Hibiscus tiliaceus reaches a height of 4â10 m (13â33 ft), with a trunk up to 15 cm (5.9 in) in diameter. The flowers of H. tiliaceus are bright yellow with a deep red center upon opening. Over the course of the day, the flowers deepen to orange and finally red before they fall. The branches of the tree often curve over time.
Water variegated sea hibiscuses regularly, year-round. Run water at the base of the shrub rather than spraying from above to prevent common problems such as bacterial leaf spot and gray mold. Withhold water during rainy weather to keep the roots healthy.
Feed variegated sea hibiscuses a high potassium fertilizer with an N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio of 10-5-25 or 17-5-24. Apply the fertilizer monthly from spring until late summer. Use it at half-strength to prevent root burn. Feed the variegated sea hibiscus each year in spring once it establishes an extensive root system and reaches 10 feet tall. Apply the fertilizer at full strength and water it in. Avoid over-feeding mature trees because they will develop weak branches.
For the most part, hibiscus plants can be lightly pruned in late summer or early fall, but no hibiscus pruning should be done during late fall or winter. One of the downsides to waiting later in the season to prune is that plants may not develop as many branches, and they will put out fewer blooms.
