How to Winterize your Hibiscus

Perennial hibiscus plants, also commonly called “hardy hibiscus,” usually belong to one of three hibiscus species including Rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos), Hibiscus mutabilis or Hibiscus coccineus. Unlike its tropical counterpart, perennial hibiscus is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 4 through 9. Plants bloom in summer or fall, with flowers that have a diameter of 4 to 10 inches. How you winterize the perennial hibiscus depends on how you are growing it. Proper winterization ensures that plants survive cool winter temperatures.

tropical hibiscus
 (annual in NYC but
can be taken inside
during the winter months)

Winterizing Ground-Grown Plants

1. Wait until the first frost to cut plants back. Gardeners have two choices: leave some old growth or cut stems all the way to the ground. If leaving some of the existing stem, cut it back to a height of about 12 inches above ground level.

2. Add a thick layer of mulch to the area. Adding at least a 12-inch layer provides insulation for the perennial hibiscus during cooler winter weather, keeping them cool without danger of becoming too warm or freezing.

3. Remove the mulch in spring after any danger of frost has passed. Fertilize with an organic fertilizer or a 10-20-10 formula.

Winterizing Container-Grown Plants

1

rose mallow
 (perennial hibiscus)

. Prepare the hibiscus plant for being brought inside by pruning it by about 50 percent. This makes the size more manageable for bringing indoors. Douse foliage and the container with a vigorous spray from the hose to remove any pests or bugs from the plant and any dirt from the pot. Bring the perennial hibiscus inside, placing it in a warm, sunny spot before you get any frost.

2. Get the plant ready to be overwintered outdoors by wrapping it with a heavy cloth or tarp. The covering should stand up to frost, offering the plant protection on any nights when temperatures dip below freezing. Place a strand or two of outdoor Christmas lights on the plant under the tarp, turning the lights on during the coldest weather to give plants extra warmth during winter's chill. Avoid using LED Christmas lights as they do not emit much heat.

3. Move potted hibiscus plants next to the exterior of the house during a warm winter with only a few light freezes. This offers extra warmth and protection from light freezes. Ideally, select a west or south wall that gets a fair amount of sun during the day.

rose of sharon (perennial hibiscus)

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