Question 1

What's the difference between flowering shrubs and flowering annuals?

Accepted Answer

Flowering shrubs are woody perennials that return year after year, forming permanent structure in your garden. Annuals live one season then die. Shrubs need space and commitment (they'll be there for years), but they require less replanting and often bloom multiple times per year with proper care.

Question 2

How often do flowering shrubs bloom in Mumbai's climate?

Accepted Answer

Many bloom nearly year-round. Hibiscus, ixora, and bougainvillea can flower 8-10 months of the year with proper feeding and deadheading. Some have peak seasons—bougainvillea blooms heavily October-March, while lantana loves monsoon heat. With the right mix of shrubs, you can have continuous color.

Question 3

When should I prune flowering shrubs?

Accepted Answer

Timing depends on blooming pattern. Spring bloomers (if you have any): prune immediately after flowering. Summer/year-round bloomers (most in India): prune in late winter (January-February) or after each flowering flush. Never do heavy pruning during peak summer (April-May) or peak monsoon (July-August).

Question 4

How do I make my hibiscus bloom more?

Accepted Answer

Six factors: (1) Full sun—minimum 6 hours daily, (2) Regular feeding—balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks, (3) Consistent watering—moist but not waterlogged, (4) Deadhead spent flowers immediately, (5) Prune leggy growth to encourage branching, (6) Check soil pH—hibiscus prefers slightly acidic (6.0-6.5).

Question 5

Can flowering shrubs survive in pots on a Mumbai balcony?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with proper pot size. Dwarf hibiscus needs 18-inch pots minimum, ixora does well in 12-15 inch containers, and bougainvillea (with pruning) can handle 18-24 inch grow bags. Key is choosing dwarf varieties, regular pruning to control size, and adequate feeding since nutrients leach faster in pots.

Question 6

Why are my shrub's leaves yellow but no flowers?

Accepted Answer

Several causes: (1) Too much nitrogen fertilizer—promotes leaves over flowers, switch to bloom fertilizer (higher phosphorus/potassium), (2) Insufficient light—move to sunnier spot, (3) Overwatering—check drainage, (4) Nutrient deficiency—particularly iron in alkaline soil, add chelated iron, (5) Natural leaf renewal—old leaves yellow before dropping.

Flowering Shrubs: Growing Long-Blooming Beauties in Indian Gardens

Flowering Shrubs: Growing Long-Blooming Beauties in Indian Gardens