new to gardening and have questions

I planted hibiscus in my yard last summer. I am having 2 problems. One is that the plants that aren't getting enough shade (i am assuming that is the problem?) are not growing very well and they are really "thin". You can see what I am talking about in the middle and right picture. I planted the hibiscus so they would grow tall and hide the fence but that isnt happening. Any advice? If you dont think hibiscus will work for what I am trying to accomplish do you have any suggestions?

The 2nd problem is related to the hibiscus I have that are doing well. The problem with those is that many of the branches are "floppy" and falling to the ground, when I wish they would grow upwards. Should I provide support somehow to make this happen? You can see what I am talking about in the far left picture.

I have no prior experience gardening, and appreciate your advice!

First comment - what a beautiful setup! Love it!

Secondly, I've got some hibiscus in FULL sun and they thrive there. Which hibiscus are these, exactly?

I think the problems that you are talking about relate to pruning/pinching. You can make a fuller bush by clipping off the tips. Robert (Pizonne) has some EXCELLENT advice on this. As somewhat of a novice myself, what I've been told and found on my own personal ones is that when I trim the plants back in early Spring (now) they produce lots of branches from within the plant and make it look much fuller very quickly. Fertilizer also helps significantly. Once yours are more established, you won't have to keep trimming them back to promote more growth, unless you just want to! I've got 2 hibiscus doubles in the backyard that I'm wanting to cover my fence as well, however I cut them back about 2 weeks ago to promote a more full bush on both of them. They'll grow even taller this year, I'm sure.

Welcome to hibiscus!!

bill,
Not all varieties of tropical hibiscus grow upright, some sprawl, others hang, some grow straight up into the air.The types in the pic will never grow they way you want, move them out into the open in the yard and get upright cultivars to replace them.Painted lady(although common) is a great upright grower.I have 8 ft tall trees of them in pots here in Iowa.Prune often to shape them, and tada! no object left to hide.

Hi Bill,
Iived in Boynton Beach for 5 years, and before that, Boca Raton for 16 years, before moving to Palm Bay.
You have perfect weather where you are, so heat isn't the issue. Hibiscus thrive in Palm Beach County, especially this time of year. My plants have handled 98 degrees. they just need extra watering (twice a day in the summer).
Where did you buy your hibs? If at Home Depot, make sure you spray them with a bug spray. Since we don't have Bayers 3in1 here, Get some Bayers Tree and Shrub. It works really well to get rid of the critters.