Influence of Pot Size on the Growth and Flowering of Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) for Urban Landscaping in Abuja

Urban landscaping in Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory has grown significantly as Abuja expands its commercial and residential districts. Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), a flowering ornamental plant, is among the most widely used species for urban green spaces and compound beautification. Pot or container size is a critical determinant of root development, vegetative growth, and flowering performance in ornamental horticulture. This study investigates the influence of four pot sizes (3-litre, 5-litre, 10-litre, and 15-litre pots) on the growth and flowering performance of hibiscus under Abuja's urban environmental conditions. The experiment was conducted in a screenhouse using a completely randomized design with five replications per pot size treatment. Growth parameters measured include plant height, number of branches, canopy spread, days to first bloom, number of flowers per plant, and flower longevity. Results indicate that plants grown in 10-litre pots produced the greatest number of flowers with acceptable plant stature for ornamental use, while plants in 15-litre pots showed excessive vegetative growth at the expense of flowering. The study recommends 10-litre containers as optimal for hibiscus production intended for urban landscaping in Abuja and similar Nigerian cities. Keywords: pot size, hibiscus, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, ornamental horticulture, urban landscaping