Saving My Hibiscus For Next Year?

Q: I have a Hibiscus which was given to me as a gift and bloomed beautifully all summer. Now the blooms are gone and it does well while it is outside but if I bring it in the house, all the leaves fall off and it looks awful. Is there anyway to save it so I can enjoy the blooms next summer? I know it only blooms in warm weather and shouldn't be left outside in the winter.

Debbie Warfield

A: Debbie,

To bring a hibiscus in for the winter, while causing it the least amount of stress, you need to try and acclimate it to its new conditions for a few weeks before moving it permanently for the season. You can do this by letting it spend 2-3 hours each day in the location you plan to keep it over winter. Gradually increase the amount of time it spends inside over a few weeks until you're keeping it inside longer than outside.

Tropical hibiscuses don't go dormant in winter. This means they will do better over-winter if they receive more light, moist soil and normal feedings (although give them only 1/2 strength food if you're keeping them in darker rooms).