Hibiscus help

Hi,

I bought my hibiscus (i looked it up and its a common variety, cant remember the exact name) and planted it a few weeks ago. When i bought it it consisted of a number of stems with leaves on and the top of the stems looked as if they'd be recently cut and there was new growth forming within about 2 inches below the cut. The thing is, this plant looks no different 2-3 weeks on! The leaves kinda 'hang down' as if they are wilting a little although the plant gets plenty of water. It is in clay soil although i used potting grit around the rootball when planting as i understand they like well drained soil.
Does the above sound normal? I'm worried that its not doing very well. I have a south facing garden and therefore the plant is in the sun nearly all day.

Thanks

 

Hi busybee. Might be handy to know if it's a hardy or non-hardy variety. There's two types.

 

Hi busybee

To me Hibiscus are always difficult, even with me.

I agree with Cajary that there are two different varieties ...

1) Hibiscus syriacus (Tree Hollyhock) which is deciduous and has matt looking leaves.
2) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Chinese Hibiscus) which is evergreen and has glossy leaves.

I am going to assume you bought No 2. They are very tempermental. I have many here, singles/doubles and they all give me stick. I have red clay soil but have most of mine planted in pots because I couldn't cope with them in the ground although everyone else's here seem to do well ......

They like feeding and obviously here watering.

If it's No 1 you bought, then here they have already flowered and they will just stay leafy till it's time to drop them.

 

Hi Lady.:luv:
Busybee, I'll assume it's the hardy type 'cause if you've planted the non-hardy variety outside it's going to die in the Winter whatever you do.:wink:
If you planted it as a bare root just a few weeks ago I doubt that it'll do much this year other than grow a decent root system. Keep watering it and feed it occasionaly. They flower on "this years" growth so if you don't get any new growth you won't get any flowers.:( However they are truly hardy and I'm sure that next year it will be fine. They usually flower (in this country) about August time (depending on your location) for a couple of weeks.