Can hardy hibiscus roots be over wintered and planted in spring?

Question

At my job, we cut back hardy hibiscus in several locations in fall. A few of them were then dug up, and I ended up with one of these. Common sense tells me it should have been transplanted right then, but unfortunately it wasn’t.

My question is, can this still be planted in spring with any hope of survival? Maybe with some kind of growth hormone to get it started? It’s sat in a basement since October.

Answer 1

If it’s truly a hardy hibiscus, they can be amazingly tough plants. Assuming that it’s protected from freezing in the basement, I would leave it there, wrapped in its plastic bag, until the soil is workable in the spring, then plant it. It may not have enough roots left to survive, but it won’t cost you anything but the energy to dig a hole, right? Here’s some more information: https://www.extension.iastate.edu/newsrel/2002/aug02/aug0242.html

Answer 2

Thank you~

I will plant it and see what happens. I was really hoping to find information about how to overwinter them in this state, but there doesn’t seem to be any available. Since h. hibiscus go dormant in winter, I’m hoping that’s what it’s done and it will make it.

ps. your info was helpful – I didn’t know they don’t bud until May or June.

Answer 3

Actually, you can. I planted some this past spring that my mother overwintered and they came back just fine. Just make sure they stay dry and protected while in storage, and when planting ensure there is some root growth. I also soaked mine prior to planting.