I love hibiscus but don't really have a place for a hedge. Recently I saw a thing about using it as a standard instead.
Has anyone here tried this? Is it difficult to do?
Yes, hibiscus can be grown as a standard, also known as a "tree hibiscus". This involves training the plant to grow with a single trunk and a rounded, bushy top, which can look beautiful and unique in a garden or in a container on a patio or balcony.
To grow a hibiscus standard, you'll need to start with a young plant with a single stem. Choose a healthy, well-branched plant and remove all of the side shoots, leaving only the topmost leaves. As the plant grows, prune away any new shoots that emerge from the base of the plant, as well as any branches that grow from the trunk below the desired height of the crown.
You can also use a stake or a bamboo pole to support the stem and encourage it to grow straight. As the stem grows taller, tie it to the stake or pole with soft garden twine to keep it upright. Once the stem reaches the desired height, pinch out the growing tip to encourage branching at the top. As the plant continues to grow, pinch out the tips of the new branches to encourage bushiness.
Hibiscus standards prefer a sunny location with well-draining soil that is kept evenly moist. They should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather, and fertilized every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Overall, growing a hibiscus standard can be a fun and rewarding project for gardeners of all levels. With a bit of patience and attention, you can create a beautiful and unique addition to your garden or outdoor living space.