Description
Shoe flowers are fast-growing shrubs that can reach up to 2 meters in height. They have bright red flowers and serrated green leaves. The plant is known for its various medicinal uses. The flowers are used to make tea that helps with painful periods, urinary issues, fevers, coughs, and hair growth.
Flowers are commonly used in a variety of culinary dishes and beverages. Their petals have a mild, tart flavor and can be consumed raw, cooked, or pickled. In some cultures, petals are used in teas or added to desserts and salads. The calyces, the outer part of the flower, are often used to make hibiscus tea, known for its deep red color and tangy taste, enjoyed both hot and cold.
The leaves of these plants are also edible. Young, tender leaves can be cooked like spinach or eaten raw in salads, where they provide a slightly astringent flavor.
Planting requirements
Planting season: Year-round in Sri Lanka
Planting conditions:
| Propagation | Seeds |
|---|---|
| Planting method | Plant the seeds in soil that stays moist and don't let the soil dry. Plant the soil in a depth of 0.5-1cm (0.25-0.5 inch) but cover lightly |
| Soil | Grows in a variety of soil but requires the soil to be well-drained. Needs a pH balance of 6.0-7.0 |
| Water | Keep soil moist but not wet. Requires regular watering during dry seasons in Sri Lanka |
| Light | Requires full sunshine |
Growing conditions:
| Temperatures | Grows well in Sri Lankan temperatures ranging from 20-35°C. Might die off at temperatures below 2°C |
|---|---|
| Soil | Hibiscus is carefree but does require some fertilizer. Mix the soil with compost, humus, or organic matter and mulch to cover the soil to keep it moist and weed free |
| Water | Requires moderate levels of water. Increase watering during dry seasons |
| Pruning | Require little pruning during the growing season unless space is an issue. Prune in the early dry season to encourage bushy growth |
| Weed control | Mulch around the base of plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture. |
Harvesting
Carefully cut the flower stem about 1-2 inches below the bloom. If you are also interested in harvesting seeds, leave some flowers on the plant until they form seed pods. Harvest young full-grown leaves by cutting next to the stems.
Curing
Hang the flowers upside down in a well-ventilated area until completely dry.
Storage
Store dried flowers in an airtight container away from light and heat. Leaves can be frozen for later use.
Protecting your plants
Pest control
Pest type:
- Aphids
- Thrips
Symptoms:
Aphids: Soft-bodied insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts feed on plant sap, often forming colonies on the undersides of young leaves in spring. When plants are heavily infested, the leaves may wilt, turn yellow, and fall off early due to the loss of sap.
Thrips: Insects that feed by puncturing the outer skin of the leaf and sucking out the fleshy leaf tissue. Their feeding causes off-colored foliage and stunted growth.
Control method:
- Spray neem oil
- Introduce ladybugs as natural predators
Disease Control
Disease type:
- Powdery Mildew
- Downy Mildew
Symptoms:
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew starts as white spots on leaves, eventually turning gray or tan as the fungus spreads. It stunts plant growth, and in severe cases, the leaves may wither and drop off.
Downy Mildew: These conditions cause yellow spots to appear on the upper leaf surface, usually between the veins. As the spots spread, they avoid the veins and eventually turn brown.
Management:
- Avoid overwatering
- Ensure good drainage
- Remove infected parts
Sources
In addition to our General List of Sources (link), we used these specific references:
