should be avoided.

If you are not confused by the above negative omens, and you are not afraid of possible misfortunes for your family, then before you start a hibiscus in your home, you need to familiarize yourself with its types in more detail.

Types of hibiscus and their features

Various sources indicate that hibiscus have about 150-300 species. Let's take a closer look at the most common varieties.

Hibiscus hybrid (Hibiscus hybridus)

On the territory of Russia, this type of Chinese rose is most widely distributed. It can be grown not only in the garden, but also at home. The variety was bred by the Soviet breeder Fyodor Rusanov about 70 years ago. Varieties such as bright red, marsh and armed were selected as mother material. From the original cultures, hybrid hibiscus received resistance to low temperatures and large scarlet flowers, the size of which reaches 18–25 cm. Flowering occurs in August and continues until frost.

At garden hibiscus the root system is preserved, and the stems die off. At the end of spring, the plant throws out sprouts that stretch up to 2 meters and are subsequently covered with leaves. The appearance of large flowers should be expected in the second year after planting. The color scheme is the most diverse - from white to dark red. Flowers are ordinary and double. After the inflorescences fade, they turn into boxes with seeds, which, as they ripen, become brown in color, after which they dry out. This type of hibiscus does not require any close attention and care. Therefore, the plant is suitable for beginner gardeners.

Hybrid hibiscus is the most popular in Russia. This species can be grown both in the garden and at home.

During planting for a hybrid species, it is better to choose a sunny area, protected from the effects of northern winds and shade. Any type of soil for a plant is suitable, but still better disembarkation produce in drained black soil. The flower quite adequately tolerates moderate frosts and lack of moisture. For successful wintering of the root system, it should be covered with a mulch layer or foliage. Hibiscus of this species is propagated in several ways: by dividing the root system, cuttings and grafting.

In the case of growing indoor specimens, you should choose well-lit places, but without direct sunlight. Otherwise, the plant may get burned. The optimal location in the house will be the eastern and western sides. AT summer period the flowerpot with the plant is taken out into the fresh air, trying to avoid exposure to precipitation and drafts. As the daylight hours decrease, the hibiscus needs additional lighting. With a lack of light, inflorescences may not appear at all.

At home, during the growing season for a hybrid rose, it is necessary to provide a temperature of + 20˚С, and in autumn and winter this figure is reduced to + 16˚С. At lower temperatures, the plant may shed its foliage, which will serve as a reason for pruning it. It is produced, as a rule, for the purpose of formation or rejuvenation. In this case, shoots are removed from the hibiscus to a level of 8–15 cm from the soil. If the plant undergoes a transplant or change of soil, then pruning must be carried out. After that, the flower pot is set in a cool place, the amount of watering is reduced, thereby providing peace to the culture. With the advent of new shoots, spraying and watering increase, and for better growth, periodically pinch off the sprouts.

Marsh hibiscus (Hibiscus moscheutos)

Marsh hibiscus can be grown both at home and in the garden, but the flower has earned the greatest popularity among lovers of indoor plants due to its brightness. The root system of this species is quite powerful and well developed. This is explained by the fact that under natural conditions the plant reaches a height of 3 m and forms a well-developed crown. The leaves of the marsh hibiscus have a glossy surface and a heart-shaped shape.

The culture is characterized by a long flowering period, which begins with the arrival of spring and lasts until mid-autumn. The flowers stand out for their brightness and variety of shades: bright red, purple, lilac. In diameter, they reach 15 cm. Flowering after blooming lasts only one day: by evening, the flowers wither and fall off. After falling, a fruit is formed with a box, inside which the seeds are contained.

Swamp hibiscus stands out for its brightness. The plant has a long flowering period that lasts from spring to autumn.

To ensure long and abundant flowering, swamp hibiscus must be provided with sunlight and constant soil moisture, which should have a slightly acidic reaction. If the plant is located in the shade, the green mass will increase to the detriment of flowering. This type of Chinese rose does not react in any way to the lack of fertilizer, which is its hallmark. However, oversaturation with nutrients in the soil immediately affects the decorativeness of the plant. The best option for caring for a bush are mineral (phosphorus-potassium) and organic fertilizers.

Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus)

The Syrian hibiscus is most widely used in street landscaping. The plant is endowed with beautiful terry flower forms and good frost resistance. Despite this, for example, in the Moscow region, the wintering of hibiscus should be accompanied by additional shelter. With the coming of spring, when average daily temperature air will be set at + 12–15˚С, the first shoots will appear. After the culture leaves the dormant state, about three months should pass before flowering, which is due to the biology of the plant. admire beautiful flowers It will be possible from August until the onset of frost. Then the leaves and stems will begin to turn yellow, the culture will prepare for winter.

To speed up the development of Syrian hibiscus in the spring, a small greenhouse is built over a group of plants, which is enough to cover with a film. In this case, the soil warms up noticeably faster, which will contribute to earlier vegetation. Quite often, the considered type of Chinese rose is grown in containers, which is especially typical for the northern regions and the middle lane. Tanks can be dug into the ground or installed directly on its surface. When buds form on the culture, the plant cannot be rotated and moved. When creating conditions for the development of a flower, cutting off and making the necessary fertilizers in a timely manner, hibiscus can be kept in a container for about 20 years.

Syrian hibiscus is widely used for street landscaping. The plant has beautiful double flowers and is characterized by good frost resistance.

Hibiscus Arnotti (Hibiscus arnottianus)

This type of hibiscus is distinguished by its medicinal properties. Aboveground part The plant is used to make a decoction, which is used as a laxative, and also to purify the blood. The Arnotti hibiscus is native to Hawaii, from where it has spread to many countries around the world. In temperate climates, the flower is grown as an annual.

The distinguishing feature of this species is tall stems, which sometimes reach 10 m, as well as fragrant flowers, capable of developing up to 10 cm in diameter. The petals are endowed with purple or scarlet veins, which are combined with the tone of the pistil. If we take into account that in nature Arnotti's hibiscus grew among tall trees, then in the garden you need to take care of creating the most approximate conditions.

To ensure the full development of the plant, well-drained black soil is used when planting. Periodically, you will need to feed the bush with organic and mineral substances. At the end of autumn, a rhizome is transplanted to maintain a culture at home. Gardeners involved in the cultivation of this variety resort to some trick - they keep the plant in a large container, which they take out for the summer, and take it into the house for the winter. Reproduction of hibiscus is carried out only by cuttings, which is due to climatic features: in our latitudes, the seeds do not ripen.

Hibiscus Arnotti stands out for its medicinal properties: a decoction is prepared from the aerial part, which is used to purify the blood

Hibiscus splayed (Hibiscus divaricatus)

Hibiscus splayed refers to evergreen shrubs reaching a height of 2.5 m. The plant is native to Australia. This flower has an upright trunk with thorny branches, which is distinguished by its strength, has uneven bark and low-lying branches with large foliage. The culture is characterized by a yellow color with a raspberry base.

Hibiscus got its name for the peculiar shape of the crown: the branches first diverge from the trunk at a right angle, and then go up. This species attracts flower lovers with exotic inflorescences. The main method of propagation is cuttings, since it is quite difficult to breed this shrub with seeds. Only young plants need care, and adults are unpretentious.

Hibiscus splayed is an evergreen shrub that reaches a height of 2.5 m. The trunk of the plant is erect with prickly branches

Chinese rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)

Chinese hibiscus (Chinese rose) is native to Southeast Asia. This species is valued for its beautiful appearance, rather fast growth and easy maintenance. As it develops, the plant acquires a lush crown, which allows it to be installed in spacious rooms, winter gardens, etc. Chinese hibiscus belongs to evergreen crops. At home, it reaches 1.2 m in height. Having provided good care, the culture blooms quite large flowers 12 cm in diameter.

Chinese rose has flowers various shapes and color: you can find both simple and terry, red, white, yellow. There are also varieties that are endowed with variegated foliage. Hibiscus blooms for a long time and quite abundantly, as a rule, from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn. However, the flowers themselves are kept on the plant for no more than two days. For the summer period, it is better to move the culture to garden plot while protecting it from the winds and direct sun.

Chinese rose has a beautiful appearance, fast growth and easy care.

Photo gallery: types of hibiscus

The stems of the Hawaiian hibiscus bush grow to a level of 30–50 cm. Leaves with a glossy surface, slightly oblong, slightly arched, resemble a dwarf ficus Variable hibiscus got its name because of the property of flowers to change the color of the petals as they ripen. Hibiscus kaili is a medium-sized shrub with straight, powerful stems that stretch upwards and in breadth up to 1-2 meters
Sour hibiscus is a luxurious perennial subshrub, popular in tropical and subtropical climates. Can survive mild winters with frosts no more than -8˚С Hibiscus variegated - this species differs from others in torn, uneven serrations and the presence of leaves of different sections on one stem Hibiscus fragile - perennial, which is an evergreen and very thick bush with a widely branched crown
Hugel's hibiscus is a bush up to 4 m high with bright green fleecy leaves divided into 3-5 segments. Edible hibiscus is a perennial plant that is cultivated as an annual in our latitudes. Outwardly, it is a shrub up to 2 m tall, dwarf varieties up to 50 cm

Garden hibiscus - adaptation period after purchase

As with buying any other plant, we immediately evaluate the appearance of the hibiscus and make sure that the flower is healthy, we see what color it will have flowers. However, the most important point is to look root system. If the plant is sold in containers, then it will not be difficult to get it out of the container: just lightly tap on the walls of the pot and pull on the stem. After extracting the culture, we can see healthy white roots. After the purchase, the plant does not need any additional measures and you can safely proceed to plant it on the site or in a pot of suitable size.

Landing - the nuances of the procedure, the requirements for the soil and the landing site

Garden hibiscus does not require much labor, both during planting and during care. To plant a plant, it is important to choose the right place: the site must be sunny and without drafts. Before planting, the place is prepared: the soil must be well-drained, for which sand and peat are added to it. The soil can be of the following composition: soil, peat, sand in a ratio of 2:4:1. The introduction of organic matter has a positive effect. In addition, for hibiscus it is worth using soil with a slightly acidic reaction. After preparing the soil mixture, they proceed to the planting pit. In most cases, the plant is transplanted from a pot in which it was grown from cuttings or seeds. The dimensions of the pit should be larger than the previous capacity. Before planting a Chinese rose, the pit is watered and wait until all the water is absorbed. Now you can start landing. The plant is carefully removed from the pot and lowered vertically into the ground. In the southern regions, part of the roots can be left above the ground, and in the northern regions, on the contrary, the plant is buried. Planting dates for hibiscus fall on early spring. A Chinese garden rose practically does not need a transplant. If such a need nevertheless arises, then the procedure is also performed in early spring.

For hibiscus in the garden, a well-lit area is selected where the plant will not be subject to drafts.

Care: watering, top dressing, pruning

When watering hibiscus, do not flood the plant. The next humidification is carried out only after when upper layer the soil will dry up. However, it is not worth overdrying the earth. It is best to adhere to this rule: water abundantly, but not too often. As for air humidity, there are no special requirements for a garden flower. If hibiscus is grown in a container, then for the winter it is transferred to a room where periodic spraying is carried out.

When watering, hibiscus should not be waterlogged: you need to wait for the topsoil to dry

Proper feeding of the Chinese rose will be reflected in the form of lush flowering. Since the plant responds well to fertile soil, it is fed every 2 weeks during the season. In May, potash fertilizers are applied, which will have a positive effect on the formation of buds and flowering, and during the summer more phosphorus supplements are added, thereby gradually preparing the plant for winter.

No less important in the care process is the procedure for pruning garden hibiscus. A sanitary event is carried out in the spring, when diseased, damaged and old branches are removed. Sometimes pruning is carried out in order to form a crown, but they resort to such an event after the trunk is strong enough. Many gardeners also perform anti-aging pruning, in which old branches are completely removed, and young ones are shortened by 1/3 of their length.

Indoor plant - adaptation after the store

After buying a hibiscus in a store, they bring it home, carefully examine the stems and leaves on both sides for pests and signs of disease. The plant is carefully taken out of the container and the roots are examined to see if there is a root bug or rot. Hibiscus are sold, as a rule, in plastic pots, so removing the flower from the container and returning it to its place is not difficult.

If the slightest signs of diseases or the presence of pests were noticed, such as specks, dots, uneven yellowing of leaf plates, cobwebs, then one should resort to preventive measures and treat the plant with special means. In this case, insecticides are used to control pests, and fungicides are used to control fungi and diseases.

Transplanting into a pot

The issue of transplanting hibiscus after purchase is controversial. The thing is that such plants are brought to us, as a rule, from Holland. The manufacturer initially does everything possible to ensure that the culture blooms, the leaves have a rich green color and the root system was well developed. Peat is used as soil, which contains a large amount of fertilizers and various growth stimulants. With a sharp transplant of a plant into a less nutritious soil, the probability of its death is high.

After purchase, it is advisable to replant homemade hibiscus by transshipment, which avoids injury to the root system and promotes rapid establishment in a new place.

If a decision is made to transplant hibiscus immediately after purchase, then the procedure is performed only by transshipment. You need to understand that transplantation and transshipment are somewhat different ways. Transplantation involves a complete change of soil with the exposure of the root system, which can lead to its damage. During transshipment, the roots of plants are preserved in an old earthy coma, while the risk of damage to them is minimized. It is transshipment that is considered the preferred option for any flowers. As for transplantation, it is necessary to perform it when the plant becomes ill, pests appear in the soil, the roots rot, or in case of improperly selected soil.

Now we will directly consider the process of transplanting hibiscus, for which you will need the following:

• flower pot;
• expanded clay;
• priming;
• water room temperature, previously settled;
• plastic film is 10–15 centimeters larger in diameter than the pot.

Before proceeding with the transplant, the plant is pre-watered, which will allow you to remove the flower from the pot without damage. After that, with the help of a sharp knife, the branches are shortened, thus forming a compact bush. If desired, the resulting cuttings can be tried to root or used as grafting material. Dry branches are subject to removal, which only spoil the appearance of the hibiscus. As a result, the plant in the new container adapts faster. The pot should not be too large. A container is quite enough, larger than the previous one by 4–5 cm in diameter.

After preparing everything you need, we transplant the culture in this order:

1. At the bottom of the pot we pour a layer of expanded clay. The material will serve as drainage and protect the root system from rotting in case of heavy watering.

   A layer of expanded clay is poured at the bottom of the pot to create a drainage layer.

2. Pour some earth and charcoal into a new container.

   We fill the new container with a small amount of soil and charcoal.

3. Swinging from side to side and lightly tapping on the walls of the pot, we take out the hibiscus from the previous container.

   To remove the hibiscus from the pot, you need to knock on the walls of the container and, shaking from side to side, remove the plant

4. We install the flower together with a clod of earth in a new flowerpot and make sure that the plant sags slightly in it. This will make it possible to add fresh soil after planting.

   We install the Chinese rose in a new pot and slightly pressing down, which will allow you to add fresh soil

5. Gently cover the lump with the rhizome with earth, while lightly pressing it into the pot to give the plant stability. Alternatively, you can use as a support wooden stick to which hibiscus is tied. Leveling the plant will also prevent the pot from tilting and avoiding the pot from falling off the windowsill.

   We fill the voids formed between the walls and the rhizome with soil mixture, pressing the hibiscus into the pot

6. We moisten the soil abundantly and cover the container above the ground with a film for 2 days, which will ensure better survival and recovery after the procedure. Then we remove the film and grow the plant under normal conditions, setting the flowerpot in a sunny place and ensuring regular watering and fresh air.

   After planting, we spill the hibiscus well with water and cover the pot with foil for 2 days

After transplanting, the plant should not be exposed immediately to bright sunlight. For several days, hibiscus is best protected from direct sunlight, which will prevent additional stress and excess moisture consumption. In addition, after transplantation, you should not immediately start feeding. It will be possible to start introducing additional nutrients no earlier than 1-2 weeks after transplantation.

soil for hibiscus

An important role in transplanting hibiscus is played by the correct soil mixture, which should be characterized by a neutral reaction, be loose and nutritious. For Chinese roses, the optimal composition of the soil is as follows:

• 2 parts of leaf land;
• 2 parts of sod land;
• 2 parts of humus;
• 1 part sand;
• 0.5 parts of wood ash.

This soil mixture is also possible:

• 2 parts of peat;
• 1 part of humus;
• 1 piece of land from the garden;
• 0.5 parts of washed sand.

Since peat usually has hyperacidity, for every 2 liters of soil mixture, add 0.5 cups of wood ash and 1 tbsp. l. complete mineral fertilizer.

The nuances of care: fertilizer, top dressing, temperature, watering

Hibiscus is a fast growing and undemanding plants. If create favorable conditions, the flower will thank not only with good development, but also with abundant flowering. Hibiscus is easy to care for and even a beginner can do it. One of the basic rules of care is good lighting. A young Chinese rose is placed on the western or eastern side, and adult plants are placed in close proximity near the window. It is not recommended to locate the culture on the north side, as it will stretch and lose its attractiveness.

As for the temperature regime, too high performance the plant doesn't like it. Need to create comfortable conditions with a moderate temperature within + 20–22˚С. AT winter period hibiscus should "rest" in the cool at + 14-16˚С. If you do not provide him with a dormant period, then flowering will not be so plentiful.

Chinese rose is a moisture-loving plant. In the summer, watering should be plentiful, but at the same time, the top layer of the earth should be allowed to dry. When moistening, it is necessary to ensure that the entire soil lump is saturated. After 10–20 minutes after watering, excess water is poured out of the pan. With the advent of autumn, the frequency of watering is reduced: after the surface of the soil dries out, you should wait 2-3 days. In winter, the frequency of irrigation directly depends on the temperature regime. With a cooler content, humidification is performed less frequently.

Hibiscus belongs to moisture-loving plants, so watering, especially in summer, should be plentiful.

Important for a plant is high humidity, which should not be forgotten and taken care of in a timely manner. During the flowering period, spraying should be carried out carefully, avoiding water on the buds and the flowers themselves. If the air in the room is dry, you should use humidifiers, place the flowerpot in a tray with a special filler, and spray the air around the hibiscus.

Feed the plant regularly, but the amount of nutrients should be moderate. In the spring, preparations with a high content of potassium and phosphorus are used as fertilizers. The plant especially needs additional nutrition during the flowering period. For these purposes, complex mineral fertilizers, for example, Kemira Lux, are best suited. To stimulate the ovary of more buds, we can recommend such means as Athlete, Gileya, Master. Fertilize the Chinese rose at the root. For transplanting hibiscus, the following can be noted: in the first 4 years, the plant is transplanted every year, and as growth slows down, the event is carried out every 2-3 years.

Video: how to care for hibiscus at home

Reproduction of the Chinese rose - methods, their description

Hibiscus reproduces well and does not require the creation of special conditions for the growth and development of young plants. A flower can be propagated in several ways:

• cuttings;
• seeds;
• dividing the bush.

cutting method

This method of propagation of hibiscus is used in the summer, cutting cuttings from young shoots: they should have several buds. To process the cut, Kornevin or another root formation stimulator is used, after which the planting material is placed in a 1: 1 peat-sand mixture. Cuttings need to be provided temperature regime around +23˚С. Rooting should be expected a month after planting. Transplantation of cuttings with roots is carried out in a fertile soil mixture with the content of sand and humus, after which abundant watering is carried out.

Hibiscus cuttings are done in the summer, for which material is cut from young shoots.

seed way

Before planting Chinese rose seeds, they are pre-soaked in a growth stimulator, usually for a day. For sowing, use the same soil mixture as for cuttings. Seeds are located at a distance of 5-7 mm from each other. Then covered landing capacity film, thereby providing a favorable microclimate. It will not be superfluous to organize the lower heating of the soil. Crops are periodically ventilated and moistened. The temperature should not fall below +25˚С. As soon as the first leaves appear, young plants are dived.

To propagate hibiscus seeds, planting material is soaked in a growth stimulator for a day

The division of the bush

The essence of this hibiscus propagation method is as follows:

1. The bush is completely dug out of the ground.
2. Using a sharp knife, the root system of the plant is divided into parts.
3. Landing is carried out in the same way as when landing in open ground.

Video: propagation of hibiscus by cuttings

Plant diseases and pests

Since garden and indoor hibiscus are exposed to the same diseases and pests, we will consider measures to combat them in a summary table.

Table: diseases and pests of hibiscus, control measures

Video: the secrets of the abundant flowering of hibiscus

In many countries of the world, a strikingly beautiful plant, amazing in its energy capabilities, is well known - hibiscus. It has many varieties and names - hibiscus, red mallow, red rose, Jamaican rose, Chinese rose, Syrian rose (ketmiya), rosan, red sorrel, okra, kenaf, rose of sharon, red rose of Sudan, mallow of Venice, flower of love ... Genus hibiscus (Hibiscus) belongs to the family Malvaceae (Malvaceae) and has about 300 species, growing mostly in tropical regions - Indonesia, South China, the islands of Haiti, Fiji, Sumatra, Java, Sri Lanka. Life forms are represented by herbs, deciduous and evergreen shrubs, rarely - small trees. The name of this genus appeared in ancient Greece. True, the Greeks did not know the plant that now bears this name. Hibiscus they called the Mediterranean plant, which modern taxonomists refer to the genus Alcaea. But the name has stood the test of time and is used by botanists in our time. Hibiscus are considered to be native to Southeast Asia, but they grow freely in Africa and America. In America, they form entire thickets on wet floodplain meadows, lushly covered with flowers. For their great love for moisture, they are called “marsh mallow” there.

Hibiscus is the national flower of Malaysia. Its five petals symbolize the five commandments of Islam. The flower is revered not only by the Muslim Malays, but also by the pagan Dayaks, and the Chinese, and the Hindus. And in Hawaii, hibiscus is considered the national plant. There it is called the flower of beautiful women. Local beauties often adorn themselves with its bright colors, which contrast very effectively with their black curls - you can imagine how this sight attracts the eyes of temperamental Hawaiians. In Brazil, the dissected hibiscus grows, called “Princess Earrings”. He has split petals and a long pedicel, on which he gracefully sways, really resembling an exquisite earring. Hibiscus flowers are also called the "flower of love", in India they are woven into wedding wreaths. Hibiscus in their places of growth serve not only for decorative purposes. As a vegetable spicy plant, okra is grown. This is also a hibiscus. Young leaves and shoots of hibiscus are eaten as vegetables. Seeds, leaves, fruits, roots are used in medicine. Necklaces are made from seeds. The flowers are used to make black hair dye and purple for Food Industry. Dried hibiscus petals are brewed as a tea.

Hibiscus grows in open field in the Caucasus, in Moldova, in the south of Ukraine, in the Crimea, in the Kuban. There is evidence that it can withstand frosts down to -10 C even in snowless winters. cold veranda. In colder places, hibiscus can only grow in rooms. Already at the beginning of the 18th century. hibiscus adorned botanical gardens Europe, captivating visitors with its lush flowering. After seeing such a miracle, who would not want to have it at home? And so far it is one of the most beloved and common indoor plants.

It is a strongly branching shrub or tree 2-4.5 m high. The leaves are dark green, shiny, oblong-oval or oblong-ovate, serrated along the edge, large (up to 15 cm), arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are large (from 8 to 16 cm in diameter), five-petalled, with varying degrees of doubleness. The stamens fused into a tube protrude strongly, giving some piquancy - especially not terry, but simple flowers. The color spectrum is the most diverse, except for blue and black. The hibiscus flower stays on the stem for only one day, but new buds open to replace it, delighting us with its flowering for several months. Hibiscus is also good for health. Tea from flowers (hibiscus) and hibiscus flowers themselves have many beneficial health effects. More on this later. In the meantime - more about the types of hibiscus.

Hibiscusiada: varieties of hibiscus
Now there are more than 1000 (and this number is constantly increasing) garden forms and varieties of hibiscus, differing in the degree of doubleness, the size of the flowers and their color: white, yellow, pink, salmon, orange, red, lilac, purple ... Hibiscus petals can be streaked, framed along the edge with a border or decorated with an "eye" of contrasting color. Hibiscus is one of the best long-flowering perennials for warm regions; it blooms profusely from June until frost. Hibiscus also grows in urban conditions - this plant is smoke and gas resistant. In colder regions, hibiscus is cultivated in greenhouses, winter gardens and indoor breeding.

Of the woody species, the most famous are Chinese rose hibiscus, or maple (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), a long-flowering indoor plant and Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus), widely cultivated in the Crimea, the Caucasus, in Central Asia; variable hibiscus (Hibiscus mutabilis) and Indian hibiscus (Hibiscus indicus), malvaviscus (Malvaviscus). Of the herbaceous species, the most popular are: hybrid hibiscus (Hibiscus hybrida) - perennial, large-flowered polyhybrids; hirsute hibiscus (Hibiscus lasiocarpus), ternate hibiscus (Hibiscus trionum). Of great economic importance are hemp hibiscus (Hibiscus cannabinus), known as kenaf, as well as okra (Hibiscus esculentus) and hibiscus, or hibiscus sabdariffa (Hibiscus sabdariffa), from which, respectively, spices and tea are produced.

In culture, the most common are:
Hibiscus Chinese rose, or maple (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). Sometimes in the literature this plant is found under the name of Chinese rosan, among the people a variety of this type of hibiscus with double flowers is called “rosan”, or “rozanel”. As you might guess from the name, the plant comes from the subtropics of Southern China. It was brought to Europe at the end of the 17th century. This is an evergreen shrub or tree, up to 4 m tall (at home), at home - from 70 to 1.2 m, with a mass of shiny dark green, glossy on top, oval or ovate-elongated, serrated along the edge of the leaves. The most common type of hibiscus in indoor breeding. The Chinese rose is distinguished by its rapid growth and long flowering - with proper care, it can bloom all spring and summer until late autumn. Flowers are large, up to 10-16 cm in diameter, various different colors- from fiery and orange-red to pink and yellow, depending on the variety, simple and double. The threads of stamens, fused into a long tube, protruding far from the flower, give a special charm to the flower. A non-double flower is similar in shape and size to the flowers of simple mallows, to which the hibiscus actually belongs. It develops well and blooms profusely in tropical and subtropical climates and in warm temperate climates with positive winter temperatures. In a humid climate, it can easily withstand short-term winter temperature drops to 0 degrees and even small night frosts on the soil. Great for decorating spacious halls, foyers, winter gardens, offices. This type of hibiscus suffers from air pollution. Recently, breeders have bred a large number of varieties and hybrids of this familiar and very beloved plant - more than 1000 hybrids and garden forms, differing in different colors and degrees of doubleness of flowers. Common forms of Chinese hibiscus include the following varieties:
Anita Bis (Anita Buis) - flowers are simple, yellow-orange;
Florida (Florida) - flowers are large (up to 14 cm in diameter), non-double, orange-red;
Hamburg (Hamburg) - flowers are large, double, carmine-red;
Rose (Rosa) - semi-double and double flowers, salmon-pink;

Variegated hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cooperi) - variegated form, distinguished by narrower and more beautiful variegated leaves with pink and white stains, especially a lot of light and pink spots on the upper young leaves, these bizarre patterns can take quite a lot of space on the leaves, sometimes up to 99% of their entire area, the flowers of this variety smaller, more color pink, simple;
Hibiscus var. Cooperi Alba - with beautiful, small, variegated leaves (unequal white and pink-red strokes and spots are scattered on a light green background), this variety is more thermophilic, so it feels comfortable in winter at an air temperature of 18-20 °.

Hibiscus sabdariafa (Hibiscus sabdariffa). It is an annual shrub, up to 3.5 m high, a branched plant with a root system deeply embedded in the soil. The stem and leaves are green with a reddish tinge. The leaves of the upper part of the shrub are smooth, palm-shaped, divided into 3-7 lobes with jagged edges; in the lower part of the plant, the shape of the leaves is oval. The flowers are very large, 5-7 cm in diameter, with a short pedicel and thick petals. In color, they are bright red with a dark purple corolla on the outside and dark purple on the inside. Yellow is found at the base of the petals, sometimes brown spot. After the flower wilts, the cups begin to grow, increase several times, and become juicy and fleshy, bright red in color. This species has long been known in the culture of tropical and subtropical regions the globe and is the closest relative of the Chinese rose. The history of its use goes back several millennia. Almost all the plant, except for the root, is edible and is used as food. Fresh leaves and young shoots rich in vitamins are added to salads, stewed with meat, seeds are roasted and used to make soups.

Cups of flowers are used to make tea, they are used to make jellies, sauces, compotes, they are used to color food, salted, pickled. This hibiscus also produces a dry extract, liquid syrup, and is used in pharmaceuticals. In nature, hibiscus sabdariffa grows in Sudan and in large quantities grown in Egypt, Ceylon, Java, Mexico, Thailand and China. It is generally accepted that the best microclimatic conditions in terms of humidity, temperature, day length, landscape of the area when growing hibiscus sabdariffa are in Sudan. The main area of ​​industrial cultivation of this type of nibiscus is the interfluve of the White and Blue Nile and their tributaries in the territory of the Republic of Sudan. It is in these places that the cups of hibiscus are produced, which are used for a quality variety of hibiscus tea. In Sudan, mainly shrub forms of Hibiscus sabdariffa var. sabdariffa ("Sudanese rose"), in Egypt - treelike Hibiscus sabdariffa var. altissima. A full vegetative growth cycle takes 5-8 months in duration. AT initial stage development, the most favorable air temperatures at night should not fall below 21 C. In the first 4-5 months of growth, hibiscus sabdariffa requires 13 hours of daylight hours a day in order to prevent untimely flowering. In the initial period of cultivation, sufficient soil moisture is necessary with rainfall within 5-10 mm. Hibiscus flowering occurs as daylight hours and light intensity decrease. This period falls on September and subsequent months, depending on the country of cultivation, and continues until the time of flowering of the entire plantation. Collection of fresh, fleshy calyxes of flowers is carried out manually or by punching with a sharp metal tool until it dries and the seed box opens. Drying - natural ventilation with protection from direct sunlight, they significantly reduce the quality of the product. This type of hibiscus is not very common in indoor breeding, and if you want to grow hibiscus sabdariffa at home on the windowsill, then you will have to run around flower shops to buy it, or, relying on luck, look for seeds in packs of hibiscus tea.

Syrian hibiscus, or Syrian rose, or ketmiya (Hibiscus syriacus). This is a deciduous shrub up to 4 m high with a dense crown, often formed in the form of a tree, with a grayish stem and velvety three-lobed toothed rhombic leaves.

It blooms in summer with white, bluish and lilac simple or double, seedless flowers up to 10 cm in diameter. Widely distributed as a beautiful, abundantly flowering ornamental plant in regions with tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climate. This species, resistant to slight frosts, is successfully grown in open ground in southern Europe, in the Caucasus, Crimea and in the southern regions of Ukraine. It is also cultivated as a house plant. Lives up to 100 (!) years. The people often call it “birch” - for the similarity of leaves with birch leaves. The Syrian hibiscus grows rather slowly, blooms and bears fruit from the age of three to four. Growing up, the bushes become more winter-hardy and withstand short-term temperature drops to 22 degrees below zero.

If you want to grow this hibiscus outdoors (for solitary and group plantings, creating hedges and avenues), consider the following: this species is intended for cultivation on the plains, it freezes out in the mountains. Syrian hibiscus easily tolerates transplanting and pruning (does not need strong pruning - in the spring they remove excess old branches and shorten too long ones). Propagated by cuttings, layering, grafting, seeds (the fruit is a multi-seeded box). For landing, you need to choose only sunny places - than more sun, the more abundant and longer flowering. It is not picky about soils, but, of course, it will thank you for the fertile and moist soil. He wakes up in May at a night temperature of at least 15 degrees. In order for the bush to become more magnificent, pinch the tops of the shoots. And be sure to pick off faded flowers so that the plant gives all its strength to flowering, and not to the formation of seeds. For the winter, tighten the bush with ropes and wrap it in cellophane or white burlap, without warming anything else. If you bought a plant grown from a cutting, it will bloom in the very first year after planting, and by the end of summer, a flower up to 10 cm in diameter will appear on each of its branches. diameter of a wide variety of colors: from white to crimson and even lilac with a burgundy center. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be simple and double, there are also unusual variegated varieties. Hibiscus grown from seeds bloom only in the 2-3rd year and do not guarantee the same size and color of flowers as the mother plant. At proper care hibiscus is literally strewn with flowers (by the way, the original exotic flower Syrian hibiscus - a symbol of the island of Haiti). The indoor conditions of this plant are similar to the Chinese rose, and the main difference is manifested in the greater cold resistance of the Syrian hibiscus.

Hibiscus hybrid (Hibiscus hybrida). It appeared in culture relatively recently, was obtained by a talented breeder Fyodor Nikolayevich Rusanov in the botanical garden of the Academy of Sciences of the Uzbek SSR in the 40s and 50s of the twentieth century, where the scientist was exiled during the Stalinist repressions. In his work on the hybridization of herbaceous perennial hibiscus, he used North American species: bright red hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) - a typically subtropical species that does not withstand even not too cold winters; marsh hibiscus (Hibiscus mouscheutos) and armed hibiscus (Hibiscus militaris) are frost-resistant species, even in winters with temperatures down to -30 C, their roots remained unharmed. When these three species were crossed artificially, numerous frost-resistant forms of hibiscus with exceptionally high decorative qualities were obtained, which subsequently received the status of varieties.

Hybrid hibiscus is a heat-loving and moisture-loving herbaceous perennial with very large, bright, showy flowers. It is used to create large flower arrays, mixed borders, parterres, boulevards, edges, looks great along the banks of reservoirs. Most of the varieties bred by F. N. Rusanov are now lost. Only descriptions and color drawings of the author remained. Fortunately, some varieties have been preserved by flower growers in Stavropol and the Kuban, where hybrid hibiscus are quite common in gardens. But there is no longer that variety of shapes and colors that were bred by the author. But even what remains makes an unforgettable impression. Apparently, it is no longer possible to establish the correct names of the varieties. Conditionally preserved developments of Rusanov can be called: Red, Pink and Light Pink.

Red is a tall variety up to 3 m tall with palm-shaped leaves and wide funnel-shaped flowers up to 17 cm in diameter of red-carmine color. Pink is a medium-sized variety up to 2 meters in height with wide three-lobed pointed leaves and wide-open flowers of a rich pink tone. The size of the flowers is up to 23 cm in diameter. Despite its huge size, the corolla of the flower is very strong and strictly retains its shape. Light pink - a bush up to 2 meters high. The leaves are very similar to the leaves of the previous variety. The flowers are gigantic - 25 cm (even up to 27 cm) in diameter, pink with a silvery sheen. The flowers are more delicate than the previous two varieties and do not hold their shape well, especially in windy weather. But they are the largest and bloom a few days earlier than other varieties.

Hybrid hibiscus grows well in the southern regions, to the north it may not have enough summer heat for normal development and flowering. If desired, you can "deceive" nature with a simple agricultural technique. In the spring, a greenhouse is installed over the plantings of hibiscus, which ensures the earlier development of plants. As the shoots grow, the greenhouse is removed. It’s troublesome, but, you see, these hibiscus are worth it. In late autumn, you need to cut off the shoots that die for the winter and spud at the base with fallen leaves in case of prolonged snowless frosts. In spring, the foliage is removed and the stems are cut low. Emerging young shoots are thinned out, leaving the most powerful, removing their tops for good tillering, this leads to the formation of compact, profusely flowering bushes. Hybrid hibiscus blooms in July-August, flowering ends with the first frost. On each shoot (and a bush can have more than a dozen of them), up to 50-80 buds are formed.

Marianne Broome

Sowing seeds of these hybrids does not give positive result. The offspring are inferior in their decorative qualities to the mother plant. The flowers are smaller and do not open wide. But hibiscus is very easy to cut. Cuttings will bloom the next year. For 6-7 years, the bushes grow strongly and must be divided. Do this in the spring, when the buds on the root collars of the plant begin to swell. In each division there must be a kidney and at least one good root, and all old and broken ones are cut out. The plant must immediately be planted in a permanent place. The planting hole should be 40 cm deep and 50 cm in diameter. At its bottom, it is necessary to pour 10-15 cm of crushed stone to protect the roots from getting wet.

When planting hibiscus can not be deepened. On the trunk, this border is very clearly visible: the underground part is white, and the aboveground part is green. A place for landing should be chosen as sunny and protected from the winds as possible. Herbaceous hibiscus are undemanding to the soil. Very drought-resistant, but when watered, they develop faster, especially in the initial period.

P.S. Photos of flowers in all sections do not correspond to the description of the species, they are simply evenly distributed over the material.

Hibiscus ("Chinese rose") is one of the most beloved indoor plants among the people. It belongs to the Malvaceae family and has many species that in the wild can be found most often in tropical countries (Indonesia, South China, Sri Lanka) and islands (Haiti, Fiji, Sumatra, Java). The most popular types: Syrian hibiscus (Hibiscus syriacus) , G Chinese rose ibiscus (N. rosa-sinensis) and hibiscus hybrid (N. hybridus) .

Double flowers last longer than single flowers

In residences and offices, this unpretentious perennial evergreen shrub can grow to the ceiling. It blooms with beautiful large simple or double flowers. They are different color: red, pink, beige, yellow, etc. Of course, such a popular plant could not help but acquire superstitions and signs. Especially when it's in bloom. Let's get acquainted with some of them, paying attention to the obvious inconsistency.

The flowering of the Chinese rose is a terrible sign

Usually in room conditions grow g Chinese ibiscus , or Chinese rose (H. rosa-sinensis) . He came to Europe several centuries ago. The main decoration of hibiscus is its flowers. Some people are waiting for their appearance, wanting to enjoy the bright beauty of flowering. Others tremble with fear and pick off unopened buds. At first I did not believe that there is such a sign. I climbed into the Internet and found that many requests are related to the direct impact of flowering hibiscus on the deterioration of human health (up to a sad outcome). It turns out that the most dangerous thing is when the flower blooms earlier or later.

Do not believe that the yellow hibiscus flowers for separation

Flowering is a natural biological process for which breeders and amateur flower growers develop new varieties with even more beautiful flowers. Is all this done to make people sad? And the popularity of hibiscus does not confirm this sign.

The flower withered - the bright streak of life ended

Hibiscus flower (simple, not double) does not last long. Usually just one day. Some people watching how the bud gradually increases in size, and then appears luxury flower, saddened by the thought that tomorrow such beauty will no longer be. Thoughts come to mind about the transience of life, the transience of worldly joys, the vanity of life and the meaninglessness of expectations.

Luckily, a flowering hibiscus will produce more flowers as it matures. Some bloom, others appear. Especially if you take good care of the plant and create conditions for it under which the hibiscus will bloom profusely.

Many new flowers bloom on an adult plant

Withering flower takes away all troubles

Many people believe that sick pets and fading houseplant flowers take on the illness of a family member or take trouble away from home.

People have always attached great importance to the mystical connection between man and plant. This is reflected in many legends and traditions that have survived to this day. For example, in Western Europe it has long been believed that growing on the roof protects the house from thieves and lightning. Someone is sure that blooming hibiscus shares with a person all the hardships.

In Belgrade they love it when the hibiscus bush blooms in front of the house

Hibiscus bloom - a joyful event for women's hearts

An unmarried girl in whose house hibiscus has blossomed should perceive this phenomenon as good sign: she will soon meet her chosen one. The best and truest. Chinese rose is recommended to be grown in the room where he sleeps. unmarried girl or a woman who wants to get married.

Things are somewhat different for a married woman. The flower of the Chinese rose will first cool her feelings for her spouse for a while, but at the same time increase the chances of meeting with new love. Or, after a brief lull, she will revive her former passion for her husband.

Spouses who have been married for many years should keep hibiscus with scarlet or pale pink flowers in the bedroom. This will strengthen their union and increase interest in each other. It is also useful that the plant has bactericidal properties.

Scarlet Chinese rose flowers

Many people love hibiscus tea drink and find it useful. These are dried flower bracts. Sudanese rose (H.sabdariffa) . It is recommended to treat your beloved with such tasty and healthy tea in order to ignite his love, and at the same time increase your attractiveness. Just don't put milk in a cup of hibiscus. It will roll over immediately.

Regular flowering of hibiscus is a sign of family well-being

If the hibiscus not only grows well, but also blooms regularly, this is a sure sign that balance has been established in the family. Any joyful events associated with weddings, the birth of children, the acquisition of new things, vacation trips, etc. are possible. This is a good omen. I am sure that many amateur flower growers who have hibiscus blooming in their house will remember many facts confirming it. Some peoples bring hibiscus flowers as a gift to the gods, make amulets with them and give them for the holidays. In the Hawaiian Islands and the Caribbean archipelago, this plant is a feminine adornment.

Hibiscus withers and does not bloom - to the problems and illnesses of households

A weak plant that is losing leaves is considered an indicator of trouble in the family and the deterioration of the health of one of the household members. This sign can be justified by the fact that the plant began to pay less attention due to the problems that have arisen. In this case, it is worth overcoming adversity, distraction and pay attention to the condition of indoor plants, take care of them. Then everything in life will gradually improve.

touching hibiscus flower

Hibiscus is a friendly plant

There are plants that oppress others that are nearby. Hibiscus is not one of them. He not only puts up with the "neighbors", but also has a good effect on weak and even fading houseplants. They come alive and start growing. This feature of hibiscus could be noticed by many amateur flower growers. Especially when other plants are planted in a pot with a Chinese rose.

Hibiscus not only cleans and heals the air in the room, but also creates an atmosphere of comfort. Many people remember what lush bushes Chinese roses grew and bloomed in tubs in pharmacies and clinics during the Soviet Union.

The Chinese rose has bloomed - you can safely conduct business negotiations

Blooming hibiscus is also of interest to Feng Shui experts. This plant is able to increase energy and give confidence even to shy people. Therefore, a pot of Chinese rose (necessarily with light flowers) is recommended to be kept in the office or in the manager's office. Then the atmosphere in the team will be friendly and creative, and the boss will become softer and fairer. Hibiscus with red flowers is not suitable, because. he will "pour fuel on the fire."

Hibiscus with pink flowers can be kept in the bedroom and in the boss's office.

Interpreting a dream with hibiscus

In many dream books, a dream with hibiscus portends life changes for the better. First of all, for women. Not bad for men who are destined to either meet beautiful stranger, or evaluate the ability of their "half" to manage the household. It's great if there are also animals in the dream. This is to meet old friends or to participate in a fun holiday.

Dream Interpretations unequivocally interpret a dream with hibiscus as positive. Especially if you are holding a red flower in your hands, an indisputable sign of respect and success.

P.S. Why isn't the hibiscus blooming?

If buds appear on the hibiscus, but they do not open or fall off, then the plant most likely lacks nutrients or moisture. Perhaps he is cold at too low an air temperature.

Often the lower leaves fall off, and the new ones turn yellow due to chlorosis. The reason may be an increased content of chlorine or calcium in the water, a lack of nitrogen or iron. There may be problems with the root system with abundant watering and low air temperature. Hibiscus does not do well in a hot room with dry air without regular spraying with clean water.

A perfectly healthy plant with a lush crown does not want to bloom if it is fattening, being overfed with nitrogen. Either he does not have enough light, moisture (during the period of active vegetation), or the hibiscus does not have conditions for rest (at low air temperatures).

They say that a magic phrase protects from all bad omens: “Everything has its time, this trouble is not for us!” .

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1. Hibiscus is taking over the world. One of the truly amazing plants is the so-called Chinese rose. This is one of the many popular names for hibiscus (Hibiscus) - an extensive genus of plants of the Malvaceae family (Malvaceae). In general, this flower has a lot of alternative names: okra, Venice mallow, African mallow, hibiscus, red sorrel, Chinese sorrel, rose of Sharon, Sudanese rose, rosella, bukum, etc. According to various estimates, the Chinese rose has from 200 to 300 species. It mainly grows in the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia, but is also found in America. In general, hibiscus is quite unpretentious, in connection with which one can literally visually observe its triumphant spread throughout the world.

This vitality of hibiscus is a direct result of its truly amazing universality. For example, today there are many wild and cultivated hibiscus plants. Moreover, it can be both shrubs and trees; there are also perennial and annual herbs. This diversity of the plant allows it to adapt to various natural conditions and landscapes. For example, such a variety of hibiscus as Hibiscus moscheutos, a herbaceous perennial species, is very common in subtropical and more humid southern climates. AT last years the plant is increasingly being used in gardens in more northern parts of the world. In particular, there are already examples of successful cultivation of some varieties of hibiscus in the Moscow region and the Leningrad region.

Hibiscus has another advantage - the beauty. The exotic appearance of flowers of different shades with a golden thread of fused stamens cannot but attract attention (Fig. 1). Terry, semi-double and simple flowers can reach a diameter of up to 16 cm. Experts note that sometimes hibiscus flowers reach a diameter of about 30 cm, but in the room version, such dimensions, of course, are not achievable. Even in the photo, the Chinese rose looks great, and seeing it in a natural setting causes enduring love among flora lovers. In this regard, it is not surprising that already in the 18th century, European botanical gardens decorated their greenhouses with hibiscus. Today, many flower growers cannot deny themselves the desire to have this wonderful plant at home. Some varieties of hibiscus have long been bred in gardens and greenhouses to grow very beautiful hedges. With proper pruning and watering, hibiscus can bloom all year round, which makes it especially valuable in the eyes of amateur flower growers.

Impressive and botanical characteristics hibiscus. For example, a hibiscus bush grown from quality seeds and planted in the garden can grow up to 3 meters in height (Fig. 2). At the same time, the beauty of the Chinese rose is very durable - the bush of the plant can delight its admirers with magnificent flowering for 20 years.

Today, the Chinese rose consolidates its dominance in the flower market thanks to the vigorous activity of breeders. So, in the last 15–20 years, a huge number of hibiscus varieties of various shapes and combinations of colors have been bred. Several other species of hibiscus are used for pollination. Thus, the distribution areas of hibiscus are filled not only with natural, but also with its artificially bred varieties.

2. Day and night as a source of increased plant adaptability. Interestingly, hibiscus, even outwardly, is very different day and night. If during the day a scattering of fully opened large and beautiful flowers appears to the eye (Fig. 3), then at night all this splendor collapses (Fig. 4). The petals of the flower fold and stretch into a tube. An inexperienced observer may not even recognize this flower at night - the difference in the shape of a hibiscus at different times of the day is so great.

The heat-loving hibiscus during the day tries to expose all parts of its “body” to the sun's rays, for which it opens its flowers as much as possible; at night, on the contrary, he tries to shrink as much as possible in order to keep the heat accumulated during the day as much as possible. Such a reaction of the Chinese rose to day and night temperature changes is very similar to the behavior of heat-loving animals, which during the day, lounging, bask in the sun, and curl up at night to reduce the area of ​​​​contact of the body with the environment.

At first glance, it may seem that the increased adaptability of the hibiscus to the time of day is not such a rare quality, but the scale of changes in the shape of the flower is striking. Such large-scale metamorphoses are not often found in the plant world.

3. Hibiscus as a source of various beliefs and superstitions. The charming hibiscus is highly integrated into people's lives. The wide distribution of the Chinese rose leads to a striking variety of ideas among different peoples about her character. For example, in India, hibiscus is woven into wedding wreaths, in Haiti it appears as a symbol of female beauty, in Malaysia it is the national flower with which girls adorn their hair (Fig. 5). Hawaiian women consider hibiscus to be their amulet, and Brazil is justifiably proud of its original "Princess Earrings" - as the Brazilian hibiscus is called because of its resemblance to an earring.
But in some countries there is a belief that the Chinese rose is the flower of death. Russia is no exception to this prejudice. For example, in one of the episodes of the “Battle of Psychics” program, the idea was promoted that the hibiscus is a bloody tree, radiates negative energy, and when it blooms, it requires blood. Allegedly, the flower chooses its victim, as a result of which a person may even die due to the harmful effects of this flower, and with a large loss of blood. Hence the idea that the Chinese rose is a bloody flower.

Interestingly, this prejudice is reinforced by the fact that for better growth and flowering, the Chinese rose must be watered with blood. There is some truth in this notion, but the problem is that almost all plants take bloody soil fertilizer well. In this case, the plants do receive additional nutrients, but this does not in any way imply the harmful effects of hibiscus on humans.

In general, fears and superstitions regarding the Chinese rose are the flip side of its prevalence and popularity. As a rule, all these myths and legends are not based on scientific basis and represent a manifestation of ignorance and primitive obscurantism.

4. Diverse practical use hibiscus. In addition to aesthetic merits, hibiscus is very good in the practical field. For example, hemp hibiscus (Hibiscus cannabinus) provides excellent spinning material, for which it is bred in many tropical countries.

Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) flowers are used to make the famous Hibiscus drink and the equally famous Sudanese Rose tea, which contain pieces of the fruit and petals of this plant. This very fragrant, beautiful, slightly sour-tasting drink made from dried flower cups can quench your thirst and saturate the body. useful substances(Fig. 6). Interestingly, even when drinking Hibiscus tea, hibiscus also shows its natural versatility. So, it is drunk hot and cold. Moreover, when chilled and sweetened, Hibiscus is a truly excellent soft drink (Fig. 7).

By regularly drinking tea from hibiscus petals, you can fully experience the benefits of flavonoids, with the help of which the body is cleansed of harmful compounds and heavy metals, toxins and metabolic decay products. This significantly improves the function of the liver and gallbladder. I must say that representatives of alternative medicine have long appreciated healing properties hibiscus. So, the Africans quickly realized that infusions and decoctions from this plant Act on human body as an antimicrobial agent; they effectively removed inflammatory processes. Because of this property, hibiscus is also known as an effective diuretic. Very often, decoctions from the beautiful inflorescences of the plant helped people with various cuts and bleeding of varying severity. Even during the reign of the pharaohs, it was known that hibiscus tea was able to lower high body temperature. This is possible due to the content of organic acids in the plant itself and, above all, citric and ascorbic acids. At the same time, this drink can be safely introduced into your diet for people who have problems with kidney activity, since hibiscus is a plant that, with a rich acid content, does not contain oxalic acid.

Salads are prepared from the young leaves of the plant, and traditional medicine actively uses roots, fruits and seeds. In the preparation of dietary soups, hibiscus is sometimes served fried. For some gourmets, hibiscus is a kind of exotic seasoning for many dishes, both first and second. Sometimes hibiscus is eaten as a separate vegetable. A bright purple dye is produced from this plant as part of the food industry; in addition, resistant black dye is obtained from hibiscus raw materials, which is used for dyeing hair.

Chinese rose belongs to the category of useful indoor plants in the sense that where hibiscus grows, a favorable microclimate is created; phytoncides exuded by the plant heal and purify the air - even other plants nearby begin to grow better and do not get sick.

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Hibiscus is an "old" and incredibly popular plant throughout the ages. We are used to seeing it everywhere: in hospitals and clinics, in kindergartens and at the post office, in offices and in the corridors of administrative institutions ... This plant fascinates us with bright flowers and always arouses admiration.

For me, the first acquaintance with hibiscus took place in a distant happy childhood. There were always many flowers in my grandmother's house, and among all of them, a plant with green shiny leaves, growing in a small wooden tub, stood out in particular. With bated breath, I watched the buds, which every day grew more and more and increased. When a simple red flower opened, it seemed to me like fabulous magic.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus) - a genus of the Malvaceae family (Malvaceae), has about 300 species of plants that grow mostly in the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. These are annual and perennial herbs, deciduous and evergreen shrubs and trees, often reaching two or three meters in height. The flowers of most species are large, graceful, with brightly colored corollas. The fruit is in the form of a box, which breaks up into 5 valves, contains many seeds, dressed in fluff or fibers, or smooth. On the territory of Russia there are two species: Syrian hibiscus (H. syriacus) - growing in the Transcaucasus, and ternate or northern hibiscus (H. trionum syn. H. ternatus) - common from southern Ukraine to Western Europe. Since the beginning of the 18th century, this plant has become an indispensable inhabitant of all European botanical gardens.

“Flower of love” and hibiscus tea…

The hibiscus flower is called the "flower of love" and the "flower of beautiful women". It is a symbol of the island of Haiti, and in India, flowers are woven into the wedding wreath of the bride. In the East, hibiscus is called " sudanese rose". Hibiscus tea is prepared from dried flower petals, which has a pleasant taste, is superbly refreshing in the heat and contains a large amount of vitamin C. The young leaves and shoots are eaten as vegetable dishes.

The flowers are used to make black hair dye and purple for the food industry. In medicine, leaves and flowers are used, ground into a homogeneous mass, which helps with malignant tumors, and the pulp from the flowers is used to treat carbuncles and ulcers of malignant origin.

The most common

Currently, there are about 500 garden forms of hibiscus in the world and many hybrid varieties. In culture, the most commonly grown: Syrian hibiscus (H. syriacus) and Chinese hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis).

Syrian hibiscus (H. syriacus) - grows in China and India. This is a perennial deciduous tree, with bright green leaves and flowers of various colors. Grows well in moderately moist loamy soil. Lime soil is undesirable for him. It grows quite slowly, blooms and bears fruit from the age of three or four. The fruit is a multi-seeded capsule. Syrian hibiscus is winter-hardy, withstands a short-term drop in temperature to -20 °C. It easily tolerates transplanting and pruning, but does not need strong pruning - in the spring they only shorten too long ones and only remove old branches. Propagated by cuttings, layering, grafting, seeds. In culture, it is used for solitary and group plantings, creating hedges and alleys.

Hibiscus Chinese (H. rosa-sinensis) - grows in East Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is an evergreen shrub with dark green glossy leaves. It blooms with bright red single or double flowers. Valued for its rapid growth and unpretentiousness in maintenance.

Hibiscus Chinese - the most common and has long been cultivated in room culture. It is this species that is popularly called the "Chinese rose". It has a variegated form ‘Cooperi’ with elongated green leaves adorned with white and pink strokes, blooming with single red flowers.

Modern hybrid varieties

There are hundreds of various hybrid varieties of hibiscus in the world, the progenitors of which are the Chinese rose (H. rosa-sinensis), dissected hibiscus (H. schisopetalus), variable hibiscus (H. mutabilis), etc.

Hybrid varieties can be called unsurpassed leaders, since only they have an incredible brightness of colors and an indescribable combination of colors and shades in a flower: white, yellow, pink, salmon, orange, brown, red, lilac, blue, purple ... The middle of the flower can be decorated "Eye" of contrasting color. And delicate petals - with veins, strokes, spraying of a different shade, or completely dotted with an indescribable pattern of strokes and dashes of a different color. The edges of the petals are wavy or fringed, and a border of one or even several flowers can pass along them.

An exotic look is given to hibiscus flowers and numerous filaments of golden stamens, fused into a long tube extending far from the petals. Flowers, depending on the variety, can be miniature - almost 5 cm - and giant, reaching incredible sizes - from 20 to 25 cm in diameter! Depending on the variety, the flowers can be double, semi-double or single. The life span of a flower is from one to four days and depends on the conditions of detention. If the apartment is cool and sunny, the flower will last longer. By the way, hibiscus also have chameleon varieties. Their flowers bloom one color, and after a few hours it changes to another.

Some varieties have flowers with a pleasant delicate aroma, reminiscent of the smell of fruit caramel. There may be undersized and compact varieties with medium-sized and large leaves.

Hibiscus are unpretentious. They can be successfully grown in any apartment. A well-lit place is suitable for them, but it is necessary to shade from direct and midday hot sunlight. To do this, you can use blinds on the windows or hang special sun blinds. Plants perfectly tolerate partial shade, but abundant flowering still occurs in bright light. The first buds on the plant appear in March. The successive flowers will adorn the crown of leaves until late autumn.

In summer, it is advisable to take out hibiscus to the garden, balcony or terrace. Maximum temperature for their maintenance in summer from +35 to +40 °С.

If you have the opportunity, create a dormant period for your hibiscus in winter.

Starting in late autumn, reduce watering little by little. During the wintering period, the plants do not fertilize. Minimum temperature for the maintenance of hybrid hibiscus at this time should be from +12 °С to +15 °С. This will encourage the formation of flower buds. At a lower temperature, hibiscus growth stops, leaves turn yellow and roots rot.

Watering is the main condition for successful growth

Timely watering is one of the main conditions for the good growth and development of your plant. Frequent and prolonged overdrying of an earthy coma can lead to yellowing and falling of the leaves, and sometimes to the death of the plant. If you accidentally “dried” the plant and its leaves lost turgor, became soft and hung, then pour a little earthen ball warm water and spray the leaves. After 20-30 minutes, water abundantly so that the earthen lump is completely saturated with water.

Like most plants, hibiscus are also harmed by waterlogging of the soil, so they need to be watered as the earthen coma dries up. The dried top layer of earth in a pot is not yet an indicator that the plant needs to be watered, since the earth inside can remain wet. Soil moisture can be checked by dipping your finger a few inches into the soil. If you have heavily waterlogged the ground, place the pot on several layers of paper, and the water will gradually drain and be absorbed into it.

Due to the evaporation of water through the leaves, the temperature of the plants decreases, and this is especially important if they are overheated on hot days. Along with watering, it is necessary to use spraying plants and "bathing" them in the shower. The water will wash the dust off the leaves and improve the overall health of the plants. In summer, during the period of active growth, they need more water than during the dormant period. Spraying hibiscus is necessary in the spring and summer during the heat. Do not spray plants in direct sunlight, as this can cause leaf burn. Do it early in the morning or late in the evening.

After spraying or showering, pay attention to the soil in the pots. She shouldn't sag. To prevent this from happening, cover its surface before water procedures. plastic bag, which will prevent possible waterlogging and, as a result, damage to the root system and the plant itself by various diseases that subsequently arise due to this.

With systematic spraying, shoots and leaves grow and develop faster.

In winter, when the air in the room is especially dry due to the operation of the central heating, be sure to spray the plants and the air around them several times a day with warm water to maintain high humidity.

In winter, hibiscus water less often than in summer, as lighting and daylight hours are reduced. Of course, winter watering depends on the conditions of detention, but in any case, it should be moderate. The earth ball should not be wet, but slightly damp. Watering the plants is also reduced after pruning.

About an hour after watering, it is recommended to loosen the topsoil. This promotes aeration of the soil, which is necessary for the respiration of the roots. In order not to damage the roots, the earth is loosened no deeper than 1-2 cm and only at the walls of the pot.

top dressing

A properly formulated potting mix has all the nutrients needed for hibiscus growth. After a few months, the earth mixture is depleted, the plants must be fed with organic and mineral fertilizers. In order to avoid a burn of the roots, first it is necessary to abundantly water the plant with clean, settled water, and only then pour it with fertilizers diluted in water. You should strictly adhere to the dosage indicated in the instructions. It is better to "underfeed" the plant somewhat than to get carried away and salt the soil. You can feed with fertilizers and with each watering, but at the same time, accordingly, greatly reduce its concentration. Hibiscus are very responsive to organic top dressing a weak solution of mullein (1:10) or a solution horse manure. Mineral fertilizers are fed regularly once a week, and organic fertilizers once a month.

Closer to autumn, you need to gradually reduce the amount of all dressings. And in winter, when the plants are at rest, they are not fed at all.

Do not use garden plant fertilizers, as the calcium carbonates they contain can harm your hibiscus. When fertilizing, make sure that the solution does not fall on the flowers and leaves.

If you bought hibiscus...

Quarantine him immediately. And do not rush to transplant! Let the plant adapt. Carefully inspect the leaves, trunk, and ground for pests. Be sure to treat with an anti-tick preparation. It would be nice to completely dip it in such a solution. Then spill the earth with a solution of the Aktara preparation, which will protect against whiteflies and mealybugs.

If you "accidentally" overdried the earthen ball

... And the earth lags behind the walls of the pot, and water, when watering, runs down through the cracks and flows out into the drain hole without wetting the earthen lump - immediately immerse the pot with hibiscus in water until the earth is completely saturated.

Remember!

Abrupt transitions from excessive moistening of an earthy coma to its drying out are unacceptable, as this often leads to the dropping of flower buds and leaves.

Read the end of the article in No. 10, 2010.