Tropical hibiscus

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Tropical hibiscus

by Margie
(Chapin, SC)

I live in zone 7 and have 3 beautiful tropical hibiscus topiary trees in pots. In the past I've put inside my sun room for the winter. This year my house is on the market and I can't fill the sun room with them because they make such a mess. I've read that I could prune off all leaves and bring them in and let them go into a semi dormant state by only watering very occasionally; to cut back and put under my house with no light or water; to put them under an outside porch where rain can't get them.

What really works? If I cut off all leaves and prune back limbs so that they aren't dropping leaves they might be fine inside. Can they really live without light or water under the house or in the garage?

How much do I prune them back?

Help !! :)

Hi Margie, Kimberly here fro landscape solutions for you. Thank you for asking the question on your Hibiscus. The Hibiscus can be pruned back and brought into the house for the colder months.

I recommend to clients that have Hibiscus in the ground to prune back before the first frost.

Go ahead with your container Hibiscus and give a good solid pruning. You can try and put under your house but this plant should have some sunlight. I would test the Hibiscus outside where you mentioned for a week or so, and see how it is doing.

If you give it a good pruning and make sure you cut at an angle, you can even consider bringing it inside, if space permits and it isn't too large.

You don't have to water as often as the warmer months. Your Hibiscus should be fine throughout the winter months to enjoy next year.

Remember, Hibiscus is a tropical plant, if you decide to bring the plant inside after pruning, keep away from heating vents as this specimen prefers some moisture in the air.

Thanks again Margie for asking the question. Feel free to ask anytime and best of luck to you with your Hibiscus. Let us know how the Hibiscus makes out and what you end up doing with it. My final recommendation would really be to bring inside if at all possible. Have a great day!
Kimberly

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Tropical hibiscus

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Dec 05, 2011

Thanks
by: Anonymous

Hi Kimberly, thank you for your suggestions. I think that bringing the trees inside would be safest. Here's another question: since the trees drop leaves and aphids are sometimes on the leaves, would it be okay to remove all leaves before bringing it in for the winter? My three trees are braided topiaries, so with no leaves they would still be architecturally appealing--especially if entwined with lights (which they already have for a little warmth while out on my porch). If I remove all leaves will it delay their summer regrowth?

Also, my local store told me that a dark garage would put them into a dormant state and that they would require no sun or water--just to leave them alone. Is that true?

Thanks for any advice. I love these trees and want to keep them.

Hi Margie,
Thanks for the response. With your Hibiscus being in topiary form, I agree with your local store, that you can remove all leaves and let the plants go into dormant stage. You have the option of a completely dark area or it can take full sun. I would check them periodically to see their dormant stage and how they are doing.

The best of luck to you and let us know how they are doing. Thanks again Margie and have a great day.
Kimberly

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