care for hibiscus outdoors in winter

Question

I have hibiscus that have been cut back and covered with plastic all winter. Is there hope that they will come back? New Bern, NC 28562

Answer 1

You shouldn't cover any plant with plastic, as this will smother the plant and kill it. Only cover plants with something that breathes, such as a blanket or burlap. I would definitely remove the plastic, if you haven't already done so. Generally, in your area hardy hibiscus plants do well outdoors without any type of covering, other than perhaps some mulch. If you have a tropical type, then it needs to be wintered indoors, as it will not survive freezing temps at all. Whether or not the hibiscus come back depends on if they're still alive. This article will help with that determination: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/environmental/how-to-tell-if-a-plant-is-dead-and-how-to-recover-an-almost-dead-plant.htm