Hibiscus plants are beautiful, showy flowers that many gardeners can’t resist. The blooming season typically starts in April and lasts through September, depending on where you live. The Erin Rachel hibiscus is easy to care for and evergreen.
It produces beautiful flowers that are pink to salmon-colored with darker centers. Let’s look at how to grow and care for this lovely plant.
What is a Hibiscus Erin Rachel?
The hibiscus Erin Rachel is one of the most common hibiscuses planted today. This plant is a tropical shrub that’s a hybrid created from species from China and other parts of Asia. It’s commonly referred to as the Chinese hibiscus and enjoys warmth and humidity.
These plants can be grown outside in USDA zones 9b to 12 and are not suited to cold climates. It needs some protection from cold or drafts even if grown indoors.
The hibiscus Erin Rachel is part of the Malvaceae family which has over 4000 varieties of plants.
How to Care for a Hibiscus Erin Rachel?
This hibiscus is a small tree or shrub that branches out to form a rounded canopy when mature. It reaches up to 6 feet in height, so it can be quite imposing at times if planted close to a walkway. Homeowners are often surprised by how quickly these plants grow.
Hibiscus Erin Rachels will reach full height within three to four years of planting, depending on their location and growing conditions. Here are some tips to help you grow a thriving example:
Sunlight needs
If your Hibiscus Erin Rachel does not receive enough sunlight during the day, you may notice weak stems and smaller leaves. These plants require between six and eight hours of sunlight a day. Excessive shade causes leggy growth with lots of bare, reaching branches. To remedy this, prune the plant back in the early spring to encourage bushier growth and more flowers.
Watering requirements
Your Hibiscus needs to be watered frequently, although they are fairly drought resistant. Be careful not to neglect your plant, as underwatering can cause yellowing of the leaves.
Aim to keep the soil moist but be careful not to overwater as this may cause root rot. If the leaves are wilted and drooping even when there’s moisture in the soil, you’ve been overwatering – by giving your Hibiscus Erin Rachel less water or allowing it to dry out between watering sessions, you’ll encourage healthy growth.
Soil
The Hibiscus Erin Rachel does best in loose and well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH range. Aim for a pH of between 6.0 and 7.0.
Humidity
As the Erin Rachel is a tropical plant, it requires a humidity of around 50%. In drier climates, you can try misting your plant’s leaves or using a pebble tray to increase moisture.
Fertilization
Fertilize sparingly with an organic fertilizer year-round. You can apply fertilizer every two weeks to one month. This will help give your Hibiscus Erin Rachel get the nutrients it needs without damaging its leaves or causing root burn.
Pruning
To keep your Hibiscus Erin Rachel flowering for as long as possible, remove any dead flowers when you notice them. Only leave flowers on the plant that haven’t fully bloomed yet. Removing dead or dying flowers helps promote healthy growth.
Regular pruning helps manage your Hibiscus’s size. You can trim just above a leaf joint to encourage branching.
Conclusion
Like all plants, Hibiscus Erin Rachel needs maintenance from time to time, but most gardeners who grow them are pleasantly surprised by how little ongoing care they need.
Related: Fort Myers Hibiscus