How To Grow And Care For Texas Star Hibiscus

With large scarlet blooms, Texas Star hibiscus brings a lush, exotic feel to the garden without the drawbacks of short-lived, non-native tropical varieties. Texas Star hibiscus blooms mid-summer into fall. Its striking red flower petals grow to 6 inches wide and are cut deeply and finer than other hibiscus. In the center, dramatic yellow stamens entice pollinators. Texas Star features five-petaled, palmate leaves with deep red stems ideal for adding interesting landscape structure in addition to the blooms. Its tropical-like flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.  

Unlike tropical hibiscus varieties native to Hawaii and similar climates, Texas Star is an herbaceous perennial, returning year after year in USDA Zones 5-9. It can tolerate all but the harshest freezes to return from the root in late spring. It thrives in full sun where it grows vigorously. Plant it in the spring and it will grow to 6 feet tall or more by summer.

Plant Attributes

Texas Star Hibiscus Care

In the right conditions with full sun and moist soil, showy Texas Star hibiscus can thrive year after year, adding drama to the landscape with showy scarlet blooms. Plant in a well-drained bed with several inches of mulch to help retain moisture. Supplemental watering may be necessary in hot and dry periods. To support prolific blooming through the growing season, fertilize once a month summer to fall. Texas Star can also be grown in containers with adequate water and fertilizer.

Light 

Texas Star is a vigorous grower, thriving in full sun. It will grow in part shade but may bloom less or become leggy, requiring more pruning to encourage fullness.  

Soil

Texas Star hibiscus grows in most moist and well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. It grows well in sand or near swampy areas. To help keep the soil evenly moist, use several inches of mulch.

Water 

Found naturally in roadside ditches, marshes, and other wet areas, Texas Star hibiscus loves wet feet. Keep soil moist throughout the root zone. You cannot overwater this plant in the garden. It will adapt to drier conditions, though may need supplemental water in hot, dry summers. It is an excellent plant for bog or rain gardens.

Temperature And Humidity 

The summer heat and high humidity in Southern coastal states doesn’t faze this hibiscus. Protect the plant from temperatures lower than 50°F. Cold temperatures can cause it to die back or cause damage. The plant may regrow in spring after dieback in cooler areas.

Fertilizer 

To encourage continual blooming, apply a balanced fertilizer blend once a month through the growing season, spring through summer.

Pruning

Pruning isn’t required, though you can shape as you would like. The showy blooms last one day and are replaced with a profusion of new blooms each day. If you like, you can pinch off spent blooms as new ones appear, but deadheading isn’t necessary. 

Propagating Texas Star Hibiscus  

Texas Star hibiscus can be propagated from cuttings in the spring. Here's what to do to start new plants:

1. Use clean pruners to cut 5- to 6-inch cuttings from the end of a stem. Make sure it has some of this year's green growth as well as some woody growth. Old wood won't root well.
2. Dip the cuttings into rooting hormone. 
3. Press the cuttings 3 inches into a container filled with damp peat moss.
4. Place in an area with bright light but avoid direct sunlight. 
5. Keep the soil moist until the cuttings have rooted.
6. Transplant it into the garden when leaves begin to develop.

How To Grow From Seed 

Texas Star is easily grown from seed. After pods have dried and turned brown, pop open pods and collect seeds. Store in envelopes until spring. Sow the seeds indoors in starter trays using seed starter mix, and keep the soil warm and evenly moist. After the danger of frost has passed, you can plant seeds directly outside or transplant seedlings into the garden. Texas Star may also self-sow in the garden.

Potting Texas Star Hibiscus

Texas Star can be grown in containers with proper care. It likes marshy, wet areas and needs lots of moisture. It won’t thrive in dry soil. Use good quality potting soil in a pot or container garden to help it retain moisture. Keep it watered during especially hot and dry periods. Make sure to apply fertilizer every month.

Overwintering 

No need to overwinter Texas Star. The plant will go dormant and die back until spring. Cut back to within 4 to 6 inches of the ground in spring as new growth appears. Protect the plant with a layer of mulch in colder areas, and limit watering during winter.

Common Pests and Diseases 

Texas Star is susceptible to grasshoppers, aphids, Hibiscus whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, and scale.  You can spray water on the plant to dislodge pests or spray with insecticidal soap. Another option is to treat both top and undersides of leaves with horticultural oil.

They are susceptible to blight, rust, canker, and leaf spots. Apply neem oil to control fungal disease and prune away any affected branches. Cut the stems to the ground if the problem persists. New growth will appear in spring.

How To Get Texas Star Hibiscus To Bloom

Showy red flowers have five petals that form a star shape. Blooms appear from late May through September and grow to 6 inches in diameter. Give the plant monthly applications of fertilizer to encourage continuous blooms all season long. Encourage blooming by planting in an area with plenty of sunlight and moisture. Texas Star hibiscus doesn’t bloom in dry soil.

Common Problems With Texas Star Hibiscus

This plant is resistant to challenges that other plants aren’t. It can grow in salty or wet conditions. While there aren’t specific known problems, keep an eye out for yellowing leaves or other indications that the plant’s care needs adjustments.

Leaves Turning Yellow

This can indicate a few issues. Check that the plant is getting adequate water, as over- and underwatering can lead to yellowing leaves. They also turn yellow with lack of sunlight or too little fertilizer. Adjust the conditions that are causing the problem, such as correcting the watering routine or fertilizing the plant.