Hibiscus help

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Sunnshyn asks:

Question

Hibiscus help

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I purchased a hibiscus from you earlier this year and after seeing them outside your store in Falmouth I assumed that they stay outdoors all year, however, recently a friend told me that they have to come in for the winter. I dont have any room for this huge plant in my house, can it stay outside? It is sheltered somewhat being right in front of my house on the south side. If it can stay outside how do I prepare it for winter (burlap, cut it back)? I LOVE this plant and will be sad to lose it…please help! On a side note…the leaves tend to stay somewhat curled…do you know why that might be? It blooms BEAUTIFULLY!

Answer

Hi Sunnshyn
There is the Rose of Sharon, Rose Mallow which are in the Hibiscus family and are hardy for our zone, and then there is the tropical Hibiscus which is not hardy for our zone. Your receipt should indicate if it is the tropical variety. Tropical Hibiscus need to come indoors for the winter and will require a minimum of 4 hours of direct sunlight a day to thrive during the fall and winter. If you have room in your basement, you could put it down there. It will go completely dormat, but may survive until May when you can put it outside again. If it is the size of the head that is too big, you could cut it back so that it is not so overwhelming. For the leaf curl it is hard to say without seeing a leaf. It may just be a characteristic of the plant. You should look at the under side of the leaves and on the new growth, check to see if you can see any webbing or insects. If you descover insects you can use insect soap to knock them down. It is always good to check for pests before bringing huseplants inside. You should start acclimating you house plants at the end of August / start of September by briging them in a night and out during the day for 5 days, before leaving them in for the fall / winter. This will help prevent leaf drop and shock.
Thank you for your question