In Indian tradition, the Japakusum or Hibiscus is not just another flower. For its many virtues, the Hibiscus flower has been used as an adjective to eulogise the Sun in a Sanskrit Mantra ─जपाकुसुमसंकाशं: The Divine One, who is as magnificent as the Hibiscus flower.
Little wonder then that this ultra-meritorious flowering plant, also known as Gurhal (गुड़हल) in Hindi, is a common sight in Indian gardens and households. With over 200 species, Hibiscus is quite a favourite worldwide. Hibiscus is Hawaii’s state flower and the national flower of Malaysia. In Tahiti and Hawaii, the Hibiscus indicates marital availability when tucked behind the right ear. Pollen-covered bee flying from a flower of Hibiscus syriacus.
What is Hibiscus?
A herbaceous plant grown as herbs, shrubs and trees, the Hibiscus can grow between 3-10 feet tall and 2-8 feet wide. The bell-shaped conspicuous Hibiscus flower, which comes in a variety of colours, is equally virtuous and ornamentally appealing. The drooping flowers have 4-5 petals and can be 4-18 cm broad. In most varieties, the flower lasts only for a day. The plant has jagged-edged dark green leaves, arranged alternately on the stems. They can be smooth or could be covered in plant hair.
How long do Hibiscus plants live?
Loved by bees and butterflies, the Hibiscus can live up to 50 years in a garden with favourable conditions.
Hibiscus: Key facts
| Botanical Name: Hibiscus
Common names: Rose of China, Rose mallow, Hardy Hibiscus, Rose of Sharon, Tropical Hibiscus, Roselle, Sorrel, Jawa kusum, Gurhal, Shoe flower Family: Malvaceae Type: Annual/perennial herbaceous Native: India, Malaysia Water: Medium Light: Direct sun/partial sunlight Soil: Moist, well-drained Flowers colours: Yellow, red, pink, purple, orange Toxicity: Non-toxic to dogs, cats, horses |
See also: Garden roses: All you wanted to know about growing rose plants
The many shades of Hibiscus
Red Hibiscus
Purple Hibiscus
Yellow Hibiscus
Powder Pink Hibiscus
Pink Hibiscus
White Hibiscus
Orange Hibiscus
Blue Hibiscus Flower
Pink Hibiscus Flower
Orange Hibiscus Flower
White and purple Hibiscus Flower
How to plant Hibiscus?
While it is commonly grown outdoors in gardens, Hibiscus is equally popular in indoor settings where it is grown in small containers and hanging baskets. To grow the plant, use a four- to six-inch stem cutting. To ensure robust growth, dip the ending in rooting hormone and plant it a well-drained, moist potting soil. The root system would fully develop in a couple of months.
How to care for your Hibiscus?
Sun
The Hibiscus plant loves the sun. Keep it at a bright spot when growing it inside.
Water
The plant requires regular watering, unlike other indoor plants. This is particularly true during the growing season. But, make sure that the top inch of the potting mix dries out between watering.
Soil
Well-drained, moist and loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH, is perfect for the Hibiscus plant.
Fertiliser
Feed the plant a fertilizer rich in potassium nitrogen.
Pests
Regular cleaning of the plant is required to keep away red spider mites and aphids.
How to use Hibiscus?
Hibiscus has traditionally been used to treat a variety of ailments, including indigestion and high blood pressure. Research supports the age-old tradition of using various parts of the Hibiscus plant for medicinal purposes. Every part of the plant – flowers, seeds, leaves and stems – is used for culinary, cosmetic and medicinal preparations. If you thought Hibiscus Tea was a novelty, just look at its growing use in jams, jellies, syrups and sauces across Western Africa, Central and South America and the Caribbean.
Flower: Used in fresh and dry form for making tea, hot and cold beverages, syrup, sweetener, jam, jelly, ice cream, tarts, chocolate, puddings and cakes, chutneys, marmalades, butter, sauces and pickles.
Seeds: Eaten roasted, added to soups or sauces after grinding and used for oil.
Leaves: In China, the young leaves are cooked and eaten like spinach. Tender leaves are used raw in salads. The leaves are also used as an aphrodisiac, an antiseptic and an astringent. A metabolism booster, they can treat respiratory issues and skin rashes.
Hibiscus: Benefits
Raw Hibiscus contains carbohydrates, calcium, magnesium, potassium and Vitamin C and B. It is useful in the following ways:
- Effective against low blood pressure
- Stimulates diuretic effects
- Reduces high cholesterol
- Effective against cancer
- Effective against diabetes
- Liver protection
- Promotes hair growth
- Promotes weight loss
- Effective against metabolic syndrome
Hibiscus side effects
While the possible side effects of the Hibiscus are not proven, its consumption may cause blood pressure to drop. Sometimes, it is also linked to dermatitis, headache, nausea, and ringing in the ear. Those allergic or sensitive to the Malvaceae plant family or its members should avoid the hibiscus.
FAQs
What is Hibiscus flower good for?
Hibiscus flower is good for low blood pressure, cancer, liver damage and overall immunity.
Can humans eat Hibiscus flowers?
Yes. You can it the flower raw. In fact, the flower is the most nutritious when eaten in its raw form.
Does Hibiscus help you sleep?
The anxiolytic and sedative properties of Hibiscus tea help people with sleep issues.
Is there caffeine in Hibiscus tea?
No, Hibiscus tea is free of caffeine.
How long do Hibiscus flowers last?
In most varieties, the flower dies overnight.
Are Hibiscus flowers easy to grow?
Yes, Hibiscus is easy to grow in warm conditions.
How long can a Hibiscus live?
In large pots indoors, Hibiscus may live up to a decade. The garden varieties could live up to 50 years.
What is the rarest colour of Hibiscus?
Blue is the rarest colour of Hibiscus.
