Notice how some of my hibiscus leaves are deep, dark green, and some are very yellowish? I use Os-mo-cote (sp?) fertilizer. It's a time release product, so should I throw on some more? Or some more coffee grounds or what? I'm thinking this thing has just gotten way too big and is probably sucking everything out of the soil, but it's probably too late (hot) to try to divide it up now. I'll do it in late fall when I cut it back to the ground. Your thoughts, please.
Yes, it looks like it needs some nitrogen, I like to use cotton seed meal, it is 6% nitrogen so it works well, but you should use it sparingly.
Do you get it at Lowes, WalMart, etc.?
No, I get it at the feed store.
Try some Micro Life. It's organic, will fix most everything and won't burn your plants. It's not available at Home Depot or Lowe's but try your local nurseries.
Thanks, sweetmommy. I'll check it out.
I looked at the pic and those are very close to the foundation if you have a Ph. meter see what the Ph. is if not get a soil test done otherwise you are shooting in the dark ..Soil test are available thru the USDA >>soil conservation service the cost is pretty minimal and am pretty sure you can find the nearest office online or in the phone book if you ask them they have handouts showing how to collect the soil for a test
Thanks, grits. I have a ph meter around here somewhere. I'll find and use it. So, hibiscus would need what sort of ph?
Also, I've taken soil tests before. What would I be looking for? It wouldn't be the weed killer, because they looked the same last year before I used it.
Hibiscus is tolerate of a pretty wide range in Ph values 6.0 to 8.0 if you have a probe type meter then take the readings from the front of the plant toward the back and see if there is any change as it nears the foundation some times lime can leach from the concrete especially if there is heavy run off from the roof
Will do this in a few days. Getting ready for mega company. ;-)
My first few blooms. So big, pink and pretty this year. Some years they're almost snow white, with the almost red center. I'm wondering if the ladies who took starts of this at the RU are getting blooms this year? I was out picking the spent blooms off the night before, and got "sizzled" a couple of times. Sometimes there are bees in there, and I usually have to experience the "thrill" once, before I remember to wear my leather gloves while doing it. The first time, I just felt the buzz, and let go quickly. The second time, not so lucky, and my thumb talked to me for a while. These were bumble bees, not honey bees.
Very pretty Sybil.
Did you ever get around to checking the Ph and if so what was it at the portion nearest the foundation?? Just curious
No, I haven't Grits, but still plan to. I got pulled off my gardening for a week due to sick husband (good now), company, church commitments, etc, and now it's raining cats and dogs. I'll be out there tomorrow though, and I'll let you know
well at least you are getting rain we have been having clouds everyday not ant rain though keep em growin
