FAQs about our Hibiscus NewBiscus collection

To help you get the most from our striking Hibiscus NewBiscus collection, we've put together some useful FAQs...

What will I receive? 
You'll get four bare roots in the following varieties: Mauvellous, Fancy Eye, Red Sky and White Heaven.

What size does Hibiscus NewBiscus grow to?
The plant grows up to 91cm (36") in height, and the blooms grow to 28cm (11") in diameter.

How many blooms per plant?
When established in a garden, Hibiscus NewBiscus can have up to 100 flowers over a single blooming season.

Is NewBiscus perennial? 
Yes, NewBiscus is very winter-hardy. The underground eyes start to sprout in late spring, and NewBiscus flowers until October if the weather permits. After that, the shrub dies back and old stems may be removed.

How long will NewBiscus flower for?
From about June to October.

Can you plant it outside straight away?
We'd recommend planting your bare root plants straight out (if the weather is warm), or you can pot them on.

How can they be planted?
You can plant them directly into the garden in beds and borders, or they can be planted into containers. We'd recommend choosing a large container or half-barrel with a diameter of at least 45cm (18ins), but you can start with a 30cm (12") pot. Make sure the container has good drainage, and ideally position it in a south-southwest position with shelter from excessive wind.

What's the best position to plant NewBiscus?
NewBiscus plants enjoy lots of sun, but not too much wind. A good planting spot
would be by a sheltered wall or hedge, south-facing, with protection against the wind. It's recommended not to plant NewBiscus near fruit.

What soil do they like?
NewBiscus will grow in most soils that are airy, humus-rich and irrigated.

How deep should I plant the roots?
Plant them deep enough so that the top of the roots are just 2cm - 3cm (0.8" - 1.2") below the soil surface. Water them well after planting.

Which way up should I put NewBiscus in the ground?
Plant them roots first.

What fertiliser should I use?
A general all-purpose fertiliser. Your NewBiscus plants will grow healthily in the garden if they're taken care of, but a dose of fertiliser every 3 - 4 weeks will give them a definite boost.

How often does NewBiscus need watering?
Water your plants at least two or three times a week. Don't let the soil dry out.

Should you dead head for better results?
Regularly discarding the spent flowers will improve presentation and prevent the dead flowers rotting and infecting the plant. If your NewBiscus gets too big or you find the stems are too close together at any point, you can cut the stems back to the soil surface to rejuvenate them.

What other plants will complement NewBiscus?
NewBiscus makes a stunning feature planted alone in a container - either as single colours or mixed. In borders they grow well with all types of plants - we'd suggest flowers with co-ordinating colours like the Busy Lizzie Rosebud Collection.

How long will they last in their plastic container?
We'd recommend changing containers for NewBiscus once every 2 - 3 years.

Is NewBiscus poisonous to cats?
No, the plants in this collection are not poisonous to cats.

Sound good? Then snap up our hibiscus plants

Shop for more plants and flowers

Comments

[Sylvia Trotter]

I BOUGHT THE FOUR HIBISCUS SHRUBS ALL OF MINE DID GROW BUT JUST ONE STEM WITH A FEW LEAVES ON THE TOP,I AM WONDERING IF THEY WILL GROW BETTER NEXT YEAR.OH FORGOT TO SAY I HAD ONE PINK FLOWER IN OCTOBER ON ONE.I DO NOT KNOW IF I SHOULD CUT IT BACK READY FOR NEXT YEAR OR LEAVE IT CAN RICHARD PLEASE ADVISE ME WHAT TO DO.?

[Sarah]

I ran out of spots to plant my Newbiscus in the garden so decided to leave one in a pot in the conservatory where it grew and grew, it actually got too high for the conservatory roof, it was around 8-9ft in height in the end and the flowers were beautiful!! They would come out overnight but only last a couple of days. I have some amazing photos.

All the others that were planted in the garden did not come out at all, not a sign of any of them!

Isn't it too cold in the UK for tropical plants like giant Hibiscus? Maybe that's why so many were unsuccessful.

[ethel gowland]

i also purchased newbiscus tsv.two came up but not a flower in sight.very disapointed.also.bought purple passion tulips,not a purple flower grew,they were all cream.will be thinking twice about purchasing plants from qvc in future.

[Catherine Baker]

Like all the above customers I am still waiting for my Hibiscus to flower.Only 3 of the 4 plants grew( the White Heaven Plant never did)and I told my husband when we went out to buy the large pots and John Innes soil, the flowers will be as big as your hand! Well it is September and although 2 of the plants have buds on them with the colder weather coming I cannot see them flowering this year.Please,please,please Richard Jackson post some helpful comments for us poor frustrated gardeners.

[Paula]

I bought the Hibiscus TSV earlier this year. I planted them in March. Only two out of 4 have appeared, about 3 foot high but absolutely no flowers and it is now September. Two have not come up at all, will they come up next year? I am truly disappointed with these.

[Shabana Akhtar]

i ordered these back when they were a tsv and i was in the process of moving house so didn't plant them up straight away and out the 4 bare roots i eventually did plant 2 have shot up to the height of at least 3-4ft. They are looking very good but no flowers yet??i am using flower power and i do water them regularly, i did plant them late so maybe i will have to wait and see.The other two i have left to see if they come up next year who knows

[Roberta Pisano]

Hi there
One of my TSV Newbiscus has just flowered. I woke up yesterday morning and there it was - the most beautiful flower ever... and HUGE!!!
I have quite a few buds but so far one plant has taken over the rest. They are rather tall and skinny - despite pinching them back but who cares - the flowers are worth it.

[dorothy young]

I also am dissapointed we waited for something to happen it is now august and we have pulled them out total waist money richard may be busy but all the complaints he should reply

[jeff walker]

the last time I posted a comment my newbiscus plants were 18 inches or so tall ( may 09 ). Now they are around 4 to 5 feet tall and have developed loads of buds and are very close to flowering ( I hope ), don't want to tempt fate.
They will be amazing I am sure, when they do flower,I will
post some pictures along with all the other plants that are coming along nicely,all bought from QVC of course.

[Mr J Reynolds]

My Hibiscus is about 5 foot tall,all leaves and no sign of flowers. Whats the trouble?

[Ashley]

These are quotes from a TV presentation by Richard Jackson on QVC on 4 April this year about Dinner Plate Size Flowering Hardy Hibiscus :

“These are huge. These are astonishing. You get up to 60 of these flowers this year...on your patio this summer. What’s special about this...huge flowers.

They will grow this year, they will flower this year. Flowers up to 12 inches across this year, up to 60 flowers per plant. Next year up to 100 flowers per plant per year once it’s established. One of the most exciting plants of our generation. These are incredible.”

Like others who have posted here, my bareroot hibiscus plants have failed to live up to the billing given by Richard. Lots of people have asked Richard for advice and it would be nice if he could post something on these pages. I did speak to customer services and was told that Richard is very busy. But these plants must have been bought by many thousands of QVC customers and some sort of advice would be helpful.

[Kath Horner]

My one TSV hibiscus plant is now 5Ft tall with leaves nothing like Hibiscus plant certainly no signs of a flower. How much taller can I expect this plant to grow? An answer from Richard would be appreciated

[Lynne Goss]

I am having the same problems as many of your other customers.It would be nice if Richard could give us his expert advice.I followed the instructions to the letter.I am very dissapointed

[Ellen Ashton]

Hi I bought the TSV and planted them in large containers and I am still waiting for something to happen there are no green shoots nothing I am so dissapointed as I love the plants from Richard Jackson and these are the only ones I have not had great results. It is now July.

Please advise if you want them dug out and sent back?

Ellen

[Kath Horner]

I also am very disappointed in my TSV for Hibiscus plants only 1 out of the batch is growing the others are the same as the day they were planted and it is now July

[LINDA BOWN]

I also purchased these hibiscus early in the year. Only two flourished but I was getting quite excited as once they started to shoot they literally grew overnight! They are now 5ft tall and look either like a giant beanstalk or a very ugly weed. The leaves on the plants are absolutely huge and look nothing like hibiscus leaves. My husband is eager to dig them up and dispose of them, but my curiosity has got the better of me and I'm trying to be patient to see what they eventually do!!! I have also had to buy 6ft. stakes to keep them supported so have wasted more money! I will update you with the results!!!

[Miss S Smith]

I also purchased my hibiscus as a tsv,planted them in containers as per instructions,looked after them, but they still look like they did when purchased-bare twigs with no signs of growth.It is now June, when should I start to see signs of life, or have I also received a dud batch? Very disappointed

[Mrs Moira E Duncan]

I also planted my 4 Hibiscus as per instructions - only one has shown any sign of growth and we are now past the middle of June.

[Juliana]

15th June and out of the 5 hibiscus plants I purchased only two showing above the soil - about 5 inches. 4 planted in the ground, 1 in pot - supposedly for a 90th birthday present, had to go and buy a rose instead! Planted as per instructions...extremely disappointed.

[Rosemary Jenkins]

Well we are now half way through June and still nothing I must agree with the other customers that they must be a dudd lot. Come on QVC admit it . I have bought loads of plants from you and never had a problem

[Mrs. V. Truman]

IT IS NOW NEARLY MID JUNE - ONLY ONE OF THESE "GREAT" NEWBISCUS JUST THROUGH. 3 OTHERS NO SIGN. I AGREE WITH THE OTHER CUSTOMERS - PLANTED RIGHT, KEPT WATERED, SUNNY POSITION BUT NO LIFE. PLANT SUPPLIERS THIS YEAR VERY HIT AND MISS. HAD ALOT OF PLANTS FAIL - MAY NOT RISK IT NEXT YEAR AS BY THE TIME THEY COLLAPSE OR DO NOT GROW THE REPLACEMENTS ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE.

[Susan Jermain]

I'm another disappointed customer although luckier than most has I have one of the four from the TSV growing. I gave one to my mother who is a seasoned gardener and we both followed the instructions. Hers appeared to start growing then stopped and lost its shoots now appears has dead as two of mine. Considering they are supposed to flower from June, not impressed at all. I will be contacting customer service next.

[Mrs Hardie]

l to recived my new hibiscus collection of 4 bare roots l planted them as instructed and waited for may to arrive after waiting all that time there is only one plant with a small shoot.Phoned customer service and thery are going to replace the 3 that have not grown so l am not sure how long l will have to wait to see any flowers.lf l do not see any flowers l would like a refund.

[Mrs, Betty Owen]

I too bought the 4 hibiscus plants that were the T.S.V and as yet there is no sign of life in 3 of them but 1 has a very small shoot coming up at the side, but like many of the other people that bought these plants I expected them to be showing quite a bit of life by now.

[MARGARET JONES]

hiya after reading the comments on the newbiscus i went and checked my own ,they dont seem to be doing anything so i dug one up and it looks just as it did when i bought it , have i also been sent duds. please advise.

[jeffrey walker]

I have planted 3 hibiscus plant bare roots. Four weeks later 2 have already sprung into life, the first being a good 10 inches tall and the next has grown 3 inches in a week. Have 6 to 8 stems growing from these 2 little triers. I have a feeling the third of the trio is about to burst into life, and I am taking every precaution to ensure they get the most sun possible. these like all the plants I have received on behalf of qvc from thompson & morgan , as well as hayloft have been delivered in perfect condition. Will keep you informed as to how these 3 newbiscus flower, very well I hope.

[DENISE]

I TOO BOUGHT THE SO CALLED FANTASTIC GIANT HIBISCUS AND THEY ARE ALL AS DEAD AS A DODO THEY HAVE TURNED DRY AND SOFT LIKE CORK SO ARE OBVIOUSLY DEAD ,AND I PLANTED THEM EXACTLY AS INSTRUCTED, COME ON QVC THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY A DUD BATCH I THINK WE SHOULD ALL BE REFUNDED.VERY DISAPPOINTED .

[rosemary Bryden]

My Hibiscus like everyone else's is still sleeping Waiting for replacements Hope they will flower this year.

[edith meekin]

my hibiscus i bought from qvc tsv are showing no signs of life. i gave two to a friend and kept two myself. we are very disapointed.

[edith meekin]

I purchased the hibiscus gave two to a friend and two for myself up to now there is no sign of life. I have done all the instructions to the letter. VERY Dissapointed. from edith meekin

[JANE HARDY]

THERE IS NO SIGNS OF ANYTHING COMING ON MY HIBISCUS PHONED QVC THEY SAID THEY WILL REPLACE THEM I HOPE THE NEXT LOT I GET ARE OK. JANE

[yvonne]

as with the others who have asked the question on the newbiscus no signs of growth is this a problem.

[Claire Vickers]

It is now 20th May and still no sign of the NewBiscus, they were planting in well drain but well fed south facing border - but so far nothing. I am really disappointed - what do you suggest next?

[Ingrid Smith]

Like the comments before, I have had my 'Newbiscus' for 2 years and it has not flowered since I bought it. Do I need to feed it more often to bring it into flower?

[Rosemary Jenkins]

Like many other customers I purchased the giant flowering Hibscus but I am very dissapointed as they all seem to be doing nothing and not growing at all. Could you please tell me what I can do to bring these plants on or have I wasted my money, I would just like to say that I followed the instructions to the tee.

[June]

Like several other viewers/purchasers I planted my newbiscus exactly as instructed and so far there is absolutely no growth.
Please let us all know if there is a problem with he plants or is there something we can do to encourage growth.

[Malcolm]

Hi I BOUGHT MY LG FLOWERED NEWBISCUS. I PLANTED THEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS BUT I HAVE GOT NO GROWTH WHAT SO EVER FROM THEM. ARE OTHERS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM OR ARE WE EXPECTING TOO MUCH TOO EARLY.

[A OSEI]

Hi I BOUGHT MY LG FLOWERED HIBISCUS AS A TSV. I PLANTED THEM AS DESCRIBED IN THE INSTRUCTIONS BUT I HAVE GOT NO GROTH WHAT SO EVER FROM THEM. I WAS REALLY LOOKING FORWARD TO HAVING THESE IN MY GARDEN AS A SHOW PIECE. PLEASE CAN YOU FORWARD ANY ADVICE.

[marianne rood]

i purchased my hibiscus as a tsv also,planted them in containers as per instructions,looked after them,but they still look like they did when purchased-bare twigs.it is now may when should i start to see signs of life? thanks

[Sandra Miller]

I purchased the Hibiscus as TSV, three out of the four have come up the other one is still not showing any signs of growing, do you think it is likely to be dead or can it still start growing,

[MRS SARA BROCK]

PLEASE HELP ME COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME WHICH PLANTS ARE SUITED TO HAVING DOGS WEEING ON THEM SO FAR ONLY MY RHODEDENDRON(EXCUSE SPELLIN PLEASE) HAS SURVIVED I AM NEARLY GOING BONKERS

[Chris Barraclough]

I recieved my Hibiscus TSV soaked the bare roots planted them in John Innes in pot and nothing as happened what is wrong

[Miss Jennifer Hollis]

I purcased these as a TSV and planted them into pots straight away. When should I start to see signs of life as they still look like dead twigs?

[Mrs. Mary Abbott]

I purchashed Purple Passion Tulip collection but the flowers are a cream colour with no hint of purple is this correct.

[Carol Yates]

Please can you tell me about pruning the plant? On the demo I thought Richard said to prune when they are about 8 inches tall to encourage strong growth. If so how far back do I prune? Thank you

[Pat Lewis]

can i get some advice on the lady boothby fuscias I had last year should they be cut right back to encourage growth. They are so pretty I would like to treat them how they should be treated.( I did try and get through to Richard today but was not sucessful)

[jan moore]

I am not a person who usually does her own gardening, which end is the root end, as these are bare roots, its somewhat confusing

[beverley roberts]

Having just ordered these beautiful plants, I found this imformation very helpful,having bought lots of plants and shrubs over the years often forgetting what Richard had said on his shows when the items had arrived, this is brilliant, and I have saved it, to use when they arrive, great idea, well done QVC.

[Maureen Green]

I have just purchased these plants. Q will I need to stake them for support. I have been buying plants from QVC for several years now (I only buy from QVC, as they are good value) great plants, great informative advice from Richard. WEll DONE please keep going.

[Mr P Worthington]

Richard mentioned using a Multi Purpose Compost or John Innes Compost for the Hibiscus. Can you please tell me which number of John Innes to use 1, 2, or3.
Thank You.

[Elaine Pinchen]

Can you please confirm what size of pot to use as I thought Richard said a 12" pot when watching QVC this morning, but in your information sheet you are saying 18" pot.

[Tim Healy]

Very comprehensive information, everything you need to know about these beautiful plants.
I look forward to enjoying the ones that I have just ordered.

Well done QVC.

[Linda Hodgson]

I really appreciate this detailed information, as I have bought these plants for my husband and he will probably not see a live demonstration on air. Thanks for a great TSV at a great price.