Bringing a new hibiscus home is the easy part. What you do in the first few weeks makes the difference between a plant that thrives and one that struggles. Here's how to get it settled in right.
Check for Shipping Stress
Unbox your hibiscus as soon as it arrives and inspect the foliage and buds. Some leaf drop, bud drop, or wilting during transit is normal and usually resolves within a few days once the plant is unpacked and watered.
Hydrate Before Anything Else
Give the plant a thorough watering as soon as you unbox it. The soil in the shipping pot dries out quickly in transit, and rehydrating the root ball is the single most important thing you can do in the first hour.
Keep It in the Pot for Now
Resist the urge to plant right away. Let your hibiscus rest in its nursery pot in a bright, sheltered spot for one to two weeks so it can recover from shipping stress before taking on the added stress of transplanting.
Acclimate to Sun Gradually
Hibiscus loves bright light once established, but a plant fresh out of a box needs a gradual introduction. Start it in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, then increase direct sun exposure over one to two weeks.
When to Plant in the Ground
Once your hibiscus has settled in, is showing healthy new growth, and has acclimated to full sun, it's ready to go in the ground. Our hibiscus care guide walks through planting, watering, and feeding from there.
Curious which colors and varieties are available? Check our hibiscus colors guide. And if the leaves start looking off down the road, our guide to why hibiscus leaves turn yellow covers the most common causes and fixes.