Originally from China, the confederate rose (Hibiscus mutabilis) made its way to the United States in the 1600s. The plant, which is actually not a rose as the name implies, is known for its oversized single and double blooms that change from white to pink to red as they age. This hibiscus reaches heights of up to 15 feet with spreads of about 10 feet and grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. You'll find that when the confederate rose is properly cared for, it works well as a focal point or a border plant in your garden.
By allowing the first watering to soak in well before the second amount of water is applied, the water is going deeply into the soil around each rose bush. A few key items to consider in the area of watering or keeping out roses watered are: be sure your rose bushes are well watered/hydrated before the application of any pesticide.
Liquid fertilizers are applied more frequently, bi-weekly or monthly, for example. Granular products are used less frequently, perhaps once every month or two. Slow-release houseplant fertilizers break down slowly and release their nutrients in small amounts, over a longer period of time. A single application of most of these products lasts for three to four months.
Dead or dying sections of the plant can encourage pest infestation or disease. Removing these not only makes your houseplant look better, but reduces the risk of further problems down the line.
Prefers a warm but wet winter. This species is not very hardy in Britain, it is frost-tender and top growth will be killed by even a slight frost. However, the roots are somewhat hardier and the plant can resprout from the base after a few degrees of frost
Size and vigour increases with size of container. Increase pot size by 5-7.5 cm (2-3in) initially. Once established in 30cm (10in) pots, increase size by 10-15cm (4-6 inches) every two to three years.
