How to Propagate Hibiscus syriacus? A Detailed Guide to Common Propagation Methods

Hibiscus syriacus, also known as Rose of Sharon, is a plant of the genus Hibiscus in the Malvaceae family. In plant taxonomy, its relationship with chrysanthemums is that of “cousins” belonging to the same family. So, do you know how to propagate Hibiscus syriacus?

1. How to Propagate Hibiscus syriacus?

It is mostly done in early spring or the plum rain season, and can also be done in late autumn or early winter; in all cases, rooting and survival are very easy.

In early spring, select 1-2 year old middle and upper branches with a diameter of 1 cm or more from healthy plants as mother plants for propagation material (the selection of propagation material can also be combined with early spring crown shaping and pruning), cut the branches into 15-20 cm long sections, soak them in clean water for 4-6 hours, and then set them aside for cuttings.

For cuttings, the trench depth is required to be 15 cm, the trench spacing 20-30 cm, and the plant spacing 8-10 cm. The upper end of the cutting is exposed 3-5 cm above the soil surface, or the insertion depth is 2/3 of the cutting. After inserting, firm the soil and water promptly. The cuttings root and sprout in about 1 month.

For autumn leaf-fall cutting propagation, soak the prepared cuttings in a 100-200 mg/L NAA solution for 18-24 hours, insert them into a sand bed, water promptly, cover with agricultural film, maintain a temperature of 18°C-25°C and a relative humidity above 85%, and after rooting, move them to the nursery for cultivation.

2. What Are the Characteristics of Hibiscus syriacus?

In the wild mountains of Tanzania, there grows a kind of Hibiscus syriacus whose petals have a sweet fragrance; when people or animals smell it, they become drowsy. If you pick a petal and taste it, you will soon fall unconscious and sleep deeply for several days, so it is also called the "drunken flower."

There is also Hibiscus syriacus in the Xishuangbanna region of Yunnan in China, and even elephants fall asleep after smelling it. Hibiscus syriacus has a strong hypnotic effect. According to records, merely smelling the scent of the petals can make people and animals drowsy, and eating them has a strong hypnotic effect, but I have not experienced it myself. People who are hypnotized can wake up naturally, but it is unknown whether there are other long-term effects.

If you really want to grow Hibiscus syriacus indoors, to be safe, you could consider first experimenting with animals to see whether they show any abnormalities after living in the same room with Hibiscus syriacus for a week.