Hibiscus (genus, "Taitanbikasu")

Japanese name: タイタンビカス
Scientific name: Hibiscus

[Overview]
A perennial up to 2 m tall.
It branches well.
The leaves are simple and alternate, usually palmately divided, though some are undivided.
The leaf margins are toothed.
The leaf stalks are long.
The flowers are borne singly in the leaf axils and have 5 petals, 15–25 cm across.
Each flower opens in the morning and wilts by evening, lasting only one day, but they bloom one after another, and a single plant produces nearly 200 flowers in total.

[History]
It was developed by Akatsuka Botanical Garden through crossing and selection of Amerika-fuyo (Hibiscus moscheutos) and Momiji-aoi (H. coccineus).

[Cultivation]
Propagate by division.
It prefers sunny, well-drained soil that is not too dry.
It is vigorous and very heat tolerant, and can be grown even in places exposed to strong afternoon sun.
Even in cold regions, it will sprout the following spring as long as the roots do not freeze completely.
It grows vigorously and is easy to cultivate once established.
It becomes very large, so a wide space is needed to grow it; for potted plants, prepare a No. 10 or larger pot.
For potted plants, take care not to let the soil dry out, as it takes up a lot of water during the growing season.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
Apply base fertilizer, and during the growing season apply slow-release fertilizer.
Because it grows tall, set up stakes.
Pests include aphids and leaf rollers.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)