It is a flower that stands out in any garden, gaining attention due to its size and color.. This flower of generous dimensions is the China rose, Also known as Hibiscus, Cardinals, Pacific and even Flower of the kiss. It is not the first time that we talk about it, perhaps because many readers want to know it more or know how to take care of it. It is not for less, it is a flower of great beauty, simple but striking at the same time and therefore well known.
In this article we are going to tell you all the characteristics, care and how to prune the Chinese rose.
Key features
Within the genre hibiscus, the Rose of China is one of the most popular along with the Rose of Syria. Both are similar, although the second is deciduous, but not this evergreen shrub that gives solitary, funnel-shaped flowers that usually appear in a strong red color, although there are also varieties of pink, yellow or orange flowers.
Although it is a shrub, in some parts of the world it is considered a small tree. And it is that depending on the conditions in which it develops, it can measure up to 5 meters in height. Its flowers stand out thanks to the fact that the leaves form a bright green background. The leaves are large and oval in shape. The edges are jagged. Regarding the size of the flowers, they have large petals that sometimes reach up to 12 cm and with a wide variety of colors. Normally the predominant color is red, although you can also see colors such as white and yellow.
Among some of the characteristics for which the China rose stands out is that it has a unique appeal. They are usually chosen as the perfect flowers for decorating small, medium and large gardens. For optimal decoration, the plant must always be well pruned. With the colors that its flowers can have, it stands out over any place where it can be combined with other species. Its fruit is very small in size and is attached to its locules. It is contained in a small capsule and has a varied number of seeds.
One of the most remarkable features of the flowers of the Chinese rose is that it is usually durable and resistant. It can be radiant throughout the year without fading from seasonal temperature changes. It does not require special care as we will see below.
Chinese rose care
The Chinese rose adapts quite well to various orientations, so we don't need to worry too much about location. It prefers to be in full sun both in gardens and on balconies. Flowering takes place from spring to fall. What we must take into account is the type of soil where it is going to be sown. Fertile soil is needed with an extra addition of organic matter, especially in the growing and flowering season.
The soil must be well drained so as not to accumulate irrigation or rain water. As it cannot withstand frost well, it is more convenient to place them in full sun. Soil drainage is essential so as not to accumulate excess moisture. Otherwise, its roots can rot. It is undemanding in terms of the humidity of the environment, so it is only necessary to water it abundantly in summer. In this hotter season it needs about 2-3 waterings per week. The rest of the year it only needs irrigation depending on the rainfall. If the place where it is planted is a place with abundant drought, it should be watered something more.
For soil fertility, it is convenient to fertilize with bone meal during spring. It takes approximately about 150-200 grams per bush and is propagated by cuttings in autumn and with grafts in varieties that have double flowers. The main causes of the attack of pests and diseases come from aphids during the spring. Aphids fight with amateurs. It is also convenient to prune in spring as we will explain later.
Uses of China rose
This plant has a main use as an ornamental plant. In some areas some of its parts are edible. The leaves can be used as a substitute for spinach, while the flowers can be eaten raw or combined. Too can be used as a colorant to give some dishes a purple touch. Lara and it is also usually edible in some countries, or it does not have much flavor.
How is it pruned?
Cleaning pruning
Unlike other species, the Rosa de China needs two pruning. The first is the pruning cleaning and it consists of eliminating from the plant all those that are not useful for its development.
It is carried out in winter and allows to remove dead, dry or diseased branches, sprouts that have been born from the root, crossed, broken or poorly oriented branches or those that protrude too much to the plant, also known as suckers, and they consume too much energy to the bush.
In this pruning, the flowers and old fruits and the sprouts that do not interest that develop as a branch of the plant will also be eliminated.
Flowering pruning
The second pruning the China Rose it occurs in late winter in warm climates or early spring in temperate climates. It is a pruning that seeks to improve flowering.
To perform the flowering pruning, You have to be quite drastic in the cuts because the idea is to maintain the central structure of the bush and the main branches since the buds will sprout from them, which will later give rise to the flowers.
In the case of the Hibiscus or China Rose, the buds are born on branches that have grown that same year.
I hope that with this information you can learn more about the Chinese rose.
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Hello… .I need you to tell me what I can do with my Chinese rose, .. this year its leaves are bent inwards, we are already in spring and its flowering has not yet begun, I only saw a flower that could not develop, what should I do in this case? I will appreciate your answer ..
Hi Analia.
I recommend you look to see if you have any pests. These plants are prone to attacks of cottony mealybugs, although perhaps it has some other plague.
You can treat it with diatomaceous earth, or, patiently, cleaning the leaves with mild soap and water.
I hope it gets better.
Regards!
of a plant that I obtained when a friend gave me a twig with its flower in spring which took root, I continue to obtain new plants with segments, at the same time of year
I don't know what happened to my plant, it got sad, and all the leaves dried up, starting from the ones closest to the thickest stem. she is very sad almost dead. what do I do?
Hi Ophelia.
How often do you water it? Generally, you need to water 2-3 times a week, depending on the weather.
If it is in a pot and you have a plate under it, I recommend you remove it since the roots rot if they are in contact with water always.
Regards!