potted hibiscus

Question

I bring my tropical hibiscus into the house for the winter and want to keep my cat out of the pot. I read that cats do not like the smell and texture of cedar.
Will Cedar mulch hurt a potted hibiscus?

Answer 1

Whether or not cedar mulch is harmful to plants is controversial, but most horticulturalists say it is not toxic to plants and has the beneficial effect of repelling insects as well as pets. Cedar mulch can acidify soil over time, but hibiscus prefers slightly acidic soil so this shouldn't be a problem.