What is Hibiscus mutabilis or Pink Mallow?
El Hibiscus mutabilis, commonly known as pink mallow, May Rose, Cotton rose o Rose of jericho, is a shrub or ornamental tree of great value for its special beauty of its flowers and the uniqueness that they change color throughout the day. It belongs to the family of Malvaceae and is native to Southeast Asia, especially China.
This semi-deciduous shrub can reach between 2 and 4 meters tall, depending on the climate and care. Its branches, leaves and shoots are covered with a fine pubescence of star-shaped hairs which gives it a soft and velvety appearance.
Main characteristics of Hibiscus mutabilis
Hibiscus mutabilis is valued for its large, showy flowers with a surprising color cycle:
- FloresThey are solitary, large (8-12 cm in diameter), usually double, although occasionally single. They bloom white in the morning, turn pink by midday, and turn deep red by dusk.
- Leaves: Palmatilobadas, with 3 to 7 triangular lobes, toothed margins and slightly hairy texture.
- Fruit: A globose, setose capsule, about 2-3 cm long, containing reniform, somewhat woolly seeds.
- Foliage: Deciduous or semi-deciduous, depending on the climate.
- High jump: 2 to 4 meters outdoors; slightly smaller if grown in a pot.
Botanical curiosity: The phenomenon of color change in its flowers is due to variations in both the temperature and the cellular pH of the petals, which produces the daily chromatic transition.
Origin, uses and symbolism
El Hibiscus mutabilis it is originally from China, although it has spread to other warm areas of the world due to its ornamental value. It has been cultivated for centuries in private gardens, temples and parks, and in some places it is a symbol of ephemeral beauty y renewal due to the daily transformation of its flowers.
In addition to its use in ornamental gardening, there are records of his employment in infusions and as a medicinal plant in traditional Asian medicine, to relieve minor ailments (digestive problems, colds, minor throat irritations and insomnia), although it is always recommended to consult a specialist before any internal use.
- Decoration: Highly appreciated in the formation of dense hedges, as an isolated specimen or in flowerbeds due to the profusion of its flowering.
- Wildlife attraction: Its flowers effectively attract butterflies and bees, thus contributing to the balance of the ecosystem of gardens and parks.
- SymbolismIn popular culture, it represents the beauty that changes with the passing of the day and the importance of adapting to the environment.
How do you care for Hibiscus mutabilis?
El Hibiscus mutabilis is a vigorous and fast-growing plant, but for it to reach its maximum splendor it is important to provide it with some basic care:
- Luz: Prefer exposure to full sun for most of the day, although it can tolerate partial shade, especially in very hot regions. Without sufficient light, flowering will be poor.
- Substratum: Needs soil fertile, deep and well-drainedIt grows well in slightly acidic soil, but adapts to neutral or slightly alkaline soils. Drainage is essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Irrigation: Requires regular waterings during the growth and flowering stages, but the substrate should dry slightly between waterings. It does not tolerate soggy soils.
- Subscriber: It is advisable fertilize every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer with balanced fertilizer (ratio 2:1:2,5). Potassium is especially important, as it stimulates abundant and prolonged flowering.
- Pruning: Prune lightly After flowering, prune to keep the plant compact by removing dry or damaged branches and old flowers. Pruning is best done in late winter or early spring to encourage the development of new shoots.
- mulching: Apply a layer of mulch Organic mulch around the base helps retain moisture and protects the roots from excessive heat.
- winter protectionIn areas with severe frost, it is advisable to protect the base of the shrub with extra mulch, and if grown in a pot, move it to a protected space.
If you follow these tips, you will enjoy a spectacular prolonged flowering from spring to autumn.
Reproduction of Hibiscus mutabilis
This shrub can be multiplied by seeds or by cuttings:
- By seeds: It is a less common method because the plants obtained may vary with respect to the characteristics of the mother plant, but it is used when looking for unique specimens.
- By cuttings: They are used semi-hardwood cuttings or tender. Rooting hormones are recommended, but not essential. Roots usually form within 4 to 6 weeks, provided the environment is kept moist and warm, ideally with plenty of light.
It is also possible to use methods such as air layering and grafting for specific purposes in professional gardening.
Flowering: When and how does Hibiscus mutabilis bloom?
La main flowering Hibiscus mutabilis usually occurs in spring and fall, although in warm climates it can maintain flowers for much of the year. Each flower live only one day, but it is spectacular: it dawns white, turns pink and falls red.
Factors that favor abundant flowering:
- Correct sun exposure and a location sheltered from the wind.
- Constant watering without flooding the soil.
- Regular pruning to renew the plant and remove aged parts.
- Balanced fertilizer, rich in potassium.
It is ideal for grounds, patios and terraces, and its daily color cycle turns any corner into a space full of life and color.
Common diseases and pests
Hibiscus mutabilis is a plant quite resistant, but can be affected by:
- Aphids
- Red spider
- White fly (more common in varieties with tomentose leaves)
- Caterpillar and mealybug (occasionally)
- Powdery mildew and downy mildew when the ambient humidity is high and there is not enough air circulation.
Prevention is key: maintain good ventilation For plants, avoid excess moisture and use natural or specific insecticides if symptoms appear. To combat fungal problems, you can use preventative fungicides and ensure that irrigation does not over-wet the aerial parts.
Pruning and specific maintenance
La pruning It is simple but essential. It is preferably performed when the plant is dormant, in late winter or early spring. The objective is remove damaged branches, dry or diseased and promote a compact structure.
Recommended steps:
- Remove the shoots from the previous year
- Remove very dense interior branches
- Trim side branches by one-third to one-half.
- Completely renew every 4 years by pruning from the base
- Remove wilted flowers to encourage new blooms
can be applied mulch after pruning to protect the roots, especially in warm areas.
Key Tips for a Healthy Hibiscus Mutabilis
- Sunny location: Better development and flowering outdoors and in full sun.
- Avoid excess water: Puddles are the main enemy of your roots.
- Regular and potassium-rich fertilizer: Strengthens the plant and maximizes flowering.
- Routine pruning: Maintains the shape and health of the bush.
- Protects from intense frost: Use mulch or move potted specimens to sheltered areas.
- Pest surveillance: Inspect leaves and young shoots regularly.
Where to place Hibiscus mutabilis?
The ideal is Plant it in a sunny location protected from strong winds. It can be in large pot or directly into the ground if the climate is temperate to warm. In cold climates, it's preferable to grow in a pot and move it under cover during the winter.
It is a perfect species for:
- Form medium or high hedges
- As an isolated specimen in the garden
- On the edges of terraces or large patios
- As a backdrop in mixed flowerbeds
Other species and varieties of hibiscus
The gender Hibiscus It is very broad, with more than 150 recognized species worldwide. Some of the best known and most cultivated, along with H. mutabilis, are:
- Hibiscus rosa-sinensis: better known as Chinese hibiscus, with brightly colored flowers.
- hibiscus syriacus: called Syrian rose, ideal for temperate and cold climates.
- Hibiscus sabdariffa: famous for its use in infusions and cooking.
- Hibiscus acetosella: with red or purple petals, resistant to pests.
- hibiscus coccineus: known as scarlet hibiscus, it grows even in humid or swampy areas.
Each species has specific needs, but they share the same ornamental appeal and the ability to fill any space with color.
Curiosities and frequently asked questions
- Is Hibiscus mutabilis poisonous? It is not toxic to people or pets, although it is always advisable to avoid ingesting parts of the plant unknowingly.
- Why do flowers change color? The daily change in its color is due to environmental factors (temperature, light) and internal physiological changes in the flower.
- Can it grow indoors? It prefers the outdoors, but can be kept indoors near large, bright windows, although flowering will be more limited.
- How long does a flower live? Each bloom may last only a day, but the plant produces many new flowers continuously throughout the season.
El Hibiscus mutabilis It's a botanical gem that transforms any space with its ever-changing flowers and low maintenance requirements. It's ideal for gardening enthusiasts looking for a hardy yet highly ornamental specimen. By respecting its light, watering, and pruning requirements, you'll enjoy a healthy and spectacular shrub for years.
