Whether you grow hardy or tropical hibiscus, you can enjoy the huge, trumpet-shaped flowers year after year with a bit of extra care in autumn to protect against harsh winter weather.
Although it’s not normally fit for cold weather, we’ve gathered all the know-how so you can make bring your hibiscus into the next year without issue.
How to Overwinter Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus is doesn’t usually do well in cold weather, but don’t discard it at season’s end, even if you live in a cold, snowy climate. You can enjoy the floral display all winter long by bringing your plant indoors and following these simple steps.
Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best-growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more!
Prune Your Tropical Hisbiscus
Use a sharp hand pruner to cut back branches by up to a third of their total length. Cut just above a leaf node or set of leaves. Each branch should retain at least three nodes or sets of leaves.
Treat Tropical Hibiscus for Insects and Pests
Hibiscus aren’t troubled by many pests, however spider mites and aphids sometimes take up residence and you don’t want to bring them indoors to other houseplants. Give it a strong, thorough spray with a garden hose and allow stems and foliage to dry. If you find an infestation, treat with neem or another horticultural oil.
Sometimes ants take up residence in potted plants. Try placing ant bait near the pot or drenching the soil. Make sure all excess water drains.
Move Indoors to a Sunny Spot
Bring tropical hibiscus indoors before temperatures begin to dip into the 50°F range. Find a location that receives bright direct or indirect sun exposure.
If you can provide five to six hours of bright sunlight daily, your hibiscus may continue to bloom all winter long. With bright but indirect light the plant will more likely become dormant.
Tropical Hibiscus Loses Leaves
Your hibiscus may drop its leaves when first moved indoors. This is a natural response to less light and change in temperature. The plant will adjust and produce new foliage in time.
Watering and Fertilizing Tropical Hibiscus in Winter
Withhold fertilizer during winter months and reduce watering especially for dormant plants that show no signs of new growth. If your hibiscus does continue to put out new green growth, keep soil moist, watering when the top inch becomes dry.
Indoor Temperature For Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus does well in average household temperatures. Find a location free from drafts and away from heating vents. If indoor air is particularly dry, mist the plant weekly or place a humidifier nearby.
How to Overwinter Hardy Hibiscus
Hardy hibiscus are woody and able to withstand temperatures as low as -30°F. Branches and foliage die back after a hard frost at which time you can prune each woody stem to six to eight inches above soil level. This helps direct energy into root growth and prepares the plant for new growth in spring.
Add a layer of mulch to keep soil moist and protect your plant from drying winter winds.
New Growth For Hardy Hibiscus
Hardy hibiscus is slow to exit dormancy and display new growth in the springtime. It’s helpful to mark the spot where it grows since it will come up later than many other perennial plants.
How to Keep Your Hibiscus Alive During Winter
There are two ways to keep tropical hibiscus thriving through winter. You can let the plant go into dormancy or it can be treated as a houseplant.
How to Overwinter a Dormant Tropical Hibiscus
- Move the plant into a cool, dark location like a garage or shed where minimum temperatures remain above freezing before the first frost comes.
- Withhold fertilizer and water occasionally, just enough to keep soil from drying out completely. Do not let the pot sit in standing water.
- When temperatures remain above 50°F and all danger of frost has passed, move your plant outdoors exposing it to more bright sunlight each day. You should see new leaves begin to bud out in several weeks.
- Resume a regular watering and fertilizing routine.
How to Overwinter Tropical Hibiscus as a Houseplant
- Move tropical hibiscus indoors well before first frost.
- Place plants where they’ll get six hours of bright, direct sunlight daily. Avoid drafty areas and heating vents.
- Continue to water when the top inch of soil gets dry. If air is dry place a room humidifier nearby or mist the plant once or twice weekly.
- In spring when temperatures remain higher than 50°F and all danger of frost is passed, plants can be returned outdoors.
- Expose plants to bright outdoor sunlight slowly, giving them a little more time in the sun each day for about a week.
- Resume a regular fertilizing and watering schedule.
What Temperature Is Too Cold For Hibiscus?
Temperatures below 50°F causes tropical hibiscus to lose its leaves. Heavy frost and freezing temperatures can kill these cold-sensitive plants.
Hardy hibiscus withstands temperatures up to -30°F as long as the air around them holds a little moisture.
FAQ
-
It’s possible hibiscus can come back after freezing, depending on the extent of damage. If the crown and roots are still viable, prune off dead branches and leaves. Fertilize to encourage new growth.
-
You can protect hibiscus from freezing by bringing it indoors and growing it as a houseplant, or putting it in a garage or outdoor space where temperatures stay above freezing.
