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Tropical Hibiscus

43 Comments on Tropical Hibiscus»

1. Tropical HibiscusPLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT GROWING, WATERING, FERTILIZING, SUN EXPOSURE, AND MAINTAING THE HIBISCUS PLANT…..THANK YOU VERY MUCH AND HAVE A NICE DAY!

   Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) likes full sun, slightly well drained acid soil . When you bring it out for the first time you need to acclimate it to the intense sun exposure, so place it in a part shade situation some shade during the heat of the day will give you more blossoms. Water regularly, almost everyday when the weather is hot (90’s), make sure the water drains out. Fertilize lightly and often during the growing season using a diluted 20-20-20 or 10-10-10 formula.(eg: instead of 2 tsps of fertilizer use one). You can also add timed release pellets into the soil. Hibiscus flowers last only a day. But once the plant starts blooming you will enjoy new ones everyday. I hope this helps, please write if you have more questions. Enjoy your hibiscus

   Comment by Alexis — 7/2/2005 @ 12:48 pm

2. I have a hibiscus, bought in Hawaii, that is just a stick with what appears to be roots. How do I plant it?

   Plant it in a good well-drained potting mix. Place the roots in a pot cover with at least one inch of soil leaving the stick above the soil. Keep it watered and wait for a sign of new growth. The buds on the stick will swell up and produce new leaves.

   Comment by Becky — 7/2/2005 @ 12:50 pm

3. I am new at Gardening can you tell me how to get seeds from the Hibiscus plant so i can replant more..
   Thanks So much

   Fertilized Hibiscus produce pods that take a few months to ripen and expose the seeds. To get a pod you need 60-80F, high humidity and of course two flowers in bloom. The new seedling may vary according to the genetic makeup of the plant. For additional info. go to trop-hibiscus.com

   Comment by Sharon — 7/7/2005 @ 5:14 pm

4. i need help with my plant i bought a hibiscus and now all my leaves are falling off and it still blooms what can i do with it

   Leaf drop, a sign of stress can indicate several problems either dry soil, wet soil, too much shade or insects. I would try giving it a light balanced fertilizer(10-10-10) and water regularily letting the soil dry slightly before watering again. Be sure it gets enough sunshine.

   Comment by vicki stuckless — 8/19/2005 @ 3:55 am

5. I was given a Tropical Hibiscus in a hanging basket. It’s only about 2′ tall now and has given lots of flowers this year, plus lots of seeds, too, but the seed pods didn’t take months to open. They opened two or three weeks after the flower dried up and fell off. Can I plant the seeds now to grow more? Can I keep this plant over the winter, too?

   Yes, you can plant the seeds. Best to do it indoors this time of the year. Once they germinate keep the seedlings indoors over the winter. Depending on where you live chances are your tropical hibiscus needs to winter over indoors.

   Comment by Jan Humphrey — 8/23/2005 @ 12:11 pm

6. I didn’t leave the comment, but I too have these little bugs and yes, they are as you describe. The plant doesn’t seem too terribly bothered by them, however, I have noticed some dark blotches on some of the lower leaves. They are about to bloom again, so I’d like to take some of the stress off of them if possible.

   If you have aphids soft-bodied, oval shaped insect-a strong spray of water will knock them off or insecticidal soap(more effective). Use it several times as you need to eradicate the insect at all stages of development. Otherwise, they’ll be back. If you have white fly- that may require a stronger chemical.

   Comment by Lacretta — 8/26/2005 @ 7:50 pm

7. I have a rose mallow hibiscus indoors. The plant looks perfectly healthy but the flowers have all fallen off before blooming. What’s causing this and will they grow back this season?

   When buds drop before opening it usually indicates some kind of stress on the plant. Since it is growing well it may be just an environmental situation. Hibiscus moscheutos does better in a moist environment and the more sunlight the better. Try putting it outdoors, if you can or moving it to a brighter spot. They bloom through early fall so you should get some new buds.

   Comment by Sarah — 8/28/2005 @ 4:51 pm

8. We planted 24 hibiscus early this summer , alternated pink and yellow. They bloomed wonderfully for about a month and now we only have a few blooms on a few of the pink plants ONLY. The yellow have stopped blooming completely. Can you advise. We live in sunny central Florida and the plants are in full sun. The bushes are doing great but we really enjoy the blooms.

   Have you been fertilizing them? Hibiscus are heavy feeders and need a light application often(every two weeks). Low phosphorous fertilizer(P) promotes more blooms.

   Comment by Billie — 9/6/2005 @ 8:52 am

9. We are also having problems with bud drop along the east-central coast of Florida. Can you identify possible reasons? Too much rain and high temps?
   We have quite a few (all outdoor) hibiscus.

   Bud drop can be caused if the soil get too dry, too wet, not enough fertilizer. It is an indicator that there is some stress going on.

   Comment by Joanne Kunz — 9/6/2005 @ 10:51 am

10. I have two tropical hibiscus planted outside. I have tryed bringing them in for the winter, but they always die. Is there any way I can leave them outside and cover them good?
    Please advise. J. Detzer

    Unless you live in zone 10-12, you will need to bring in your tropical hibiscus. P lace it in a cool room where it can get 3-4 hrs of direct sunlight. Do not repot-wait till spring time. Try to add some humidy in the dry winter months, it will help with the leaf and bud drop. Keep it on the dry side but don’t let it dry out. Prune it back by 1/3-1/2 in early spring to get full and bushy new growth. Another way is to let the plant go dormant by allowing the pot to dry out and leaves to fall. Keep the plant in a cool 40 degrees and dry. Water just enough to keep the stems from shriveling. Prune it back in the spring and start watering. Good luck

    Comment by j. DETZER — 10/19/2005 @ 7:27 pm

11. I have a white dust over the branches of the plant not on the leaves themselves and I tried a spray mixture which did nothing. I am hesitant on bringing it in for the winter until I am able to rid the plant of whatever this is!

    Sound like powdery mildew. Try using a recommended fungicide. Look under powdery mildew

    Comment by heidi davenport — 11/6/2005 @ 6:26 am

12. how to get starts from a tropical hibiscus plant

    For a tropical hibiscus, the easiest way is to take 5-8″ cuttings of new growth in March or April. Cut just under a leaf node and remove lower leaves. Dip cut end in rooting hormone and stick in a small pot filled with a well-drained soil such as sand & peat moss. Keep it slightly moist(not too wet) out of direct sunlight in temperatures ranging from 70-80 degrees. Should root in 4-6 wks. Once cuttings have rooted plant in a 3″pot and when cutting is 6″ long cut the main stem to promote side branching. Take a few cuttings in case some don’t take.

    Comment by vickie deubner — 11/6/2005 @ 3:21 pm

13. I have a 1 year old hibiscus plant (put in its outdoor spot January last year when the climate was similar to now) that has suddenly turned quite yellow and the rest looks to be dying. I have reduced it’s watering, but only by 1 minute daily (from 1 min. twice…to 1 minute once). Temperatures have been sub 40F at night. Is it less water…or the cold?

    Sounds more like the cold weather. Cold weather will slow down the growth rate therefore it will not need as much water. Yellowing leaves indicate some stress factor (change in temperature, less light)after all it is a tropical plant. Your hibiscus may be going to a dormant period. Allow it to drop its leaves and reduce the watering until the spring or bring it indoors for the winter..

    Comment by Rick French — 12/16/2005 @ 12:30 am

14. i have a question about my indoor hibiscus, purchased last summer. it has grown about a foot in that time (now about 5 1/2 ‘ tall( and hasn’t stopped flowering since i got it - currently 6 blooms and about 25 buds. i can’t spot any aphids on it, but i get some dark, small spots on the backs of some leaves that appear sticky and a gel-like sticky substance at the base of some of the leaves. the spotted ones eventually turn yellow and drop ( or i remove) and it seems to be worse during a heavy bloom. it’s been a great plant and a delight…i need to know how to keep it happy. thank you for any advice you can give.

    The oval, bumpy, spots are scale and the sticky stuff is their excrement. If you have scale try some horticultural oil on a Q-tip and dab on individual adult scale. The oil will kill them by suffocation. Some claim neem oil gets good results. You can also try scraping them off with your fingernail. This can become very tedious, repeated baths in insecticidal soap once a week can help control the problem. One treatment is not effective as you may kill the adult but not the next generation. Check your plant often for insects so that you can control any infestation before it gets out of control.

    Comment by susan — 4/4/2006 @ 5:01 am

15. I have a Hibiscus plant that I have grown from a 3″ plant and is now about 3′ tall. The plant needs to be cut back but I am afraid to cut it and the plant has not bloomed. I always keep the plant indoors and the plant is very healthy. Any advise on making the plant bloom and how far should I cut the plant without sending it into shock?

    You can safely prune it 1/3 to 1/2 to shape the plant and when it starts to grow fertilize is with fish emulsion or a balanced fertilizer 10-10-10 to get it growing and blooming.

    Comment by Bess — 4/6/2006 @ 2:11 pm

16. I have a tropical hibiscus tree and I brought it in for the winter and put it in a dark room and stopped watering it for the winter. Since the warmer weather has finally arrived, I put it out on my patio. Currently, it looks dead as a door nail. Did I kill this by ignoring it for the winter or will it come back?

    To winter over a tropical hibiscus is to protect it from freezing temperatures. During the dormant time indoors they need to have at least 3-4 hrs of sunlight and kept slightly moist to keep it from drying out. This is the minimum requirement just to keep it alive. To see if your plant survived scratch the surface of a stem and see if there is any green. Chances are it is dead

    Comment by melissa — 4/20/2006 @ 12:17 pm

17. Hello! I have a hibiscus that is 6 years old. It is an indoor plant. When I first bought the plant I had several flowers. In the last two years I have not had one flower. What can I do to get this plant to flower again?

    Hibiscus like a lot of sun and warm temperatures to bloom. Not knowing what care it had, I would suggest that you prune back any leggy branches this spring and when new growth begins fertilize it with a balanced fertilizer(10-10-10) or used a timed release fertilizer. Hibiscus are heavy feeders so you should fertilize lightly and often(one a month)during the growing season. Ease your plant slowly to the outdoors by exposing it to several hours of dappled or shaded light to acclimate it to the light conditions or you may burn(scald) the leaves. Note that the newer hybrids can have a lifespan of 5-10 years.

    Comment by renee — 4/28/2006 @ 1:00 pm

18. Tropical Hibiscus I live in the Chicago area. I bought three hibiscus rosa-sinensis last summer and placed them on my patio. They bloomed and looked great. When autumn came, I move them to my heated garbage that had a large window. At the coldest, the garbage dropped to 45 degrees and got up to the high 50s. 2 of the 3 plants lost all their leaves. In February, I moved all three into the house near a window. 1 plant has grown back its leaves and is blooming. The other two have no leaves but when I scratch their banches, it is still green. From February to May, these two plants have had no leaves, but when scratched I see green. Will these two plants come back yet?

    Continue to water your hibiscus and hopefully with warm temperatures it will wake up and start to grow again. Once you see a sign of growth jump start it with some diluted fertilizer. This is also a good time to prune your plant if you need to shape it. Pruning can also stimulate new growth.

    Comment by Frank Orto — 5/13/2006 @ 11:50 am

19. why do my seed pods fall right after the flower falls off? thank you! michael

    It may not be a fertilizer seed pod.

    Comment by michael — 5/20/2006 @ 1:31 pm

20. Are there flowers/plants that don’t ‘get along’ well with a Hibiscus? I’ve heard that certain flower/plants can cause problems when placed near them.

    Some of the deep rooted plants may compete for nutrient and moisture when planted in the same container with the hibiscus.

    Comment by Karen H — 6/3/2006 @ 1:13 pm

21. Would like more info on yellowing leaves on a hibiscus. Live in Costa Rica, lots of sun, water (rainy season) and blooms, but leaves yellow and fall. Tried diluted fertilizer and it got worse! Put slow release low fertilizer for evergreens and worse still

    Yellow leaves on a hibiscus can indicate several things. Plant stress-either too much fertilizer, too dry, too wet or a change in light exposure(new location,less sun)or the leaves are just old and the plant is getting rid of them. All those factors can make a Hibiscus shed its leaves .. At any rate it is a reaction to some discomfort the plant is experiencing. It could be that the rainy season has less sunny days and the plant is adjusting to the change. Watch the formula on the fertilizer(10-10-10), it should also include minor elements .If you suspect the fertilizer-hold off on it for a few weeks to flush it out of the soil.

    Comment by Deborah Fox — 6/16/2006 @ 10:54 am

22. I live in Phoenix and just planted 3 hibiscus plants. The smallest one seems to be doing well, the 2 larger ones seemed to start wilting and dying before I could even get them in the ground. They both have lots of leaves turning yeloow and the other leaves have started to kind of dry up. They seem to perk up in the eveining and early morning, then by midafternoon they are very droopy. Is this transplant shock? How often do I need to water them in 105 degree weather? I appreciate your help!!

    It may be a combination of transplant shock and too much heat. Your plants need to get acclimated to the new environment, the middle of a hot summer is a tuff time to do this. The roots are not developed enough to send water up to the leaves, that’s why they are wilting. Make sure your soil doesn’t dry out but don’t overwater. You may have to twice a day if the weather is 105 degrees. Hope for some cooler, shady days.

    Comment by Geri Chase — 7/9/2006 @ 8:23 am

23. Hi, I live in Scottsdale AZ and we planted 3 Lipstick Hibiscus last year in full sun. There were a couple of nights last winter when we had frost and I forgot to cover them. They looked terrible but recovered and grew all new leaves. This summer, 2 are gorgeous and one is not. The sick one wilted and died on just half of the plant a month ago. Now the good side is wilted, too. What could be happening? Thank you.

    Wilting can indicate some kind of root problem. Lipstick hibiscus is sensitive to root rot if the ground stays wet. It needs frequent deep watering but also needs good drainage.

    Comment by Gina C — 8/29/2006 @ 1:16 am

24. what month should hibiscus seeds be planted. early spring, late spring.early summer, late summer, or should you pot them first and then transplant.
    I havent been able to find out any info.
    thank you.

    No specific month is necessary, especially if you have a greenhouse. You can plant the seeds immediately after harvesting or store them dry in a envelope@ room temps . I would plant in late winter to get the seeds growing and then the seedlings will be ready for the warm weather outdoors. Plant seed 1/4-1/2″ deep in a seed starting medium @ temperatures of 75-80 degrees. Keep the medium moist, not wet. Seeds should germinate in 1 week -to one month. Once the seedlings have several sets of their true leaves and the stems become woody 3-4″ plants, transplant into individual pots.

    Comment by Naomi — 8/30/2006 @ 1:30 am

25. I have a plant I want to bring in for the winter. My question is: I have a cat and dog in the house too. The cat is prone to chewing on plants that are in the house. Can you tell me if the hibiscius plant is poisonous in anyway to the cat? Please answer cause cool weather is getting close. Thanks

    According to the National Aminal Poison Control Center Hibiscus sp. is listed as a non-toxic plant.

    Comment by dave phelps — 9/10/2006 @ 8:56 am

26. have a hibiscus that i keep on my belcony in a pot i have brought it in for the winter as it gets VERY cold and it would freeze, do i cut it back? it is only 2ft high, i love it and want to keep it for next summer.

    You don’t need to cut it back. Pruning is done to shape the plant, get rid of diseased/dead parts and make it managable size. It also is used to stimulate the plant for new new growth and flowers (which would work in the spring). If you have an awkard looking leggy plant then you might want to prune it in early spring to reshape the plant, otherwise leave it alone.

    Comment by Kris — 9/19/2006 @ 5:35 am

27. When is the best time to prune a rose of sharon plant? Is it true that flowers bloom only on new growths of a rose of sharon plant?

    The best time to prune your Rose of Sharon(Hibiscus syriacus) is in late winter or early spring in the northern climates, otherwise the plant does bloom on new growth and therefore pruning can be done anytime of the year. Frequent pruning will give you less but larger flowers whereas none or little pruning will give you many little flowers.

    Comment by Helen Taylor — 9/24/2006 @ 11:44 am

28. I have 2 of the Hibiscus plants. The first is the Hibiscus bush (plant) and it is inside all year long. It is going crazy but no flowers lately. We are into fall here and even though my plants are indoor plants, will they stop flowering? It is really leggy!! All over the place and I am pruning as we speak. Hopefully that was ok. I was checking to make sure I was doing this right. The other plant is the braided tree and it happens to have 2 different colored flowers. They appear to be double flowers also. Any tips for that plant? It was a fall special and it will be an indoor plant but the cold season is approaching. Less sunlight and cooler temps will seep through the windows. Dryer in the house. What should I do to help them out?? Thanks so much!!

    At this time of year, your hibiscus can stop flowering for 2 reasons 1. It may go dormant for a time and then resume flowering. 2. Not enough sunlight. The hostile indoor winter conditions are basically just for survival of a tropical plant. During the winter give it as much sun as possible at least 3-4 hrs of direct sun, add humidity by using a water pebble tray or humidifier and keep it slightly cooler and dryer. It’s ok if you pruned it now but keep in mind that you can cut it back in early spring by 1/3 - 1/2 to get a fuller, bushier plant. With a little love and care your plants may still bloom indoors in the winter.

    Comment by Stephanie — 9/27/2006 @ 2:52 am

29. Can a hardy hibiscus, about 6 feet tall and now 6 feet wide be divided? If so, when is a good time to do so? The flowers are about the size of a large dinner plate and are so beautiful! Should this plant be cut down to the ground before winter too? Please help. Thank you

    It sounds as if you have a Perennial - Hibiscus mosheutos that produces dinner size flowers from June to fall. Some varieties can get up to 6 ft tall and produce woody stems which completely die back to the ground over the winter. They slowly return in the spring when the soil warms up. Division can take place in the spring when the new shoots are just emerging. They do not tolerate fall transplanting or root division. In warmer parts of the South, if the plant doesn’t die back , cut it three to six inches to the ground. New shoots will grow in mid spring. source: Clemson Ext.

    Tropical Hibiscus

    Comment by Christine S. — 12/4/2006 @ 2:23 pm

30. I live in Palm Springs CA. Have a yellow hibiscus about 3 yrs old. This last year it finally started filling out and has always been a wonderful flower producer. This last week we had a freeze and it looks so sad.
    Do I remove all dead leaves or let the plant take care of it? Thank you

    The plant will drop its leaves from the cold damage. Wait and see how much damage your plant incurred and in early spring, when danger of frost has passed prune away any dead/damaged stems. Pruning will encourage new growth. You don’t want new growth in the winter as it is very sensitive to cold temperatures and susceptible to cold damage.

    .

    Comment by Dianne — 1/15/2007 @ 6:45 pm

31. I live in Illinois and I just bought a Hibiscus tree about a month ago. Over the last week, a lot of the leaves are turning yellow. Everytime I go outside to water it, it looks like it is really dry so I’ve been watering it everyday. I thought it might help if I put mulch on the top of the soil to keep it from drying out so quickly. Is that a bad idea? From the other postings on here, it sounds like I might need to re-pot it. Any suggestions?

    Hibiscus like even moisture and tend dry out quickly in hot sunny weather as well as when they are pot bound. If you have room, add more soil or your idea of mulch is also a good one. It will help keep the soil moist. If it is drying out too quickly think about moving it to a shadier location especially in the heat of summer. Yellowing leaves are stress related, the plant is telling you its not comfortable. They are heavy feeders and nutrients leach out with watering therefore give it a diluted dose of fertilizer every two weeks. Better less and often

    Comment by Chasity — 6/10/2007 @ 10:31 am

32. I have 2 hibiscus in containers,had them a year, this year they only bloomed once but not very many, only one in two months. need to know what can i do to get them to bloom ofte? their in plenty of sunlight i live in lower Alabama they get the morning sun until midday then the shade from the house cover them , they are in 90 degree heat after direct sunlight move over, they leaves are kinda wilty when the sun is on them after sun moves the leaves are firm and erect but still no blooms please help..THANX

    HI
    The high heat can slow down blooming. Have you been fertilizing your hibiscus? They are heavy feeders and may need nutrients to bloom. Try a diluted (1/2 dose)of 20-20-20 or bloom boost fertilizer every two weeks. Remember to water the plant first before fertilizing or you can burn the roots.

    Comment by sarah — 6/27/2007 @ 4:47 am

33. Hibiscus. what can you do to make humidity for the plant when it is brought indoors for the winter month. I know it likes 3-4 hrs sun. but I put my plant in a spare bedroom.. can you help me out ???

    thanks, Betty, Edwardsville, Pa

    Hi Betty,
    You can increase the humidity by placing the plant on a shallow tray filled with pebbles. Pour water into the tray but don’t let the water level rise above the pebbles. The rising vapor will increase moisture in the air. Grouping plants together, and spraying a fine mist every morning will also increase humidity. A humidfier in the room will work best.

    Comment by Betty Lamoreaux — 7/5/2007 @ 2:01 pm

34. Hello we live in Ontario Canada and have planted our plants out in the ground this summer. We were told that in we keep them outside all year roound. They said just cut them back in the sping the weather here normally ranges from -15 to -45 on occaision. Is this true and if so how much do we cut them back.

    You may be referring to hibiscus moscheutos a popular hibiscus hybrids that produces dinner plate size flowers in August to Oct. They completely die back in the winter (like a perennial) so you can either remove the stems in the spring or cut the plant down 3-6 inches above the ground in the fall. Rose Mallow returns in late spring when soil temperatures warm up.

    Comment by Nicole Bond — 8/17/2007 @ 5:45 pm

35. Hello,
    I have a few Tropical hibiscus plants (30) and a few of them are looking rather weird. This is affecting the Rum Runner Hybrids mostly, When I first bought them the leaves were nice and full, now they are smaller and cup upwards. This change began to take place only a few weeks after I put them in the ground, They receive full sunlight and are watered sufficiently. I started fertilizing about a month ago and still no change, other than big HUGE Blooms. I thought I had read someplace it was some sort of deficiency but I cannot remember of what… ANy thoughts?
    Thank You

    It may be a minor element deficiency-check out this link for more nutrient information http://www.hibiscusworld.com/howie/ch05.htm

    Comment by ERIN — 9/16/2007 @ 3:52 pm

36. I was in Wash. DC recently and saw a rather large tropical hibiscus (4″ trunk) about 5-6′ tall. I wouldn’t think that a plant this large would be moved indoors for the winter and then replanted in the spring. I live in Georgia and have three beautiful Yellow hibiscus planted outside and would like to leave them out for the winter. Winters here are about 25-45F. Would this be possible if the plants are mulched around heavily?

    It would be a gamble. Tropical hibiscus tolerate freezing temperatures only for a brief time. If you mulch heavily around the plant you may be able to protect the roots from freezing but the top of the plant will most likely die. In the event of a freeze wrap the stems (if you can) for protection. With global warming - who knows what kind of winter you’ll have.

    Comment by Steve — 10/3/2007 @ 12:05 pm

37. I brought my Hibiscus tree in for the winter and i have a new kitten who decided ‘hugging’ the tree would be fun. Anyway, upon further inspection, i noticed a ton of claw marks all up & down the tree. I have since cut some soda bottles & put it around the bark, but my leaves are turning yellow & falling off. I am hoping it is just from overwatering, but i want to know if there might be a treatment i should do for the claw marks. Maybe some type of a wrap? i dont know. Please help. Thanks.

    The tree should recover on its own-no need to wrap it. The soda bottles is a good idea-anything that keeps the kitten off the tree will work. Leaf loss is not unusual when you bring the plant indoors. Keep it in the brightest window and water less during the winter months. It will perk up again in the spring when it goes back outside.

    Comment by Rowena — 10/24/2007 @ 5:00 pm

38. I HAVE A HIBISCUS THAT IS PLANTED OUTSIDE.ITS NOW NOVEMBER14. IS IT TO LATE TO PRUNE? I DID IT LAST YEAR ABOUT THIS TIME AND IT IS JUST NOW STARTING TO BLOOM.

    What kind of hibiscus is it?

    Comment by KAYE — 11/14/2007 @ 9:13 am

39. I live in Baton Rouge, LA and I have a few hibiscus plants. I know that you can take cuttings and root them, but my question is, when would be a good time to do this and how much should I cut?

    To propagate tropical hibiscus, the easiest way is to take 5-8″ cuttings of new growth in March or April. Cut just under a leaf node and remove lower leaves. Dip cut end in rooting hormone and stick in a small pot filled with a well-drained soil such as sand & peat moss. Keep it slightly moist(not too wet) out of direct sunlight in temperatures ranging from 70-80 degrees. Should root in 4-6 wks. Once cuttings have rooted plant in a 3″pot and when cutting is 6″ long cut the main stem to promote side branching. Take a few cuttings in case some don’t take.

    Comment by Michele — 11/19/2007 @ 12:55 pm

40. Help! I just recently moved to MS zone 8. Bought two beautiful Hibiscus late last summer and planted outside. Didn’t ask if they were hardy (silly me, I moved from FL) and it appears they are not as they are now black and wilted after a recent frost. One of the locals said to just cut it back even with the ground and next Spring all will be well! Is this possible?? They are well mulched and seemed to love their location responding beautifully after the transplant from pot to ground.

    Yes, there are varieties of hibiscus (H. mutabilis) (H. moscheutos) that die back to the ground and return in the spring. Keep the roots well mulched in the winter.

    Comment by Leslie Myers — 12/19/2007 @ 7:35 am

41. I was just going to cut back my Hibsicus for the spring, and now notice a few flowers and buds growing. I should have cut them back earlier. Is it too late to trim them way back for the summer months, or should I wait until the buds are finished flowering?

    It is better if you cut it before new growth starts.If your’e going to cut it back ,then do so now. Later will be much harder as you will have more new growth. Bite the bullet and do it. You’ll be happy when it comes back bushier and produces more flowers.

    Comment by Barbara Semeiks — 3/18/2008 @ 10:44 am

42. i live in ohio and i have an outdoor hardy hibiscus-i cut it back last fall and now, so far, it looks dead-will it come around or did i kill it?

    Hi Melissa
    Not sure which hardy hibiscus you have Hibiscus syriacus (Rose of Sharon) or Hibiscus moscheutos (Perennial hibiscus). Pruning would not kill either. Scratch the bark and see if there is some green in the stem, if so then it’s still alive. You may have Hibiscus moscheutos . They produce diner plate size flowers and the stems die back to the ground. It won’t come back until late spring when the soil warms up and blooms in late summer.

    Comment by melissa russell — 4/21/2008 @ 6:15 am

43. I have over-wintered my tropical hibiscus very successfully until now. It is blooming again, but at the same time one or more branches starts wilting. What is happening? HELP! I have pruned those that wilted so far, but seems to be getting worse. It’s still too cold to move outdoors.

    Hi Mary
    Wait till night temperatures are around 55F to leave them outside. I am presuming that you are watering it but be careful not to over water. If the soil is wet and the plant is wilting that means there is a root problem. In that case let it dry out and water less to allow the plant to recover. Outdoor environment will help a lot but remember that when you place it outdoors put it in a shaded area for the first 2 weeks so the plant can reacclimate to the bright light outdoors.

    Comment by Mary — 5/1/2008 @ 10:44 am

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