SEVAI Amour cottages have plenty of Semparuthi as “flamboyant flowers.

Semparuthi poo in Amoor cottages photo by Suda

Hibiscus (Semparuthi in Tamil) is known as the “flamboyant flowers and they are grown in Amoor cottages and other SEVAI Centres as beautiful floor plant. The promoter of SEVAI Amoor cottages, Suda spoke to the local villagers of Amoor and said, “Hibiscus (Semparuthi) will only thrive in a warm, tropical climate. We need to choose a hibiscus plant to suit us. If a tall plant is required or a low one, choose from in the desired height range, too often we see a huge hibiscus adjacent to a gate, or in front of a window, or a low one in a hedge for privacy, or a wind break. Growth characteristics of hibiscus vary greatly; they range from low bushes suitable for containers, to trees in excess of 6 metres, ideal for wind breaks or privacy. Flowers can be single to double and come in an array of outstanding colour combinations. Full sun is suggested, although hibiscus will tolerate part shade, excessive shade will reduce flower production. Hibiscus has a vigorous but non-invasive root system, feeder roots are between 30mm & 200 mm deep. Hibiscus look spectacular as a feature or in a special bed on their own, with a minimum of one meter spacing, they also give a touch of class around pool gardens snuggled between palms & rain forest plants. Once planted, they thrive with generous amounts of mulching which will retain surface soil moisture, and release valuable plant nutrients. Correct preparation of the soil prior to and after planting will ensure vigorous, healthy plants and reduce the problems of after care. Plenty of organic matter should be incorporated and  garden lime added annually to adjust ph. Do not feed your newly planted hibiscus immediately after planting as there are enough fertilisers and trace elements incorporated in the plants at point of sale. When the plant has settled in, about one month after planting, encourage more growth with light applications of a complete fertiliser each month during the growing season. Pruning is practiced for a number of reasons but the two main ones being to shape the plant and produce more vigorous growth & in turn more flowers. Each few years the hibiscus may become woody, and it is advisable to rejuvenate the plant by cutting back severely to the main trunk and three main branches this will revitalise the old plant, and give it a new lease of life”. Govin