How do you make a hibiscus hedge?

Choose a variety that suits your climate, and which has a color and growing habit which appeals to you.

Calculate how many plants you need. Plant 3-4 feet apart.

Calculate where the plants will be planted, being sure to leave room for future growth.

* That is, if you want a 4-foot deep hedge plus room for pruning (minimum 2 feet), for a total of 8 feet deep. Thus you would plant the young hibiscus (center of the hedge line) 4 feet from the future edge, such as 4 feet from the fence, wall, driveway, or property line which is being marked by the hedge. * If desired, stagger slightly to create an undulating wave for a less formal look or curve in a broad arc. Keep in mind how much pruning you are willing to do. Prepare the area:

* Remove other plant growth. * Amend soil as needed before planting to assure the appropriately acidic soil. * Dig holes slightly larger than the pots you have purchased. Plant a row of young hibiscus in the desired location.

Water regularly until plants are established, following instructions that come with the particular variety you have chosen.

Periodic pruning will maintain the shape of the hedge.

HOWEVER: Hibiscus flowers on the newest growth, so the best way to maintain hedge shape and flower proliferation is to prune immediately after flowering is complete. Thus, the time until next flowering will be plenty of time for new growth to appear. Otherwise you will end up with those oddities-- a carefully pruned hedge with flowers only in the inside of the hedge (where the buds were not pruned off.) This looks less like flowers and more like a leafy hedge with crumpled trash stuck in it.