The Hawaii Rose is one of the most beautiful flowers on Earth, and its fragrance is uniquely enchanting. It is called frangipani, or botanically known as Plumeria. It originates from Central America and the Caribbean region, and it is one of the most well-known floral wonders of the tropical world.
Characteristics of the Hawaii Rose
It is a deciduous shrub that can grow into a tree reaching up to 7-8 meters in suitable climates. Its leaves are glossy and oval-shaped, ranging in color from light green to dark green. The wood ignites only above 500 °C. There are both deciduous and evergreen species, with the dwarf hibiscus belonging to the latter.
It blooms from early summer to late autumn. It blooms in large clusters. Its flowers have five petals and are twisted like propellers. It comes in a wide variety of colors and is an essential element of flower garlands in the Hawaiian Islands.
Care of the hibiscus
The hibiscus thrives in nutrient-rich soil with good water drainage. During planting, it is advisable to use a complex fertilizer to promote abundant flowering.
It enjoys warmth and sunlight and thrives when it receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours. This is when it produces the most and most beautiful flowers. When placing it, look for a well-ventilated location.
It can tolerate dryness but requires regular, moderate watering. Avoid water stagnation at the base of the plant as it can lead to fungal growth and internal rotting. It is not susceptible to diseases, but spider mites can attack it.
Pruning of Frangipani
It is advisable to prune it after the leaves have fallen, but avoid cutting back too much as it can harm the flowers. Only trim the shoot tips to promote bushier growth. Regular pruning maintains the health of the plant and helps with flowering. It requires regular, but not excessive, watering.
Overwintering of the hibiscus
As a tropical plant, it is sensitive to frost and does not tolerate temperatures below 10°C well, so it is necessary to overwinter it. Before bringing it indoors, it is recommended to remove dry leaves and trim back any excessively large branches. It’s also worth checking for pests as spider mites can attack it.
For overwintering, choose a location that is cooler (around 10-15°C) and less bright than the average room temperature. During this period, it does not require fertilization, and watering is minimal, ensuring that it doesn’t dry out. Due to reduced light conditions, it is possible for the leaves to turn yellow and fall off in its new location.
In spring, when the weather becomes pleasantly warm, place it back in its usual spot. If necessary, repot it at this time.
Propagation of the Hawaii Rose
Propagation can be done in two ways:
- By cuttings
For this method, a strong shoot that has developed in the same year and is no more than 10 cm long is needed. This cutting should be inserted about 2-3 cm deep into loose potting soil, and we can wait for it to develop roots. With this method, they usually start flowering at 1-2 years of age. - By seeds
In this case, flowering is expected around 4-5 years of age.
Interesting facts about the hibiscus
The beautiful flower is highly regarded in several countries:
- In Laos, it is one of the state symbols.
- It is the national flower of Nicaragua and is featured on several of their banknotes.
- In Sicily, it is the flower of the island’s capital, Palermo.
It is also known as the Temple Tree, and its wonderful flower has a delightful scent. Serums used in aromatherapy are extracted from its petals.
On the Hawaiian Islands, women wear it behind their ear, and depending on its placement, the woman’s intention and/or marital status can be determined.
- Placing it behind the left ear signifies “I am looking for a lover or partner.
- Placing it behind the right ear indicates that the flower’s wearer is already taken.
- If hibiscus flowers are visible behind both ears, it signifies that although the woman already has a partner, she is open to having another lover.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hibiscus
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