Saving My Hibiscus For Next Year

By Ellen Brown

Date: 10/26/2004 Topics: Gardening > Flowers | Readers Request > Gardening

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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).

About The Author:
Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com

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RE: Saving My Hibiscus For Next Year

Post by Newt (18) | (10/29/2004)

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Hi Debbie,
You don't say where you live, but if you are in a warm zone you might be able to keep it outdoors. This will help you to tell if your hibiscus is tropical or hardy.

http://www.trop-hibiscus.com/gindr.html

Here's a couple of sites that should be helpful.

http://www.exotichibiscus.com/
http://www.trop-hibiscus.com/index.html

Here's a zip code zone finder in case you aren't sure of your zone.

http://www.arborday.org/trees/whatzone.html

Newt

RE: Saving My Hibiscus For Next Year

Post By mpwalker (Guest Post) (10/26/2004)

Cut it back and put it in a cool room with decent light and water it very sparsely. Next spring, put it outdoors and feed it and stand back!

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